The Roofing, Siding and Insulation Portal
The Roofing, Siding and Insulation Portal
The Basics - Estimating - Project Management - Licensing - Safety
Join Us Each Week For a Detailed Study of Your Trade.
College Level Study Without The College Level Price
Preparing Contractor to Become Construction Managers
The Basics
The Specifications for Roofers
The specifications are the construction industry standard used by architects, engineers and contractors to explain details about the project. It is important to understand where to go to understand your individual scope of work. If you are a framer, your specifications could be under the metals specifications (if you are installing metal studs) or in the wood specifications (if you are installing wood studs.
The Master Format
The Master Format contains all the specifications in the industry. The video below will show you how to navigate through the Master Format and find the wood and metals specifications.
Construction Documents (plans) vs. Specifications
We like to say that specifications are the written words and the construction drawings are the pictures that go with those words. The intelligent estimator will read though the specifications first to gain a full understanding of his scope of work. The contractor will take notes and remember to cross reference those items on the construction documents. It is important to review all specifications prior to producing your estimate as there may be procedures noted in the specifications that may not be shown on the plans. Take a look at the Master Divisions List. You should be able to navigate through each division and find any scope you are working on.
Roofing Topics - How to Become a Roofer
There are no specific education requirements for roofers. Although most learn on the job, some roofers enter the occupation through an apprenticeship
education
No formal educational credential is typically required for roofers.
Training
Roofers typically receive on-the-job training to become competent in the occupation. In most on-the-job training programs, experienced roofers teach new workers how to use roofing tools, equipment, machines, and materials. Trainees begin with tasks such as carrying equipment and material and erecting scaffolds and hoists. Within a few months, they learn to measure, cut, and fit roofing materials. Later, they lay asphalt or fiberglass shingles. Because some roofing materials, such as solar tiles, are used infrequently, it may take several years to gain experience for all types of roofing.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Roofers may obtain specific certification to qualify for additional work opportunities or greater pay.
The National Roofing Contractors Association offers certification for experienced roofers. Experienced roofers may become certified in various roofing systems, such as thermoplastic systems or asphalt shingles. Certification as a roofing foreman is also available for experienced roofers.
Most employers require that roofers complete safety certification that meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, either before or after being hired.
Some employers require roofers to have a driver’s license to enable commuting to different jobsites.
Advancement
After gaining experience in the occupation, roofers may have opportunities to advance to become a supervisor, job superintendent, or estimator or to start their own business. Roofers working in a union may advance within their local union to become a business manager or apprenticeship instructor or to other positions of union leadership.
Important Qualities roofers should have
Ability to work at heights. Roofers must be comfortable working at great heights.
Attention to detail. Roofing materials must be installed to precisely match design patterns and to ensure that the roof is waterproof.
Balance. Roofers should have excellent balance to avoid falling, because they often work on steep slopes at great heights.
Manual dexterity. Roofers need to be precise in handling and installing roofing materials in order to prevent damage to the roof and building.
Math skills. Roofers use math to measure and calculate roofing areas.
Physical stamina. Roofers must be able to endure spending hours on their feet or bending and stooping, often in hot weather.
Physical strength. Roofers often lift and carry heavy materials, such as bundles of shingles that weigh 60 pounds or more.
Roofing Take Offs
Roofing Estimating
roofing Estimating
In this comprehensive online class, we delve into the world of roofing estimating and provide you with expert tips and techniques to enhance your skills. From understanding the basics of material calculations to advanced techniques for accurate estimations, we cover it all. Our experienced framing professionals share their vast knowledge and insights, helping you become a pro at roofing estimates. Learn how to efficiently assess project requirements, including roofing materials, labor costs, and timeframes. Discover valuable strategies for evaluating and quantifying materials such as roofing materials, gutters, downspout and flashing. Gain insight into the key factors that affect roofing estimates, such as project size and complexity. We also explore industry-standard software and tools that can streamline the estimating process, ensuring precision and saving you valuable time.
siding Estimating
In this class, we dive deep into the intricacies of accurately pricing your siding projects. We provide valuable insights and tips on how to estimate siding materials, understand labor costs, and account for various project complexities. From measuring and calculating quantities to factoring in waste, efficiently estimating your own projects is essential for profitability. Our comprehensive online class covers advanced estimation techniques, such as accounting for different siding types and irregular designs. Stay up to date with the latest technological advancements as we discuss how modern estimation software can streamline the process and improve accuracy.
Project Management for Roofing & Siding
What are the five 5 stages of project management?
Five stages of project management
initiation
planning
execution
monitoring and control
closure
We prepare our students to be managers from day one. Our PM classes for roofing and siding focusses on the following PM responsibilities:
Plan and Develop the Project Idea - Overall Project Management
Create and Lead Your Dream Team - Personnel Asset Management
Monitor Project Progress and Set Deadlines - Time/Scope Management
Solve Issues That Arise - Risk Management
Manage the Money - Budget Management
Ensure Stakeholder Satisfaction - Client Management
Evaluate Project Performance - Personnel Asset Management
Project initiation
Initiation is the formal start of a project. It usually begins with the issue of a project mandate which briefly describes the purpose of the project and authorises budget spend.
