If you’re a roofer looking to impress your customers, getting your certification is a great step in the right direction. Potential clients will find you more enticing if you have a certification, and the training and knowledge you get will help you feel more secure and competent in your work. While there is no unified certification procedure because each state establishes its own standards and administers its own programs, many of the prerequisites are the same across jurisdictions.
Are you a veteran seeking a new employment that will provide you with security, challenge, and a feeling of fulfillment? Is working as a roofer something you’ve thought about? Making the switch to this field, which offers all of that and more thanks to VA educational benefits, is easier than you would think.
You bring a special set of talents and experiences to the roofing business as a veteran. If you have a background in building, engineering, or management, you already have some of the abilities necessary to succeed as a roofing contractor. With the help of VA educational benefits, you may get the training and knowledge you need to start a new profession out on the right foot. So, let’s take a look at how you may use your VA educational benefits to become a roofing contractor.
WHAT DO ROOFING CONTRACTORS DO EXACTLY?
Roofers, in a nutshell, tear off, replace, and repair roofs on commercial and residential buildings. Roofing contractors have the option of working for themselves or for a bigger company. Roofers may be responsible for the installation of a roof on a brand-new building or the maintenance of an existing roof on a residence in the community.
Roofing professionals are in high demand since work is always being created. People have constant roofing needs, regardless of the season. As a result, roofers have consistent employment throughout the year and may make a good living wage.
Roofers will not only execute the physical work of building, but will also be in charge of procuring all necessary equipment and supplies. This is why many prosperous roofers also excel at carpentry. In addition, the building’s new design must be reflected in the blueprints.
WHY CHOOSE TO BECOME A ROOFING CONTRACTOR?
Although roofing may not be at the top of most people’s list of desirable professions, if done well, it can become a very successful company. There are a lot of upsides to working here, and you can develop a lot of useful skills throughout the course of your career. You also end up being a really useful contributor to the community.
Among the many advantages of entering the roofing industry are the following:
NEW BREATHING SPACE:
Of course one enjoys the great outdoors. If you’re not cut out for a desk job, maybe you could think about becoming a roofer. There is an abundance of natural light, breathtaking scenery, and healthy oxygen. In addition, each assignment offers a new location in which to put your skills to use.
FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORK:
A roofing contractor’s work is rewarding in and of itself, but it also provides valuable experience that may be useful to other fields. Working as a roofer can teach you many useful trade skills that may be used in other fields. You can move on to start your own company or advance in your current employer.
LOW-STRESS WORK:
Despite first impressions, working as a roofer is a low-stress occupation. Using your hands and being active throughout the day are great stress relievers on the workplace. Consequently, many roofers insist they wouldn’t want to do anything else for a living.
CONSTANT EFFORTS:
Finding stable work to support one’s lifestyle is a major obstacle for the self-employed. In the roofing industry, work opportunities appear to be endless. Since a roof is a necessity in most situations, people will always come to you for help. It doesn’t matter how tiny your community is, someone in it will ultimately want your assistance.
A Comprehensive Overview of the Florida Roofing Licensing Process
Many people are glad to call Florida home because of its attractiveness. There’s a reason why more and more people are moving south every year: the magnificent natural scenery, rich culture, and abundance of sunlight. However, during hurricane season, the high probability of damage to property is offset by the wonderful weather. That’s why people in Florida are always looking for Certified Roofing Contractors.
Florida’s construction business needs people who specialize in property repair, particularly roofing, because the state is frequently hit by severe weather in the summer and fall. You should earn your roofing license in Florida if you’re looking for a rewarding job in the building industry. Everything you need to get going is right here.
1. PICK YOUR FLORIDA ROOFING LICENSE PATH
Roofing experience of at least four years, including one year as a supervisor, is required for licensure as a building contractor in the state of Florida. The next step is to plan a course that will get you where you want to go professionally. Roofing specialists will have to choose between registering as a Contractor or getting Certified.
Certified Roofers in Florida are allowed to do business statewide. On the other hand, you might choose to join the National Roofer’s List. When you register, you can only work in a certain county or city, which limits the types of jobs you may take on.
