How to Progress Your Roofing Career: Expert Tips for 2025

Progressing your roofing career now requires more than having the essential roofing skills. Instead, certifications, networking, leadership, and communication skills all count toward it. The roofing industry is changing every month, and professionals who can't keep up are feeling the burnout.

While climate change is making hail worse, frequent weather events are leading to an increased demand for roofers in Illinois. With a hike in demand, how can you stand out and become the best? We explain everything in this guide.

Learn About Trending Roofing Technologies

While the roofing industry doesn't change as frequently, there are always a few new technologies around the corner. You should learn how to use and implement these technologies to stand out as an exceptional roofer.

Here's a list of some new roofing technologies that are reshaping the industry:

• Self-Healing Shingles: It's made with a new roofing material (thermoplastics). These shingles can replace microtears and minor damage without any external intervention.
• Drone Imaging: These are remote drones that are used to assess the size, structure, and damage on roofs from ground level. It reduces the risk and cost of on-site inspections, invoicing, and management.
• Solar Shingles: Like panels, these shingles use photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity. Homeowners get protection from the sun, lower temperatures, better insulation, and free electricity.
• Silicone Roofing: This is a coating for existing shingles that works like an exterior sealant. The silicone melds with each shingle, crack, and hole, creating an impenetrable and well-insulated blanket.

These are some of the technologies, but definitely not all of them. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on our blog. We release new updates and news on the roofing industry, laws, and more.

Get Certified and Specialized for Career Advancement

You will only remain a roofing apprentice without a license. Getting a roofing license is the first step to entering the roofing industry. Furthermore, it is illegal to undertake roofing jobs as a roofer without a license in states like Illinois.

Becoming a licensed roofer:

• Legitimizes your expertise
• Expands your career in roofing
• Allows you to earn more
• Specializes your career path

For example, you can specialize in metal roofing or smart roofing systems. You could also start a new roofing business or join a more experienced crew with better pay.

You need a license to become a roofing professional, and we're here to help you. Our roofing exam classes prepare you for the torturous examination process and the aftermath. You get clear guidelines to boost your career and stand out.

Develop Good Communication and Leadership Skills

Good communication and the ability to lead are crucial for the success of a roofing contractor. You have to build a respectable relationship with every client, employee, and peer to understand their needs, problems, and resolutions.

These skills are even more indispensable for:

• Managers
• Crew leads on on-site teams
• Supervisors in roofing companies
• Sales-oriented roofers
• Roofing business owners

Without these skills, you cannot lead a business or progress from your role as a standard roofer. One good way to improve these interpersonal skills is through hands-on experience.

Another way is to learn from the thousands of free online courses for business communication and leadership training. If you can't do that, then do your best to hone your skills through everyday interactions. Learn to listen, understand, and empathize.

Explore Roofing Sales and Business Opportunities

There's always a new opportunity in the roofing industry, and you can benefit from it. The only thing you need to do is explore new sales strategies. For example, a partnership with a local roofing material manufacturer or HVAC contractor.

The goal of winning more roofing jobs is to try new things outside of the box. With the right strategies, you can get more residential and commercial roofing jobs. It will improve your job outlook and security.

If you need some resources on roofing sales, check out Adam Bensman on YouTube. His channel covers different roofing strategies, tips, and tricks. If you want a more hands-on course, join our Advanced Sales Training Program.

Use Roofing CRM and Other Technologies

Using the best roofing CRM can improve workflows, streamline delegations, and increase client trust. New CRMs often include nifty features like automatic invoicing, GPS-assisted roof estimations, and more.

While these features may seem inconsequential, their combined effect can save numerous hours and wasted effort. You must learn how to use emerging roofing software to make management easier.

Grow Your Network and Build Your Reputation 

You'll need connections to progress as a roofer, and connections don't appear out of thin air. You will have to make an active effort to build relationships in the industry. You can do this through three different methods:

• Roofing Forums: Join forums like Roofing Talk, General Contractor Talk, and different groups on social media. This will help you interact with people from the same or different types of roofing careers.
• Attend Industry Events: Countless roofing industry events occur every year, like the MRCA Expo in October 2025. Attending these events can help you forge connections and learn about emerging trends.
• Join a Roofing Institution or Groups: Attending classes in a roofing institution is a great way to build connections with peers. You can join our roofing exam classes to get started.

You could also get a membership in the National Roofing Contractor Association (NRCA). We only recommend highly paid roofers or roofing business owners. The payoff isn't worth it for individuals.

FAQs on Progressing Your Roofing Career

How to gain experience in the roofing industry as a beginner? 

You can join a roofing apprenticeship to gain experience while earning an income. Apprenticeships are perfect for novices who want to start a career in roofing.  

What are the tips for long-term success in the roofing industry?

Achieve long-term success in the roofing industry by delivering quality workmanship, maintaining safety standards, and building customer trust. Grow sustainably by investing in skilled labor, adopting new roofing technologies, and managing finances carefully.

How to become a roofer in Illinois?

You can become a roofer in Illinois by acquiring a Limited or Unlimited License. You will have to meet the licensing requirements, which include passing an exam, acquiring surety bonds, and obtaining roofing insurance. 

Bottom Line on Progressing Your Roofing Career

As a roofer, your career begins with your license and never ends. There are infinite possibilities and opportunities to progress your career. The catch is that you have to make an active effort for everything.

If you have that resolve, then start learning about changes, connect with other experts, gain experience, and scale your business. Nothing can stop you from success, as long as you know what you want and the will to achieve it.

If you're still confused about the processes, join our roofing classes. We help you build connections, file the paperwork, and lay the foundation for your business. Join the best roofing institution in Illinois today and get started!