At this stage, you should define the project at a broad level. This often begins with:
a business case - justifying the need for the project and estimating potential benefits
a feasibility study - evaluating the problem and determining if the project will solve it
If you decide to undertake the project, you should then create a project initiation document (PID). This is the foundation of your project and a critical reference point for the next stages. Key components of your PID should be:
your business case
project goals, scope and size
project organization (defining the 'who, why, what, when and how' of the project)
project constraints
project risks
stakeholders
project controls and reporting framework
the criteria for closing and assessing the project
Project definition and planning
Project planning is key to successful project management. This stage typically begins with setting goals. The two most common approaches include:
the SMART method (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely)
the CLEAR method (collaborative, limited, emotional, appreciable, refinable)
At this stage, you will also define the project scope, and develop a project plan and work breakdown schedule. This involves identifying:
time, cost and resources that are at your disposal
roles and responsibilities for the project
quality
milestones
baseline performance measures
progress checkpoints
risk and resources for resolving unforeseen issues
During this stage, you may also want to develop a communication plan (especially if you have external stakeholders), as well as a risk management plan.
Project launch and implementation
Implementation (also called project execution) simply means putting your project plan into action. It often begins with a project 'kick-off meeting'.
During this phase, you will carry out the tasks and activities from your project plan to produce the project deliverables. For example, if you are creating a promotional pack for a trade show, early deliverables might be to gather product information and prices, and complete all of your product photography and get it signed off by the customer.
Project managers may direct this work by:
overseeing a team
managing budget and resources
communicating to stakeholders
Careful monitoring and control at this stage can help you keep the project plan on track. You can use a range of tools and processes to help you manage things like time, cost, quality and risks, or to communicate progress and manage customer acceptance.
Project monitoring and control
Monitoring and control often overlap with execution as they often occur at the same time. They require measuring project progression and performance, and dealing with any issues that arise from day-to-day work.
You can use key performance indicators (KPIs) to determine if your project is on track. Things you could measure include, for example:
if your project is on schedule and budget
if specific tasks are being completed
if issues are adequately addressed
During this time, you may need to adjust schedules and resources to ensure that your project remains on track. See how to measure performance and set targets.
Project close
During this last phase, you will complete your work and dissolve the project. Closure doesn't necessarily mean success, but simply the final point of the project - eg closure can happen when you cancel projects that fail.
Project closure often involves things like:
handing over the deliverables
releasing staff and resources
archiving or handing over any relevant project documents
cancelling supplier contracts
completion of all activities across the project
preparing the final project budget and report
handover into business as usual if this applies
After closure, you can carry out a post-implementation project review (sometimes referred to as a 'post mortem' meeting). This is an opportunity to evaluate what went well and what didn't. Understanding failures, if there were any, can help you learn lessons and improve the way you carry out future projects.
Getting Your License - Private Instruction - $500 Pay Here
What's the C-39 license exam process like?
The exam will be:
115 Questions Law & Business
115 Questions Roofing
Multiple Choice
Closed Book
3 Hours to Complete each section
Taken via Computer at a proctored exam facility
Exam centers located all over the state of California
Math Skills
There will be math on your CSLB law & business and trade exam.
On the law side, questions will be presented to you as if you are a General Building Contractor with multiple projects running simultaneously with several employees.
You can expect math questions related to:
Arithmetic
Cost Estimation
Percentages and Decimals
The math you can expect on the C-39 license exam may vary. Be prepared for questions that may include:
Basic Geometry
Units of measurement
OSHA Programs Designed for Roofers
Building A Safety Culture in the Office and on The Job Site
OSHA 10 $500 Per Company
OSHA 30 $800 Per Company
When you sign up for our OSHA Certification, you receive training designed for what you do every day. Most trainers leave the class choices up to the company who may not know the benefits of taking any one of the classes over another. We used our years of experience and have designed a plan will assist you in building your safety culture. Please use our form below to ask any questions you may have regarding this service.
Roofing, Siding & Insulation Resources
Manhour Calculators
When you use our Manhour Calculators, you are able to input your takeoff totals and instantly have the hours for that take off total. Using our tool, you will no longer guess how long a job will take. Use our form below to request a calculator you may not see here.
$99 EA - pay here - Preview The Calculator Here
Roofing
Siding
Insulation
You will receive your calculator after we have received payment confirmation. All calculators are emailed before the end of the business day if payment is received before 6PM PST.
Specialized Excel Spreadsheet
The Video Tutor Studio
Do you want access to actual take offs, pricing, manhour determination and estimating formatting videos? When you sign up for access to our video tutor studio, you receive access to a growing list of commercial construction education videos for all trades in varying scopes. With this service, you are also able to request a live review of your plans that will be displayed on a special private-access page created just for you.
$29 Per month - pay here - This comes with a 24 hour free trial.
When you sign up for the Video Tutor Studio, you gain access to our updated and growing lists study videos for all trades and scopes. New videos are added each week.