Liquid waterproofing roofer

How to become a liquid waterproofing roofer

There are several routes to becoming a liquid waterproofing roofer. You can gain the qualifications you need by doing a college course, an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.

You should explore these routes to become a liquid waterproofing roofer to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions. 

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

Liquid waterproofing roofers often start out as roofing labourers, gaining on-site experience in specialist techniques. 

Your local college or training provider may offer courses such as Level 2 Diploma in Roofing Occupations or Level 2 Diploma in Roof Slating and Tiling.

You’ll need:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent (level 1 course)
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent (level 2 course). 

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice 

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a building or roofing company is a good way into the industry. The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) offers a unique apprenticeship programme, specialising in the installation of liquid waterproofing systems.

You’ll need up to 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent to become an apprentice.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a roofing company to gain on-site experience as a liquid waterproofing roofer. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced liquid waterproofing roofer and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a liquid waterproofing roofer. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a liquid waterproofing roofer include: 

• Knowledge of construction
• Comfortable working at height
• Good level of physical fitness
• Able to work outdoors, in all weather.

Qualifications

What does a liquid waterproofing roofer do?

As a liquid waterproofing roofer you will be responsible for helping to repair roofs using liquid materials. You could be clearing the work site, performing repairs, or cleaning the equipment.

The job role of a liquid waterproofing roofer involves the following duties:  

• Removing debris from a roof prior to applying liquid materials
• Inspecting roofs to determine the best repair procedures
• Estimating materials required to complete a project
• Complying with health and safety requirements
• Working in accordance with method statements and risk assessments
• Cleaning and maintaining equipment
• Installing, repairing or replacing liquid membranes
• Working at client’s homes or businesses.

How much could you earn as a liquid waterproofing roofer?

The expected salary for a liquid waterproofing roofer varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained liquid waterproofing roofers can earn £17,000 - £20,000
• Trained liquid waterproofing roofers with some experience can earn £20,000 - £30,000
• Senior liquid waterproofing roofers can earn in excess of £40,000*
• Self-employed liquid waterproofing roofers set their own pay rates.

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

 Check out the latest liquid waterproofing roofer vacancies: 

• Trovit 
• Indeed

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

As a liquid waterproofing roofer, you could move into a role as a roofing operative.

Alternatively, you could progress to become a site manager or move into technical sales. 

You could become a self-employed contractor and set your own wage.