Will AI replace Helpers--Roofers?

AI can do 0% of the work Helpers--Roofers do at least twice as fast. None of their 18 tasks show real AI use yet. Robots can technically handle 14 physical tasks. 4 still need a person.

AI is already doing this0 · 0% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Real AI use has not reached any of this job's tasks yet.

AI could do this next0 · 0% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • No other tasks in this job can be sped up by AI today.

Robots can technically do this14 · 76% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Provide assistance to skilled roofers installing and repairing roofs, flashings, and surfaces.Robots: purpose built settings19% of time
  • Attach roofing paper and composition shingles, using nails.Robots: purpose built settings10% of time
  • Clean work areas and equipment.Robots: purpose built settings8% of time
  • Hoist tar and roofing materials to roofs, using ropes and pulleys, or carry materials up ladders.Robots: purpose built settings8% of time
  • Unload materials and tools from work trucks, and unroll roofing as directed.Robots: purpose built settings7% of time
  • Sweep and clean roofs to prepare them for the application of new roofing materials.Robots: purpose built settings5% of time
  • Set ladders, scaffolds, and hoists in place for taking supplies to roofs.Robots: purpose built settings5% of time
  • Maintain tools and equipment.Robots: purpose built settings4% of time
  • Place tiles, nail them to roof boards, and cover nailheads with roofing cement.Robots: purpose built settings2% of time
  • Attach sheets of metal to roof boards or building frameworks when installing metal roofs.Robots: purpose built settings2% of time
  • Clear drains and downspouts and clean gutters.Robots: purpose built settings2% of time
  • Locate worn or torn areas in roofs.Robots: almost anywhere1% of time
  • Apply shingles, gravel, or asphalt over the top layer of tar to protect the roofing material.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Chop tar into small pieces, and heat chopped tar in kettles.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time

Still needs a person4 · 24% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Remove old roofing materials.14% of time
  • Cover roofs with layers of roofing felt or asphalt strips before installing tile, slate, or composition materials.6% of time
  • Perform emergency leak repairs and general maintenance for a variety of roof types.2% of time
  • Check to ensure that completed roofs are watertight.1% of time

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What this means

Little of this work suits AI. The bigger change here is robots: today's robots can technically do 76% of the working time, though they are rarely cheap enough to replace people yet.

What to do next

  • Keep an eye on the 14 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 4 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters0%Helpers--Carpenters0%Helpers--Electricians0%Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons0%Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters0%Boilermakers0%

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