National Roofing Week: Investing in the Next Generation of Commercial Roofers
National Roofing Week is an annual reminder of the critical role roofing professionals play in keeping our country’s infrastructure safe, resilient, and efficient. But it’s also an opportunity to look forward—to the future of our industry—and to address a challenge that is discussed each year: attracting the next generation into the trades.
A Strong Industry with Even Stronger Opportunity
Commercial and industrial roofing is a field built on craftsmanship, innovation, and grit. It's an industry that provides long-term stability, competitive pay, and a deep sense of pride. And yet, like many skilled trades, it's facing a potential labor shortage that threatens to widen in the coming years. Younger generations are entering the workforce with little exposure to trades like commercial roofing—despite the tremendous opportunities they offer.
This is not a dying trade. Far from it. It’s an evolving, technology-driven industry that blends hands-on work with cutting-edge materials, sustainable practices, and smart building systems. The demand for skilled roofing professionals is national, growing, and vital to the health of our built environment.
Breaking the Misconceptions
For too long, the trades have suffered from outdated perceptions. Commercial roofing is often misunderstood as a fallback option rather than a path to a fulfilling and financially rewarding career. That stigma needs to go. Roofing is a skilled profession. It requires training, critical thinking, and a commitment to quality. Roofers are problem solvers. Leaders. Builders.
At Silktown Roofing, Inc., we've seen firsthand how people who enter the industry with curiosity and drive can build careers that span decades. Whether starting as an apprentice or stepping into project management, the ladder of opportunity is there—and we need to do a better job showing young people how to climb it.
What the Industry Needs Now
The future of roofing depends on fresh talent and diverse perspectives. We need more outreach in high schools. More hands-on training programs. More visibility around the success stories within the trades. Industry-wide, we must help young adults see that there is dignity and growth in building something with your own hands—and that their generation is essential to taking commercial roofing to new heights.
Building More Than Roofs
This National Roofing Week, we challenge educators, parents, companies, and industry leaders to be louder advocates for the trades. We challenge young people to take a second look at careers that offer something many desk jobs can't: physical impact, team camaraderie, and a visible legacy.
At Silktown Roofing, Inc., we’re proud of our national footprint and the ambitious projects we’ve completed across the country. But we’re just as proud of the young people we’ve trained, mentored, and watched grow into leaders. That’s the real future of roofing—and we’re here to support it.
If you're a student or recent graduate curious about where a career in commercial roofing can take you, we invite you to explore the possibilities with Silktown Roofing, Inc. Whether you're interested in hands-on fieldwork, project management, or learning the business side of a growing national company, there's room for you here. Silktown is working with local organizations and schools to ensure we are a part of the positive movement to increase awareness and participation in the trades. Visit www.silktownroofing.com to learn more about who we are, what we do, and how you can be part of building the future—one roof at a time.