Who's "roofing"?

Alright gents, how many of you are still getting dirt under your fingernails?

How many of you are "still" roofing yourselves?

I'll be 42 on Valentine's Day. I haven't done a roof in about 1/2 a year. It sucks. I want to "work" again.

I'm employed, but I'm not "working". ;)

I read today that three out of four people are calling it quits at 62, so salute to EGG for being the one in four. I'd like to think I too will endure on. But it depends on how healthy SS looks. If it looks like you better grab your bag of money before the Brinks driver realizes he left the door open, I may have to grab while there's something there.

Well, Here in Canada I'm doing the "New Construction". I think the bottom line is once you start this trade, your doomed to be a roofer for the rest of your life. Personally I love it and yes it maybe -20 but i still love the finished product. Merry Christmas, and a productive new year.

At 57, I still do it all. I may never install another roof, for the past 10 years I've only installed roofs for people that requested that I do theirs. There haven't been any requests for two years now. But between additions, repairs and cleanings, I have a steady business. It's all at a fast turnover (as opposed to new tile installation), it's satisfying to see 5 to 7 hundred more dollars than when you got up that morning. As long as it comes, I'll keep going.

I have a kid that works for me now that I could envision turning it over to one day. On a regular basis I will hear a customer say something like, "I used to get up on the roof, but not anymore at my age." And he'll be younger than me. But age is all in your head. If you're obese and in your 30's, I'm younger than you. If your a conformist, I'm younger than you. I'll die of old age younger in my head than most 20-somethings.

Every day.

I try to save the evenings, weekends, and holidays to write poetry and study astrophysics. but... I end up working a lot of those too. I'll be 63 in one month.

My time will come, but not this day.

Only to train....Haven't physically worked with any crews since I was aprx. 26-28,(1987 +/-)....

Very, very rarely and that's been true since I was about....32 I think. My waistline has suffered for it. If I do, it's either to prove a point, or learn something new. Earlier this year, thought the toolbelt was going to have to go back on the hips, but things picked up and have been busy since. I'd be the first to say that aside from running a torch, I'm not adept at any of it, but there isn't anything I can't do, as it applies to our roof systems. But I'd also admit there's a whole lotta roofin' I don't know.

Good job Lanny! I am 58 and I too am feeling it. I still roof occasionally, but not for a full day anymore. I can do more in a few hours than a lot of guys can do all day, so why not. We also price it higher so that we don't have to work so hard or so fast.

I too just bought a portable half round gutter machine and am pushing hard on the marketing this winter so that in the spring I can do more of the "chop and drop" It is a unique product and the margin is good, + the machine does the work and I don't have to climb the ladders. No installation for me any more. Life is good!

---I am still on the roof at age 61. I enjoy the physical work much more than the paperwork end of the business. ---Last week we tore out 2 valleys and replaced the comp shingles. Monday I reflashed a chimney both step shingles and counterflashing. ---Later this week we tear off a one layer shingle roof and go with 30 year lams. The weather is rainy so we are in holiday mode. ---I have slowed down a little. We turn down some of the steep stuff. Or I bid it 50% higher than I used to. We still get them but take our time and enjoy the day. ---I have been fortunate to be able to still tear off continually for 8 hours when necessary or install for the whole day. Some of my same age friends would be lucky to climb a ladder much less actually do physical work on a roof. I weigh the same today as I did when I was 20. No aches & pains other than a sore back after a full days work. ---I plan on working on the roof for another 10 years. I enjoy it so why not? Lanny

"I don't really think these "office roofers" should call themselves "roofers" , "roofing contractors" maybe, but I think the word ROOFER belongs to the guys who actually put the roofs on."

Mike- I agree. I am no longer a roofer. I am a roofing contractor. It took a long time to make the transition in my own mind but I finally have reached that point. Unfortunately, in some ways I am still the best roofer in the company. I always say that in roofing, by the time you are really good at it, you're too damned old to do it! But in your case I know that it's not true. B) I love the pictures you post!

I worked steady on the roof until about 48 years old. At that point this ole body just hurt too much to make it enjoyable, so I decided it was time to go the employee route, even though it meant more government hassles and work comp expenses. Not to mention the joys of having employees. So far it's been well worth it. I hurt less at 57 than I did at 47. And my computer is making me more money than my hammer ever did. Last month was the first time that I did not have a billable hour for myself. The big drawback is the extra weight that I have put on. I could lose 30 pounds and still not be where I was 10 years ago.

2nd- I can understand where you are coming from wanting to get back on the roof, wouldn't blame you if you did, but just keep in mind that in another 5-10 years it ain't going to be so easy. Start working towards plan B.

Thanks for sharing guys.

;)

Roofguy Said: My crews used to whine about getting a 15 x 300 roll of polyester fabric onto the roof - each weighed around 250 lbs. Id stand it up, let it drop onto my should about in the middle, then bounce it a few times to find the exact balance, then head up the ladder with it. After Id dump it over the top of the ladder onto the roof, I tell them: I dont think its asking too much for 2 of you ladies to get 2 ropes and pull a roll up the wall and onto the roof.

That usually did the trick...probably why my back hurts all the time, too.

Nice!

:laugh:

Still on the roof at 57. Thinking I might be catching up to my grandpa's work schedule. He was still working with us on barn roofs when he was 65. Not trying to prove anything, just make a living. For the first time in about 30 years we have a job in process in winter weather. Working in between snow showers to get completed. Carhartts are a man's best friend . . :lol:

:woohoo: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

My crews used to whine about getting a 15' x 300' roll of polyester fabric onto the roof - each weighed around 250 lbs. I'd stand it up, let it drop onto my should about in the middle, then bounce it a few times to find the exact balance, then head up the ladder with it. After I'd dump it over the top of the ladder onto the roof, I tell them: I don't think it's asking too much for 2 of you ladies to get 2 ropes and pull a roll up the wall and onto the roof.

That usually did the trick...probably why my back hurts all the time, too.