Distinguishing Between Roofers and Roof Plumbers: Key Differences Explained

You’re scrolling the internet on your phone, looking for someone to fix the mess on your roof — maybe it’s a leak, maybe you’re planning a full replacement. But two terms keep showing up: “roofer” and “roof plumber.”

Now you’re stuck wondering… aren’t they the same thing?

That confusion is totally normal. These words get tossed around a lot, and unless you’re in the trade, it’s hard to know who does what. You just want the job done right — no guessing, no calling the wrong person, no paying twice.

This guide is written exactly for that moment. Not a dictionary definition. Just a straight-up breakdown so you can figure out who to call, for what job, and why it matters. In this article, we seek to offer an in-depth look into roofers’ and plumbers’ roles. We aim to depict each profession’s responsibilities clearly, what sets them apart, and where their roles intersect. By the end of this reading, we hope to provide you with a detailed understanding of these professions, which can guide you in making an informed decision when you next need to call a roofing professional.

Roofer vs Roof Plumber: Job Roles Comparison

Task / Job Role	Who Typically Handles It	Best Person for the Job
Installing roof tiles or shingles	Roofer	Roofer
Repairing broken or missing tiles/shingles	Roofer	Roofer
Sealing roof leaks and cracks in tiles	Roofer	Roofer
Fitting metal roofing panels (e.g., Colorbond, zincalume)	Roofer	Roofer
Installing roof underlayment (e.g., sarking)	Roofer	Roofer
Laying insulation beneath the roofing surface	Roofer	Roofer
Re-bedding and re-pointing ridge caps	Roofer	Roofer
Installing new gutters and downpipes	Roof Plumber	Roof Plumber
Replacing damaged or rusted gutters	Roof Plumber	Roof Plumber
Designing stormwater drainage systems	Roof Plumber	Roof Plumber
Installing or repairing flashing around chimneys and skylights	Roof Plumber	Roof Plumber
Roof drainage maintenance (checking flow, clogs, slope issues)	Roof Plumber	Roof Plumber
Installing box gutters or custom drainage systems	Roof Plumber	Roof Plumber
Connecting rainwater tanks to gutters	Roof Plumber	Roof Plumber
Installing roof vents, whirlybirds, or ventilation systems	Roofer (sometimes plumber too)	Both
Performing full roof replacements (tiles or metal sheets)	Roofer	Roofer
Ensuring water run-off meets building codes	Roof Plumber	Roof Plumber
Waterproofing wet areas like balconies or box gutters	Roof Plumber	Roof Plumber
General roof inspections for wear & damage	Roofer	Roofer
Leak detection and tracing source of internal leaks	Both (depends on issue)	Both
Installing solar panels or brackets	Roofer (with solar installer)	Roofer
Roofing work for new home construction	Roofer & Roof Plumber (shared job)	Both
Roofing work for commercial buildings (industrial sheds, etc.)	Roofer & Roof Plumber (team job)	Both
Emergency storm repairs (temporary leak patches, tarp setup)	Roofer	Roofer

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What Does a Roofer Do?

Let’s say your house has old concrete tiles, and after the last storm, a few started slipping out. You also noticed water stains on the ceiling. You call in a roofer.

The roofer climbs up, checks for loose or cracked tiles, identifies the broken ridge caps, and spots spots where water is seeping in. He removes the damaged tiles, installs replacements, reseals the area, and re-points the ridge. If the damage is bigger, he might suggest a partial re-roof or full replacement using tiles or metal sheets.

That’s the typical workday of a roofer — hands-on, surface-level, structural work. They focus on building or restoring the protective outer shell of your home.

Tools Commonly Used by Roofers:

• Roofing hammer
• Chalk line
• Circular saw
• Nail gun or hammer
• Tile cutter
• Measuring tape
• Roof harness & safety gear
• Ladder or roof scaffolding
• Caulking gun (for sealing)
• Shingle ripper / pry bar

Roofers typically handle tasks such as installing new roofs, a complex task that involves assessing structural integrity, selecting the appropriate materials, and fitting them to ensure longevity and weather resistance. They are also typically involved in repairing or replacing damaged roofing materials, a task that requires a keen eye for detail and adept problem-solving skills.

Additionally, roofers undertake preventive care via roof inspections, checking for potential issues like water damage, punctures, and shrinkage. They often perform tasks such as sealing roofs to keep out moisture and insulating roofs to optimise energy efficiency.

Becoming a roofer entails several years of training and hands-on experience. This often starts with an apprenticeship and technical education, where they learn the ropes of the trade. They require a thorough knowledge of building codes, safety regulations, and architectural principles. Moreover, they constantly update their skills to keep pace with technological advances and best practices in the industry.

Roofer – Required Certifications (USA / Global)

In most U.S. states, roofers need a state contractor license. But the rules vary depending on where you are. Some places don’t require a license if the project is under a certain cost (like $1,000 or $5,000), while others are strict — no license, no work.

Minimum Requirements:

• General Contractor License or Roofing Contractor License (depends on the state)
• OSHA 10 or 30 Certification – for safety training (required on most job sites)
• Liability Insurance & Bonding – almost always a legal requirement

Nice to Have (Not always required but builds trust):

• NRCA Membership (National Roofing Contractors Association)
• Manufacturer Certifications – e.g., GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning authorized installer
• Fall Protection Training
• First Aid/CPR Certification

In Canada, Australia, and the UK, roofing is also regulated and may require trade certification or apprenticeship completion, especially for larger commercial jobs.

What Does a Roof Plumber Do?

Now imagine your gutters are overflowing every time it rains. Water is spilling over the edges and pooling near the foundation. You’re not sure if the pipes are blocked, or just not set up right. This is when you need a roof plumber.

