Naar inhoud
HireLocal

De complete gids: zo word je dakdekker

Zo word je dakdekker: opleiding, veiligheidscertificaten, salarisverwachtingen en carrièrepaden in de VS, Polen en Nederland.

Laatst bijgewerkt: 2026-03-16Tom Reilly
Overzicht
1
Landen
ES
3-6 months for safety courses + TPC; 2 years if pursuing the FP route
Tijd tot erkenning
Leerwerktraject + examens
€19,000 - €30,000 per year (Eurostat Q1 2026)
Gebruikelijk salaris
Gezellenniveau
Gematigd
Baanperspectief
Verwachte groei · BLS 2024

Dakdekken is zwaar werk — en precies daarom betaalt het goed en zijn er volop vacatures. De meeste mensen willen hun dagen niet op een dak in de zon of de kou doorbrengen, dus wie dat wél wil, is altijd gewild. Het mediane salaris in de VS is zo'n $47.110, maar ervaren dakdekkers en voormannen verdienen regelmatig $60.000–$80.000 of meer[1]. Stormschade, verouderde daken en nieuwbouw houden de orderportefeuille jaar na jaar vol, en de OSHA-normen voor valbeveiliging maken dat werkgevers om getrainde, gecertificeerde krachten vragen[4].

Kerngegevens
Hoe je wordt opgeleidBetaald leerwerktraject — verdien terwijl je leert, geen diploma vereist
Tijd tot kwalificatie3-6 months for safety courses + TPC; 2 years if pursuing the FP route
Kosten om je te kwalificeren€200-€500 for PRL + Trabajos en Altura courses; FP enrollment €100-€400 (public)
Gebruikelijk loon (VS, gezel)$42,000–$68,000
BaanperspectiefGematigd · verwachte groei

Loon en perspectief: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 (gecontroleerd May 2026). Tijd en kosten: erkenningseisen, steekproef VS. Schat je salaris →

Repareer het zelf

Alle doe-het-zelf gidsen →

Een dag uit het leven

Een werkdag als dakdekker

Hoe het vak er uur na uur echt uitziet — niet alleen de lijst met vaardigheden.

5:30 AM

Beat the heat — early start

Roofing is brutal under afternoon sun. Crew arrives at 5:30, sets up safety harnesses and the ladder hoist, and tears off the old shingles by 7.

9:00 AM

Underlayment + flashing

Roll out synthetic underlayment, install ice-and-water shield at the eaves and valleys, set new step-flashing around chimneys and wall intersections.

12:00 PM

Shingle the field

Snap chalk lines for course alignment, nail shingles with a coil gun (4 nails each, in the nailing strip exactly — too high or too low voids the warranty).

3:30 PM

Cleanup + magnet sweep

Tarps come down, debris into the dumpster, then a rolling magnet sweeps the lawn for stray nails. Homeowners notice the cleanup as much as the roof itself.

Route

Stappen om dakdekker te worden

  1. 1

    Rond de middelbare school af

  2. 2

    Sluit je aan bij een dakdekkersploeg of leerwerktraject

  3. 3

    Volg een veiligheidstraining (OSHA 10/30 of VCA)

  4. 4

    Leer materialen en technieken (1–3 jaar op de werkvloer)

  5. 5

    Regel de vereiste erkenning of aannemersvergunning

  6. 6

    Haal fabrikantcertificaten voor gespecialiseerd dakwerk

Kies je land voor de exacte erkenningsroute

Dagelijks werk

Wat een dakdekker dagelijks doet

Gereedschap

Welk gereedschap je nodig hebt

Handgereedschap
10
Roofing hammer (hatchet), Roofing shovel (shingle remover), Utility knife
Elektrisch gereedschap
4
Pneumatic roofing nailer, Circular saw, Air compressor
Beschermingsmiddelen
5
Fall-arrest harness and lanyard, Hard hat, Non-slip boots

Geschatte startkosten: $800–$3,000 for hand tools, nailer, and safety gear

Bekijk de volledige gereedschapsgids
FAQ

Veelgestelde vragen

  • How long does it take to become a roofer?
    Most US roofers learn entirely on the job and reach full proficiency in 1–3 years. Formal apprenticeships through the United Union of Roofers (UURWAW) take 3 years. Some states require contractor licensing for crew leads — adding 4+ years experience plus exams. EU paths: Polish szkoła branżowa (3 years) for dekarz, Dutch BBL roofing program (2–4 years).
  • How much do roofers earn?
    U.S. roofers earn a median of $48,300 per year, with experienced foremen and crew leads at $65,000–$85,000+. Roofing contractors running their own crews can clear $100,000+. Hot, dangerous work commands a premium — top 10% earn over $77,690. In Poland, expect PLN 4,500–8,500/month; in the Netherlands, €2,800–€4,500/month.
  • Is roofing a dangerous job?
    Yes — roofing has one of the highest occupational fatality rates in construction (about 47 deaths per 100,000 workers, 10× the all-industry average). Falls cause most fatalities. OSHA requires fall protection above 6 feet. Reputable roofing companies invest heavily in safety training, harnesses, and tie-off systems — choose employers based on safety record.
  • Do roofers need licenses?
    License requirements vary by US state — about 40 states require contractor licenses for residential roofing over $500–$2,000 in value. Crew workers typically don't need individual licenses. Insurance requirements (workers' comp, liability) are universal. Polish dekarz status comes from czeladnik exam; Dutch dakdekkers work under company SVW certification.
  • Is roofing a year-round job?
    It depends on climate. In the US Sunbelt and Southeast, roofers work nearly year-round. In northern climates and Europe, work slows or stops in deep winter (below 40°F / 5°C). Many roofers in seasonal markets supplement winter income with snow removal, gutter installation, or interior work.
Begrippen

