Roofing installs a roof covering on a building. It is the process of putting the shingles, tiles, membrane, or metal on the roof deck. The roof is the building's first line of defense against the weather. It must shed water, resist wind, and last for decades. Roofing is a skilled trade. It is also one of the most dangerous. Roofers work at height, in the heat, and in the cold. Falls are the leading cause of death in the trade.

Roofing materials vary. Asphalt shingles are the most common in North America. They are cheap, easy to install, and last 15 to 30 years. Metal roofing is durable and energy-efficient. It lasts 40 to 70 years. Tile roofing is heavy and long-lasting, used in Mediterranean and Spanish styles. Slate is expensive and beautiful, lasting over 100 years. Flat roofs use membranes like TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen. Each material has its own installation method, cost, and lifespan.

Roofing is more than the covering. It includes the underlayment, the flashing, the vents, the gutters, and the drainage. The underlayment is a water-resistant barrier. The flashing seals the joints around chimneys, skylights, and walls. The vents allow the attic to breathe. The gutters collect the water. The drainage directs it away. A roof that is installed without these details will leak. The roofing contractor must understand the whole system. The roof is not just a cover. It is a system. It protects everything below it.