Two roofers at work in New Orleans, Louisiana. A roofer specializes in roof construction, concentrating on the application of materials that water proof and / or weather proof buildings, homes (residential construction), wineries, planter boxes, etc. Usually ply wood or solid boards are installed over the structure. If the structure is designed in such a way, it may require the use of other materials such as steel panels, lightweight concrete or even specially designed custom manufactured material as the sub straight for the roofing materials to be installed on. The rafters, beams, and trusses are the frame or skeleton for the roof to be built upon. Naturally, a roofer must not be scared of heights and have good balance as well as carpentry skills. In Australia this type of carpenter is called a roof carpenter and in that country a roofer is someone who puts on the roof cladding (tiles, tin, etc.). In the USA a well trained roofer is called a journeyman. In California, if a journeyman wishes and has three consecutive years working in the field, he is eligible to pass a state test for a contractors license- state license. Many skilled roofers would rather work alone, but the labor is so intensive that most of the time help is appreciated, as long as it does not become a safety issue or a dangerous condition. The most important thing to remember is that the roof is not flat (most of the time) and things may move all by them selves just from the simple effects of gravity or wind, the two invisible forces on a roof. If you like wind than a rooftop is for you. Wind seams to go right up the side of the house or building and across the work surface where it lifts or moves anything it can. Wind can be found up high on a rooftop most likely everyday. Sometimes, on a windy day the only way to find rest for the roofer is to climb down the ladder for a break from all that blowing wind pressure from the Earth's atmosphere. Most people never really think about where they put their feet when walking around. Once upon a roof everything changes when walking around... Every step counts or it could be your last. A rooftop has obstacles and sometimes electrical equipment that will not move out of the way when you come near. You may step right into or on top of something regrettable if you are not being alert at all times. Roofing is a core of 3D's jobs. The state of California has a licensing process. To get a state license and become a licensed roofing contractor in California, one needs to obtain a C-39 license before contracting any roofing jobs over the amount of $601.00. If the work is preformed without a license, the homeowner may be stuck with unsatisfactory results and no way to get assistance to correct the problems. They are left to fend for themselves. If a licensed roofing contractor has problems that relate to unfinished work or the work is faulty in any way, the homeowner or property owner can at least file a clam against the roofing contractors' performance bond for the cost of repairs, damages or unfinished work that must be still be completed. Obtaining a bond is a prerequisite before any license will be issued and it must be in good standing and renewed every 2-years or the contractors' license could be revoked. [edit] External links C39 - Roofing Contractor Roofing Contractors  This occupation- or vocation-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.