How Young Were You When You Started Out?

I found this photo and thought of you guys that were practically born on a roof!

Most likely 12 or 13. Like the rest, carried nails, starter shingles up the ladder to my dad. Most of the projects were dairy barns, with a few houses sprinkled in. Most of the work was done evenings and Saturdays, in between farming activities and in addition to my father's full time job. Many nights finishing up a barn roof by the light provided by the pickup headlights. Moonlight was appreciated . . .

About 22 - Started on a tear-off crew, on a Naval Base housing re-roof project,(BUR).....at about 25, passed state exam/acquired contractor license - went into business.

I was 14 before I started doing any work on the job, but then it was on like donkey kong. My Dad's plan, other than to show me the value of honest work, was to encourage me to find an easier job. It worked for a bit, but I'm a glutton for punishment.

At 19, I'd moved on to being a computer network technician for the school district. One day at random a state official showed up at my Dad's job, took everybody aside individually, and drilled them about my Dad using underage labor. Too bad he didn't have the picture at the top of this post handy.

Started out in the summers when I was 8-10 yrs. old throwing up water bottles for 3 dollars a day.

Advanced to human ladder elevator not long afterward.

This led to a personal demand that I immediately be taught how to nail on shingles or I would quit.

Soon afterwards I reached the 3 sq. an hour plateau.

Several years later I would go backwards and learn how to be a good laborer. Tearing off and such.

Then, wood work and chimney flashing among other things were added.

Next thing you know, the shingler had turned into a roofer!

OS, bet you didn't even have a fall arrest system on! Do they even make a harness for a 4 yr.old :lol: - like you said, now a days, a father would get arrested for having their child up there.

Parents have a pic of me up on a roof with my grandfather smearing roof cement around at 4 yrs of age; now what more can a kid ask for than a trowel full of 'black goo' :woohoo:

I have no idea how old I was the first time dad took me up. I remember going to look at roofs with him, but age... too young to comprehend.

First job was at around 5/6... would go with him to help break drip edge metal in the evenings. I was just heavy enough to pull the lock lever down on one side and to be of assistance lining up an edge, saving him a lot of trips back and forth across the break. A lot of it, I think, was just to be able to spend some time with me.

At 8, he started bringing home caps and a pint of paint for homes that they would be blowing insulation into. I'd paint the caps for a nickel each. Not bad for a kid to be able to make $5 a night in the early/mid70's.

I started roofing at age 16 as a regular job.

18. 30 years ago..