A roof plumber inspects your gutter slope, checks for leaks or rust, and may clean or replace sections of your downpipes. They might also inspect the flashing around your skylight or the box gutters for drainage flow. If needed, they can redesign the stormwater flow to meet building codes — ensuring rainwater is directed away from your property properly.

Their job is to manage water movement, not just on the surface but through connected systems like gutters, drainage pipes, and tanks.

🛠️ Tools Commonly Used by Roof Plumbers:

• Pipe cutter and crimper
• Silicone sealant and gun
• Rivet gun
• Soldering iron (for flashing)
• Metal shears
• Laser level
• Gutter machine or forming tools
• Safety harness and PPE
• Multimeter (for pump integration if applicable)
• Plumber’s tape and joiners

Roof plumbers often work with plastic, copper, and galvanised steel materials. They ensure these components are securely attached to the building and can effectively catch and direct rainwater. Furthermore, roof plumbers install and maintain rainwater tanks, an increasingly popular feature in sustainable and eco-friendly buildings.

Another significant task carried out by roof plumbers is installing roof flashing, a thin material used to direct water away from critical areas of the roof, such as chimneys and vent pipes, where it could get inside the building.

Roof Plumber – Required Certifications (USA / Global)

Now here’s the twist — “roof plumber” is not a term used widely in the U.S. It’s more common in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. In the U.S., their job would fall under “plumber” or “mechanical contractor” depending on the task.

In countries like Australia, however, you absolutely must be a licensed roof plumber to handle drainage, flashings, and stormwater systems on roofs.

Minimum Requirements (Outside U.S., especially AU/NZ):

• Certificate III in Roof Plumbing (CPC32620) – mandatory in Australia
• State-issued license through local building authority or TAFE pathway
• White Card – required to work on construction sites in Australia
• WaterMark Certification – for using compliant plumbing materials

USA equivalent (if doing related work):

• Plumbing License (state-specific)
• Contractor Registration
• OSHA Safety Certifications

To qualify as a roof plumber, one should typically complete a Certificate III in Roof Plumbing as per AU requirements. However, achieving true proficiency involves a combination of theoretical study and practical training, where they get hands-on experience, dealing with real-world problems.

If someone is working in the U.S. doing drainage or flashing work tied to roofs, they may be considered under plumbing or general contracting laws — and should be licensed accordingly.

Comparing Skill Sets and Expertise

Roofers and roof plumbers, while part of the same industry, come with different sets of skills. Roofers are experts in crafting, maintaining, and repairing the fundamental structure of the roof. Their primary skill set revolves around understanding different roofing materials, employing proper installation techniques, and identifying and rectifying various roof damage.

Roof plumbers, on the other hand, have a skill set that is shaped around water management. They understand how water behaves and how to guide its flow to prevent unwanted seepage or pooling. Their technical knowledge of drainage systems, coupled with an ability to interpret and implement drainage plans, makes them indispensable in maintaining a water-tight roofing system.

The distinction between a roofer vs roof plumber lies not only in their technical responsibilities but also in the specific challenges they address. While there may be some overlap of skills, especially around areas like understanding architectural principles or adhering to safety practices, their areas of focus are distinct. Both fields require keen attention to detail, but where roofers need to ensure the layout of shingles or tiles is consistent for effective protection and visual appeal, roof plumbers need to ascertain that the gutter slopes are just right so that the water flows out efficiently.

Common Scenarios for Hiring Each Professional

Knowing when to call a roofer versus a roof plumber is a vital skill for effective building maintenance. Typically, a roofer would be needed when a new roof is being constructed. They also call when your roof has fallen prey to the elements and needs repair or replacement. 

Roofers are ideal professionals for those constructing a new home or commercial building, who notice leaks or damage to their roofing, or who want to upgrade or replace their existing roof. They can advise on the best roofing materials, considering factors like the area’s climatic conditions, the building’s aesthetic, and the customer’s budget.

Roof plumbers, on the other hand, would be primarily engaged when the building has issues with the rainwater system. If you notice your gutters leaking, downpipes clogged, or rainwater tanks not collecting water effectively, a roof plumber should be the one to call. 

Nevertheless, the scenario can sometimes be mixed. There can be instances where you might need both a roofer and a roof plumber. For example, a significant storm might damage the roofing materials and the building’s rainwater system, necessitating both professionals’ expertise to rectify the issues. 

Collaborative Work Between Roofers and Roof Plumbers

Roofers and roof plumbers often need to work in tandem to provide an efficient roofing solution. In certain projects, cohesion between the two professions becomes critical to successful completion. Construction of a new building is a classic example where both professionals need to work hand-in-hand from the start until the project’s end.

There may be situations where the roofer and the roof plumber must work together to respect the work sequence, ensuring no delays or rework. It can be a challenging task, especially in the case of complex projects.

However, the benefits outweigh the challenges in this collaborative approach. It promotes efficient use of resources, encourages knowledge sharing, and ensures a comprehensive solution to roofing needs. Beneath every successful roofing solution lies a strong team of both roofers and roof plumbers working earnestly towards a common goal.

Conclusion

To wrap up, it is essential to understand that even though both roofers and roof plumbers work on the same building element, i.e. the roof, their roles are distinct. While the tables of both these roles might overlap on rare occasions, each brings a unique skill set and expertise to the table.

Understanding these differences can be the key to ensuring property owners and developers’ buildings are well-protected against the elements. When your roof needs repair or maintenance, making an informed decision on whether to call a roofer, a roof plumber, or both can save you time and money in the long run. 

It’s always wise to conduct thorough research and get quotes from multiple professionals before deciding on the right one for your specific requirements. After all, the focus should always be on quality and comprehensive solutions for maintaining and preserving your property.