The decision as to which path you take is entirely up to you, and it should be based on your final goals. Small roofing construction businesses in your city may just require you to register with the appropriate authorities. However, complete accreditation is necessary if you wish to expand into a larger construction firm with statewide capabilities. If you are a licensed contractor, you may skip the hassle of registering with each municipality separately. If severe weather hits any county in the state, and you have your Roofing Contractor license, you can send your crew there to help.
The process of becoming licensed as a Certified Roofing Contractor is a little more time-consuming than becoming registered as a roofing contractor, but the benefits are worth it. Today, we’ll talk specifically about how to become a Certified Roofing Contractor.
2. TAKE THE EXAMINATIONS
One of the most important prerequisites before applying for a contractor’s license is passing all of the required exams. Anyone seeking a contractor’s license in Florida must first pass an exam, the details of which vary by Division.
Division 2 licenses include more specialized crafts like roofing, whereas Division 1 licenses cover general, residential, and building contracts. You should take the Division 2 tests unless you have enough expertise in a particular structural area that qualifies you for a General Contractor License. For most roofing systems, even General Contractors must use specialized Roofing Contractors for maintenance and installation.
To earn your roofing license in Florida, you must pass both the Florida Roofing Exam and the Florida Business and Finance Exam. There are a total of 120 questions on the Florida Business and Finance Exam, and you’ll have 6.5 hours to complete the test. If you’re looking for study guides and other resources to help you ace the test, you’ve come to the right place. The second exam is the Florida Roofing Exam, and it consists of 80 questions spread out across 5 hours and 11 different books.
You should plan your test period so that you have enough time to study and prepare given that exams are given every month. The fantastic collection of tools available at the Contractor Training Center should be invaluable. Preparation tools for the Florida Business and Finance test can give you the edge you need to ace one of the two examinations needed to get your license.
3. COLLECT EVIDENCE OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
After you have passed your exams, you will need to gather the materials necessary to apply for a roofing license in Florida. To begin, assemble and submit documentation of significant prior roofing experience or relevant academic credentials.
You’ll need to provide proof of the following abilities to get your license:
Refurbishments and Brand-New Setups of:
- Roll Roofing and Other Built-Up Methods
- Hot-mopped and Torch-down Systems, as well as Modified Bitumen
- Flashing, drip edge, and valley metal are all types of architectural metals.
- Roofing Systems: Cold Process and Thermoplastic
- Layers of Membranes
- Insulation Foam and the Roof
- Downspouts and gutters
- Roofs made of concrete and tile
- Shingles and shakes made of asphalt and wood
In Florida, you can get your roofing license by meeting one of many requirements.
CHOICE 1:
You hold a four-year degree in a suitable field, such as Engineering or Building Construction, from an approved institution. You’ve also got a year’s worth of experience under your belt working in roofing construction.
CHOICE 2:
You’ve been working as a laborer or a foreman for four years now. To qualify for a license, you need four years of experience, at least one of which must have been spent in a foreman or supervising role.
CHOICE 3:
You’ve got some experience under your shingle and have taken some related classes at a recognized junior college. Since no two experiences are identical, the relative weights of the two aspects are evaluated on an individual basis.
4. PROVE FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
In accordance with Rule 61G4-15.006, F.A.C., all candidates must demonstrate a history of fiscal maturity and responsibility. The applicant’s consumer credit report and credit score will play a significant role in this determination. Applicants must have a credit score of 660 or above to be considered. If they don’t, they’ll need to put up a $10,000 license bond.
You must also submit a consumer credit report free of any outstanding liens, litigation, or judgments to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) as part of the licensing process.
5. HISTORY OF GOOD MORAL CHARACTER
Applicants for Florida roofing contractor licenses are required to provide evidence of their moral rectitude, which may seem like a strange stipulation at first. A Level 2 background check will be performed as part of the application process. You’ll have to give fingerprints, and those will be used in a background check.
