Siding and gutter installers install and repair siding and gutters on buildings.
What Do Siding and Gutter Installers Do?
Siding is the protective material fastened to the exterior walls of buildings, while gutters are channels that run along the side of a building’s roof to collect water; siding and gutter installers are responsible for installing and repairing these important construction elements. Siders install siding made of a variety of materials, including vinyl, aluminum, wood, fiberglass, or cement fiber, first by attaching tar paper or building paper to the building to provide a base and then by laying and securing siding. They may repair and replace old siding in addition to installing new siding. Gutter installers attach gutters made of sheet metal to homes and other buildings. They may install gutters on new buildings or repair and replace old gutters.
Career Snapshot
Siding and Gutter Installers apply prefabricated panels and gutter molds (of various materials) to the outside of a structure.
(Some job titles include: Construction Laborer, Construction Worker, Curb and Gutter Laborer, Drain Layer, Helper, Laborer, Skill Labor, Union Laborer)
Job Details
Siding and Gutter Installation workers typically do the following:
- Clean and prepare construction sites by removing debris and possible hazards
- Use hand tools
- Operate or tend equipment and machines used in installation
- Follow construction plans and instructions from supervisors or more experienced workers
- Assist craftworkers with their duties
- Read plans, instructions, or specifications to determine work activities.
- Load, unload, or identify siding and gutter materials, machinery, or tools, distributing them to the appropriate locations, according to project plans or specifications
- Work as part of a team installing vinyl siding and gutters
Education and Experience - Siding and Gutter Installation workers typically learn their trade through on-the-job training (OJT). Formal education is not typically required. Those interested in Siding and Gutter Installer work should be able to demonstrate good practical skills, attention to safety, physical strength, stamina, teamwork, attention to details, accuracy, time management, and customer service. The successful completion of an apprenticeship is often required to work as a Siding and Gutter Installation worker.
Career Outlook
- Annual pay: Siding and Gutter Installers earn an average salary of approximately $50,000
- Employment growth forecast: 12% projected growth to 2024
- Entry-level education: Most have a high school diploma or equivalent
Job Prospects
Workers in this construction career sub-sector area may expect demand mirroring the level of overall construction activity. Advancement to journey level after several years of experience is possible. From there, the worker may move up to foreman or general supervisor positions. Some Siding and Gutter Installers become contractors and open their own businesses.
Professional Associations
- Vinyl Siding Institute - This organization has as its goal to further the development and growth of the vinyl and polymeric siding industry by helping to develop material, product, and performance standards in cooperation with standards-making organizations and code bodies.
- Laborers’ International Union of North America - LIUNA members are a skilled and experienced union workforce trained to work safely in the construction and energy industries. Members help build the Country’s infrastructure - from roads, bridges, and transit to schools and skyscrapers.
- American Subcontractors Association - ASA seeks to promote the rights and interests of subcontractors, specialty contractors and suppliers by building strength in community through education, advocacy, networking and professional growth.
- Associated Builders and Contractors - ABC's membership represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors.
- LIUNA Training and Education Fund - LIUNA Training and Education Fund is an important part of the Laborers’ International Union of North America and one of the premier adult training organizations in the world.
- Associated Builders and Contractors - ABC's mission is the advancement of the merit shop construction philosophy, which encourages open competition and a free enterprise approach that awards contracts based solely on merit, regardless of labor affiliation.
- Foundation for Trades - The goal of the Foundation for Trades organization is to help a new generation see the value of working with their hands and appreciating a job well done by hard work and talent. We offer a foundation of knowledge in the areas of building trades that will help propel an ever-diminishing workforce toward a rewarding future.
- Trades Women - Founded in 1979 as a grassroots support organization, the mission of Trades Women is outreach, recruitment, retention and leadership development for women in blue-collar skilled craft.
- TEACH Construction - TEACH Construction focuses on creating curriculum, and the related Instructional Resources, for the teaching of basic to intermediate skills in construction.
- North America’s Building Trades Union - NABTU is dedicated to the stability of employment and economic security of organized construction workers in North America. Its purpose is to create more work opportunities, achieve living wages and protect benefit standards, not just for the members of its 14 national and international union affiliates, but for all construction workers.
- National Skilled Trades Network - NSTN is a National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Accredited Training Sponsor (ATS) and seeks to support youth and young adults in under-served communities in acquiring the skills needed to become certified skilled trades workers and employable in the lucrative skilled trades industry.
- SkillsUSA - SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. Its mission is to help each student excel. A non-profit national education association, SkillsUSA serves middle-school, high-school and college/postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service (including health) occupations.
- AEC Business - This website is a blog and podcast forum for construction innovations. It is a great resource for construction business owners looking to up their game with strategic insights. Filled with useful how-to's and a simple writing style, it’s a must-read for construction managers wanting to stay “in the know.”
- National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) - This mission of this organization is to build a safe, productive and sustainable workforce of craft professionals. Their vision is to be universally recognized by industry and government as the training, assessment, certification and career development standard for construction and maintenance craft professionals.
- The Associated General Contractors of America - The Associated General Contractors of America works to ensure the continued success of the commercial construction industry by advocating for federal, state and local measures that support the industry.
Publications and Magazines
- Construction Today - This online magazine is all about best practices in the general building, heavy construction and associated specialty trade sectors.
- Constructor Magazine - official magazine of AGC Construction Association
- Siding Magazine - publication is specifically geared towards filling the need for useful siding information
- Builder Magazine, Siding - great builder news, products, tools, techniques...
Additional Information for Siding and Gutter Installation Worker:
