With the real estate market such a hot industry these days, it is no wonder that construction jobs, especially roofing jobs, are in high demand in 2022. Part of the problem is finding skilled workers, but this has been compounded with the shortage in materials due to the shipping bottleneck in US ports. This has left many roofing contractors having to turn down work because they either do not have the skilled workers to do the jobs, or they cannot find the materials. So what does that mean for you if you are interested in becoming a roofer?

A new report suggests that the worst of the pandemic is over. While Covid 19 is not yet completely gone, most economists are optimistic. Construction stats have been projected to gain 12%, reaching $893 billion. This is good news for roofers, whose trade is coming into high demand. If you are interested in becoming a roofer, or a roofing contractor, here is what you can expect.

Recruiting Roofing Workforce

Global roofing sales are projected to hit $101.9 billion by 2027. To meet this demand, construction companies need more employees due to the downing in roofing employment since the pandemic and the decrease in job appeal for skilled labor jobs. Getting more roofers on board at these companies is going to look like an increase in pay for the trade.

Some studies suggest that at the current time, the construction industry must hire over 600,000 workers to keep up with the building demand. Part of this “boom” is because of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which was passed by congress last year. This pumped billions of much needed money into the building industry. What this means for you is that you can expect higher than normal wages, higher competition to work with the larger construction and roofing companies, and additional value-added benefits. This is different from any other time in history for the roofing industry, and workers will definitely benefit.

Part of the wide open job market is because there has been a decline in workers aged 25-54, which fell 8% in the past decade. This will only increase the demand for roofers when outlays from the infrastructure bill increase, and construction spending expands, causing a huge gap in demand and active labor force.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the roofing industry has workers who retire early, often as early as age 61. Most roofers are younger, and only one out of five are over 55.

The scarcity of qualified skilled workers is a pressing issue. This means the roofing vocation is offering competitive wages, and many opportunities to begin and advance in the roofing industry.

If this work demand cannot be met, companies must look for alternatives, such as new construction methods, or labor-saving materials. 3D printing, prefabrication, or even robotics may come into play for the roofing business if labor demands cannot be met.

Eco-Friendly Roofing

The importance of being environmentally friendly has come under the spotlight in recent years due to impacts of climate change making eco-friendly practices essential. Construction and roofing are no different.

A recent United Nations Environment Program found that buildings and their construction processes amount for 36% of global energy use and 39% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions annually. Clients and industry leaders are concerned and becoming knowledgeable of how to shift this impact.

This has translated to roofers, and contractors in general, moving toward eco-friendly roofing materials. What accounts for the change in the industry? Consumer preference has driven the change as more home owners are opting for green options. The installation of metal or solar roofing has risen in 2021-2022 compared to other years. Part of this shift has also come as the result of technology that is no longer just for the rich and eco-conscious.

Now the average homeowner can have solar roofing shingles installed. These shingles act like regular shingles, and even look like them. But, these shingles are actually small solar panels. Not only are new construction sites moving forward with these trends, but a rise in demand for roofers is needed to help existing homeowners or property owners change their roofs to be eco-friendly. And, as these preferences change, the roofer, and roofing company, must have those workers trained in the special installation of these newer products.

How Technology Can Help the Roofing Industry and Roofers

Technology is a growing trend across all industries, but technology is emerging to help make roofers’ jobs easier. Drone utilization has increased drastically, allowing roofers to inspect a roof without having to put their workers at risk. Drones simplify the process of showing the client what is going on with damage to their roofs, what needs to be done and progress on a project in motion. This technology has allowed roofers to not only stay safer on the job, but has allowed the homeowner to have a more active role in the process.

Storm and hail tracking apps have also become popular to utilize in developing new potential business, and help roofers stay aware of upcoming weather. Utilizing interactive maps helps to locate operating communities who have experienced damage and see where business is flowing and help track where the next rounds of weather will flow through.

Finding a Job in Roofing

If you are ready to approach a new vocation that is offering competitive rates and on-the-job skilled training, roofing is right for you. The demand for roofers is skyrocketing as the pandemic restrictions are lifting and many current workers are retiring. The demand for construction is increasing due to a shift in materials to ecologically friendly options, and the need to transform the nation’s infrastructure. With technology improving, the jobs of roofers are becoming easier and more lucrative. If you are considering working in the construction industry, being part of a roofing team, or starting your own roofing company is a good choice. The Bureau of Labor statistics predicts that this industry has a median salary of a little over $40, 000 dollars, which works out to a little over $20 an hour.