Roofers and tinsmiths

Wondering how to tell the different trades apart on your worksite? It’s not just roofers you’ll find on a construction site. Often, a tinsmith and a carpenter will also be present, as they specialize in specific aspects of roofing.

No worries, the roofing experts at Duro-Toit in Montreal are here to explain the characteristics and roles of each trade, so you can better understand their various tasks and responsibilities.

Consultant

Whether visiting your home or meeting you at our office, the Duro-Toit consultant is your first point of contact. They will work directly with you to prepare a quote and coordinate the upcoming work. Fully familiar with all our products and services, your consultant will be able to answer all your questions, help you choose the right materials, and recommend the most suitable type of intervention.

Meet our knowledgeable consultants today!

Inspector

Armed with a notepad and pencil, our inspectors are the ones who will come to your home to thoroughly assess your current roofing system. They will carry out a detailed multi-point inspection, taking note of any issues both inside and outside that may indicate roofing problems.
They’ll then provide a full diagnostic, along with recommendations—whether it’s for a minor local repair or a full roof replacement.

Tinsmith

The word tinsmith comes from the fusion of “tin” and “smith.” As the name implies, this expert handles the fabrication, preparation, installation, and shaping of metal roofing components, usually made of galvanized steel.
Whether it’s building ventilation systems, installing sheet metal structures, or laying a full metal roof, you’ll need to call on this specialist—usually equipped with snips, pliers, and other metalwork tools.

Carpenter

A more familiar trade, the carpenter specializes in working with wood. While their expertise goes far beyond roofing alone, within the context of roof work, they’re often responsible for adding wooden structural elements and framing components.
Their role is so varied that they usually carry a full set of tools in a large toolbox. You’ll likely spot them with a pneumatic nail gun in hand and a pencil tucked behind the ear.

Service technician

Skilled in all types of roofing materials, the service technician is the go-to expert for emergency roof repairs. They arrive with a fully equipped service unit, carrying a wide array of coatings and sealants.
Ready to tackle any type of roof, this pro comes prepared with every tool needed for fast, effective interventions. However, you’ll likely only see them if something goes wrong—which we hope won’t be the case!

Roofer

This building professional is in charge of installing, maintaining, and repairing roofing membranes and insulation. You’ll recognize a roofer by the typical tools they carry—like a blowtorch, pneumatic nail gun, the iconic roofer’s hatchet, and of course, their safety harness.

As for the team leader, you’ll recognize them by their white hard hat. They are responsible for managing the team and ensuring that all work is completed safely and correctly. They also interpret the work orders prepared ahead of time by the technical consultants.