17 Roofer Interview Questions and Answers

Roofers are in high demand due to the aging population and the increased popularity of roofing renovations. As a roofer, you’ll be responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining roofs on both residential and commercial buildings.

Before you can start working on roofs, you’ll need to go through a job interview. One way to prepare for this important meeting is to learn how to answer roofer interview questions before talking with an interviewer.

Employers look for roofers who are trustworthy, reliable, well organized, and able to solve problems. You’ll also need physical strength and stamina, as well as knowledge of the best ways to repair different types of roofs. A roofing interview is your chance to show that you’ve polished these skills to a shine. To help you get ready, we’ve listed roofer questions and answers that will help you figure out what you want to say during an interview.

Are you certified as a roofer?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have the necessary certifications for the job. If you are not certified, they may want to know what steps you plan on taking to get your certification. You can answer honestly about whether or not you’re certified and explain why you don’t have a certification.

Example: “I am not currently certified as a roofer. I do plan on getting my certification in the next year, however. I’ve been researching different organizations that offer certifications and I’m going to enroll in one of those programs soon.”

What are the most common roofing materials you have worked with?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level. If you have worked with a variety of materials, you may be more qualified for the position than someone who has only worked with one or two types of roofing material. When answering this question, list the most common materials you’ve worked with and explain why they’re popular.

Example: “I’ve worked with asphalt shingles, metal roofs and tile roofs in my previous positions. Asphalt shingles are very affordable and easy to install, while metal roofs last longer and provide excellent insulation. Tile roofs are also quite durable but require specialized installation techniques.”

How would you describe the most challenging roofing project you have worked on?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills. They want to know that you can overcome challenges and still complete the job successfully. When answering this question, try to describe a challenging project in which you were able to find an innovative solution.

Example: “The most challenging roofing project I have worked on was when I had to replace the entire roof of a house with no access from the ground. The homeowner wanted to keep their yard looking as it did before we started work, so they hired us because we specialize in working at high altitudes. We used special equipment to get up onto the roof and then built scaffolding around the perimeter of the home. It took longer than expected, but we completed the job safely.”

What is your process for inspecting a roof before starting work?

The interviewer may ask you this question to understand how you approach a new job and ensure that it’s safe for you to work on. Use your answer to highlight your attention to detail, communication skills and safety practices.

Example: “I always start by inspecting the entire roof from ground level before climbing up to get a closer look at any areas of concern. I take photos of anything that looks like it needs repair or replacement so my supervisor can review them later. If there are damaged shingles or other issues, I let my supervisor know so they can decide whether we should replace those parts first or wait until after the rest of the repairs.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to solve a problem on a roofing project.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you approach challenges and solve problems. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.

Example: “When I was working on my first solo project, I noticed that one of the skylights wasn’t draining properly. I knew this could lead to water damage in the home if it wasn’t fixed right away. Rather than taking care of the issue myself, I called my supervisor over so they could inspect the problem with me. Together, we determined that the drain pipe needed to be replaced. We worked together to get the job done quickly and efficiently.”

If a customer has a complaint about the work you completed, how would you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn how you respond to challenges and complaints. Use your answer to show that you can remain calm, friendly and professional when faced with a challenging situation.

Example: “If a customer has a complaint about the work I completed, I would first apologize for any inconvenience they experienced. Then, I would listen carefully to their concerns so I could understand what happened. After that, I would explain my process for completing the project and offer to fix it or redo the work at no additional cost. If the issue is more complicated than I initially thought, I would let them know that I will need to discuss the matter with my supervisor before making any changes.”

What would you do if you discovered a leak on a roof you recently installed?

This question can help an interviewer determine how you handle challenges on the job. Use your answer to showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure.

Example: “If I discovered a leak, my first step would be to assess the entire roof for other signs of damage. If there were no other issues, I’d go back through all of my notes from when I installed the roof to see if I missed anything. Once I determined what caused the leak, I’d fix it as quickly as possible so that the homeowner didn’t have to worry about any further damage.”

How well can you work alone on a roof without distraction?

Working on a roof can be dangerous, so employers want to make sure you’re able to work alone and stay focused. They may ask this question to see if you have experience working independently. In your answer, explain that you are comfortable working without supervision. Explain how you will remain safe while completing the task.

Example: “I am very comfortable working alone on a roof. I’ve done it many times in my previous job, and I always made sure to take frequent breaks to check for any safety hazards. I also used my cell phone as a distraction-free zone when I needed to focus on a task. This helped me avoid distractions and stay focused.”

Do you have experience working with insurance companies to get approval for roof repairs?