Begrippen om te kennen

  • Roofing square
    A unit of roof area equal to 100 square feet. Roofers use squares to estimate materials and labor. A 2,000 sq ft roof is about 20 squares.
  • Soffit
    The underside of the roof overhang (eaves). Soffits are vented to allow attic airflow and can be damaged by moisture or pests. Repair or replacement is often done with fascia.
  • Low-slope roof
    A roof with a pitch of 3:12 or less, commonly found on commercial buildings and modern home additions. Low-slope roofs require specific materials (membrane, built-up, or modified bitumen) and drainage systems to prevent ponding water.
  • Roof underlayment
    A water-resistant or waterproof barrier material installed directly onto the roof deck beneath shingles or other roofing materials. Provides a secondary layer of protection against leaks from wind-driven rain and ice dams.
  • Asphalt shingles
    The most common residential roofing material in the U.S. Made from a fiberglass or organic mat coated with asphalt and mineral granules. Typical lifespan is 20–30 years for standard three-tab shingles and up to 50 years for architectural (dimensional) shingles.
  • Downspout
    A vertical pipe that carries rainwater from roof gutters down to the ground or a drainage system. Properly functioning downspouts direct water away from the foundation to prevent basement flooding and foundation damage. Downspouts should discharge at least 4–6 feet from the foundation, either above grade with splash blocks or into underground drain lines.
  • Attic ventilation
    A system of intake vents (usually soffit vents) and exhaust vents (ridge vents, gable vents, or powered fans) that allows air to flow through the attic space. Proper attic ventilation is critical for two reasons: in summer, it removes superheated air (attic temps can reach 150°F / 65°C without ventilation) which reduces cooling costs and prevents premature shingle aging; in winter, it keeps the attic cold enough to prevent snowmelt and ice dams. The standard is 1 sq ft of net free area for every 150 sq ft of attic floor (or 1:300 with a vapor barrier). A roofer or HVAC technician can assess ventilation, add vents, and balance the intake/exhaust ratio. Costs range from $300–$600 for adding soffit and ridge vents to $500–$1,200 for a powered attic fan.
  • Drip edge
    A metal flashing (typically aluminum or galvanized steel) installed along the eaves and rakes (gable edges) of a roof that directs water away from the fascia board and into the gutter. Without a drip edge, water follows the roof deck edge and wicks back under the shingles or behind the fascia by capillary action, causing rot, mold, and soffit damage that's invisible until it's advanced. Building code (IRC R905.2.8.5) requires drip edge on all asphalt shingle roofs in most U.S. jurisdictions. It's installed under the first course of underlayment at the eaves and over the underlayment at the rakes. Drip edge comes in profiles labeled D, F, or L — type D (or DL) is the most common for residential roofs and has a pronounced kick-out that pushes water into the gutter. Cost: $1–$3 per linear foot for material; labor is minimal when installed during a roof replacement but runs $5–$10 per foot as a retrofit. A missing or improperly installed drip edge is one of the most common code violations found during roof inspections.
  • Soffit vent
    An intake vent installed in the soffit (the underside of the roof overhang) that allows fresh outside air to enter the attic. Soffit vents work in tandem with exhaust vents at or near the roof ridge to create continuous airflow that removes heat and moisture from the attic space. Without adequate soffit ventilation, attics overheat in summer (increasing cooling costs 10–20%) and trap moisture in winter (causing mold, rot, and ice dams). Most building codes require 1 sq ft of net free ventilation area for every 150 sq ft of attic floor. Soffit vents come in several styles: continuous strip vents, individual round or rectangular vents, and perforated soffit panels. A common problem is insulation blocking the soffit vents from inside the attic — installing baffles ($1–$2 each) keeps insulation away from the vents. Cost to add or replace soffit vents: $300–$600 for a typical home; included in most new roof installations.
  • Ridge vent
    A ridge vent is an exhaust ventilation component installed along the entire peak (ridge) of a sloped roof. It works in partnership with soffit vents at the eaves to create a continuous, passive airflow system: cool outside air enters through the soffit vents, rises as it warms inside the attic, and exits through the ridge vent at the top. This convective loop removes excess heat in summer and moisture-laden air in winter, protecting the roof deck, insulation, and framing from damage. Ridge vents are considered the most effective exhaust vent type because they ventilate evenly along the full length of the roof rather than at isolated points like box vents or turbine vents. Most modern ridge vents are low-profile shingle-over designs that are nearly invisible from the ground, preserving curb appeal. They include an internal baffle that prevents rain, snow, and insects from entering while still allowing air to pass freely. Building codes typically require 1 square foot of net free ventilation area per 150 square feet of attic floor (or 1:300 with a vapor barrier). A standard ridge vent provides about 18 square inches of net free area per linear foot. Materials cost $2 to $4 per linear foot for the vent itself; professional installation during a re-roof adds $400 to $800 for a typical home. Retrofitting a ridge vent onto an existing roof costs $800 to $1,500 because the roofer must cut a slot along the ridge and re-shingle around the vent. Common issues include clogged baffles from attic insulation blown too close to the ridge, cracked or lifted shingles over the vent, and improper installation that allows water infiltration. A qualified roofer should inspect ridge vents during routine roof maintenance every 3 to 5 years.
Blader door de hele begrippenlijst
Van vak wisselen