A documented declaration outlining the specific reasons why your license was rejected due to your lack of good moral character is required. The Board is obligated to submit documentation detailing the reasoning for its decision. If you are unhappy with the outcome of your licensing hearing, you may request a new hearing.
6. GET INSURANCE
A Florida roofing contractor licensing application is not complete without proof of insurance. You must get the necessary forms of insurance and provide documentation of your coverage.
To qualify for a Florida license, you must provide proof of Public Liability Insurance in the amount of $100,000 and Property Damage Insurance in the amount of $25,000. Evidence of Worker’s Compensation Insurance is also required, albeit it is not necessary prior to license approval.
7. APPLY FOR ROOFING LICENSE
A Florida roofing contractor licensing application is not complete without proof of insurance. You must get the necessary forms of insurance and provide documentation of your coverage.
To qualify for a Florida license, you must provide proof of Public Liability Insurance in the amount of $100,000 and Property Damage Insurance in the amount of $25,000. Evidence of Worker’s Compensation Insurance is also required, albeit it is not necessary prior to license approval.
APPLY FOR ROOFING LICENSE
After you’ve made sure you meet all the prerequisites for the license, you may apply for it.
Please have the following ready to attach to your application.
Report Cards
- Documentation of coverage
- Credentials or academic records
- Indicator of Financial Dependability
- Data for doing a background check
You don’t have to present documentation of Worker’s Compensation Insurance at the time of application, but you will need to do it within 30 days of receiving your license.
You can submit a paper application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations if you like.
To get your license, you must follow these procedures:
Performing a History Search
You’ll need a clean criminal record before you can even apply for a license. The FDLE of Florida conducts criminal history checks for the purpose of licensing.
In order to satisfy this requirement in the state of Florida, applicants must engage a service provider that has been approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to conduct electronic fingerprinting. (DBPR). The Florida Electronic Fingerprinting Service is a widely-used supplier that is approved by the state.
Obtaining a License Application
You must submit an application for a roofing contractor’s license after passing the required background check. The application is posted on the website of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Be sure to double-check your application and submit all necessary materials.
Preparing for a Test
Getting your roofing contractor’s license requires passing a test. Topics in the test include workplace safety, building and installing roofs, and standard business procedures. The DBPR website is a good place to look for study aids.
Acquiring One’s Permit
A roofing contractor’s license will be granted upon successful completion of the examination and other conditions. You’ve made it to the level of licensed roofer, so many congratulations!
Roofing companies often offer the following services
Fixing the Roof:
Roofing contractors often fix leaks and replace shingles. Over time, roofs might start leaking or experiencing other troubles owing to a variety of factors such as weather, wear & tear, and age. As a roofing contractor, it will be your responsibility to locate the leak’s origin and fix it using the best methods and supplies available. Repairs may include putting in a new piece of drywall, re-roofing a damaged section, or caulking around windows, doors, and vents.
Repairing the Roof
When a roof is severely damaged or old, it may be necessary to replace it. Roofing companies also offer this service to their clients. Considerations such as the client’s budget, the local climate, and the architectural style of the structure will inform your evaluation of the current roof’s condition and your suggestions for its replacement. Assuming the client is satisfied with the design, you may proceed with tearing off the old roof and replacing it with a brand new one.
Checking the Roof:
If you examine your roof frequently, you can head off any issues before they ever start. If you’re a roofing contractor, you may provide inspection services to your customers. This entails checking over the roof, looking for problems, and giving advice on what to do next. The roof should be inspected for any signs of damage, leaks, or general wear and tear, and ventilation and insulation should be double-checked. By providing routine checks, you may assist your customers avoid premature roof replacement and costly maintenance.
Commercial and residential buildings alike may employ roofing contractors, who are tasked with maintaining the roof’s structural integrity and weatherproofing.
Final Takeaway
Veterans who are interested in pursuing a profession in construction may find success as roofers. You may have a prosperous and satisfying career in this field if you have the necessary knowledge, abilities, and credentials.
Roofing is an exciting and rewarding field to work in. It may take some time, but getting the necessary licenses and permits from the state is essential. There is no reason you can’t succeed as a roofing contractor if you are patient and persistent.