If you’re interviewing for a position as a roofing contractor, the interviewer may want to know if you have experience working with insurance companies. This can be an important part of your job because it shows that you understand how to work within the constraints of an insurance company’s approval process and can help customers get their roofs repaired quickly. In your answer, try to explain what steps you take when working with an insurance company to ensure they are satisfied with the repairs.

Example: “I’ve worked with several insurance companies in the past, and I find that the best way to get them to approve a repair is by being honest about the damage and providing clear documentation of the problem. If there are any issues or concerns, I make sure to address them right away so the insurance company knows we’re taking care of everything.”

When working with other roofers, how do you share information and responsibilities to complete a project?

An interviewer may ask this question to understand how you collaborate with others and share information. Use your answer to highlight your communication skills, ability to work as part of a team and willingness to take on additional responsibilities when needed.

Example: “I always make sure I know the details of my own tasks before sharing them with other roofers. This helps me communicate clearly what needs to be done and ensures that everyone understands their roles. If someone else has questions about their assignments or needs help completing a task, I am happy to assist. In fact, I often find myself taking on more responsibility than originally assigned because I enjoy helping others.”

We want to be known for having reliable, quality work. How would you describe our company based on your experience so far?

This question is a great way to see how well you know the company and its values. It also shows that you are willing to promote their work, which can be an important part of your job as a roofer. When answering this question, it’s best to focus on what you’ve seen so far and what impressed you about the company.

Example: “I have been very impressed with the quality of work I’ve seen from this company. The materials used seem high-quality, and all of the employees I’ve worked with have been friendly and professional. I think these qualities make for a great company.”

Describe your process for installing shingles.

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the job and how you approach it. You can use this opportunity to show that you know what steps are involved in installing shingles, but also that you have experience doing so.

Example: “I start by measuring the roof for squareness and levelness. Then I cut the shingles to size with my utility knife. Next, I place the first row of shingles on the bottom edge of the roof, overlapping each one about half an inch. After that, I work my way up the roof, placing each row next to the previous one until I reach the top.”

What makes you an effective roofer?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and abilities as a roofer. They want to know what makes you qualified for the job, so they may ask you this question to see if you can explain why you’re an effective roofer. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list some of your most important skills and how they help you perform your job well.

Example: “I am an effective roofer because I have excellent communication skills. I always make sure that my clients understand exactly what I’m doing when I work on their roofs. I also have strong problem-solving skills, which helps me find solutions to any issues that arise while working on a roof.”

Which roofing techniques do you prefer to use and why?

This question can help the interviewer determine your skill level and experience in roofing. You can answer this question by listing two or three of your favorite techniques, along with a brief explanation as to why you prefer them.

Example: “I enjoy working on flat roofs because they are easy to work on and I don’t have to worry about falling off. Also, it’s easier for me to use my tools when there aren’t any obstacles. Another thing I like is working on steep roofs because it gives me a challenge and makes me feel accomplished when I finish. However, I do not like working on metal roofs because they’re hard to secure.”

What do you think is the most important safety precaution to take when working on a roof?

Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to keep yourself safe while on the job. They want to be confident that you can follow all safety procedures and regulations when working as a roofer. In your answer, explain what you think is the most important precaution to take and why it’s so important. You can also share an example of a time when you followed this precaution successfully.

Example: “The most important thing I do to stay safe on the job is wear my harness at all times. Safety harnesses are designed to keep us secure in case we fall off the roof or lose our balance. If I didn’t have my harness on, I could easily slip off the side of the roof and get seriously injured. When I’m wearing my harness, I feel more confident and comfortable on the roof.”

How often should a roof be cleaned and inspected?

The interviewer may ask you this question to gauge your knowledge of roof maintenance. Your answer should include the frequency of cleaning and inspection, as well as how often you perform these tasks in your current role or other roles you’ve held.

Example: “I recommend inspecting a roof at least once per year for any damage or wear and tear. I also recommend cleaning a roof every two years to remove debris that can cause leaks. In my last position, I inspected roofs twice per year and cleaned them once every two years.”

There is a new roofing material that is more affordable and durable than the material you used on the roof so far. Would you recommend switching to the new material?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your decision-making skills and how you would handle a situation where you may have to replace materials on a roof. In your answer, explain why you would or wouldn’t recommend switching to the new material based on your experience with both materials.

Example: “I would only switch to the new material if it was more affordable than the current one while also being as durable. If I were to find a cheaper alternative that was just as durable, then I would definitely recommend switching to save money. However, if the new material wasn’t as durable as the old one, then I would not recommend switching because it could lead to costly repairs in the future.”