Overstappen naar Dakdekker

Construction / Laborer

I was hauling materials and doing whatever the foreman needed for years. Once I started focusing on roofing, everything changed. I learned shingle patterns, flashing techniques, and ice-dam prevention. Within three years I was running my own crew and setting my own rates.Carlos V., Former Laborer, now Roofing Contractor
Lees het hele verhaal

IT / Tech

Samenvatting van de redactie

De overstap van IT / Tech naar Dakdekker is realistisch. Hieronder de vaardigheden die je meeneemt en de gebruikelijke hobbels.

Neem je mee

  • Logical troubleshooting and root-cause analysis
  • Reading specs, schematics, and technical documentation
  • Methodical problem-solving

Let op

  • The physical day takes adjusting to after years at a screen
  • Tool, code, and regulatory knowledge needs deliberate study
  • Apprenticeship pay is below knowledge-worker salary for 1–2 years

Office / Knowledge work

Samenvatting van de redactie

De overstap van Office / Knowledge work naar Dakdekker is realistisch. Hieronder de vaardigheden die je meeneemt en de gebruikelijke hobbels.

Neem je mee

  • Project management and scheduling
  • Customer communication and expectation-setting
  • Estimating, quoting, and invoicing

Let op

  • Hands and back have to build up — physical conditioning takes months
  • Tool kits and safety gear are an upfront investment
  • Customer relationships in trades are face-to-face and immediate

Retail / Customer service

Samenvatting van de redactie

De overstap van Retail / Customer service naar Dakdekker is realistisch. Hieronder de vaardigheden die je meeneemt en de gebruikelijke hobbels.

Neem je mee

  • Reading customer concerns and de-escalating
  • Working a long day on your feet
  • Inventory and cash handling

Let op

  • Trades require formal training that retail rarely does
  • Working solo is different from a team store environment
  • Liability and insurance need to be set up before you can solo
Vind een opleiding
Salariscalculator

Salary calculator

Estimate what you'd earn with your specific trade, region, experience level, and any regulated specialty certs.

Estimated pay

$52.500$85.000/ year

Country base × region 1.25 × experience 1.00 × specialty 1.00 = total 1.25× the country journeyman range.

Estimate only. Real pay depends on employer, hours, and local market. Multipliers calibrated from BLS / GUS / CBS / INE 2024 — see methodology on the salary comparison page.

Salarisvergelijking

Zie hoe het loon van een dakdekker zich verhoudt tot andere vakken, per land.

Bekijk de salarisvergelijking

Lokale vraag naar dakdekkers

Zie hoe groot het tekort aan dakdekkers nu is, stad voor stad — een score van 0–100 op basis van lokale vraag versus beschikbare vakmensen.

Open de vraagzoeker
Bronnen

Bronnen en referenties

Salariscijfers, werkgelegenheidsprognoses en erkenningseisen komen uit de volgende officiële bronnen.

  1. 1
    Occupational Outlook Handbook: Roofers
    U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · geraadpleegd 2026-04-26
  2. 2
    NRCA Roofing Manual
    National Roofing Contractors Association · geraadpleegd 2026-04-26
  3. 3
    ENERGY STAR Roof Products
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency / DOE · geraadpleegd 2026-04-26
  4. 4
    OSHA Fall Protection in Construction
    U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration · geraadpleegd 2026-04-26
  5. 5
    Polskie Stowarzyszenie Dekarzy (PSD) — kwalifikacje zawodowe
    Polish Roofing Association · geraadpleegd 2026-04-26
  6. 6
    Vakopleiding Dakdekker — opleidingen en erkenningen
    Stichting Vakopleiding Bouwbedrijf / Bouw & Infra Park · geraadpleegd 2026-04-26