Noun. A roofer is someone who builds or fixes roofs. Roofing is the process of covering and protecting a building's exterior surface with a protective layer of material called as shingles or tiles. The person responsible for installing the roofing materials is called a roofer. Roofing is also the act of repairing any defect on the surface of a house's roof regardless of its material. The term "roofer" is used to describe people who do roof work. There are many types of roofers including commercial roofers, construction roofers, residential roofers, and specialty roofers such as steeple jacks and water proofers. Commercial roofers build roofs that protect businesses from the elements. They may be required by law to have business licenses in some states. In other states they are allowed to operate without a license as long as they follow certain procedures. For example, they must hold themselves out as able to perform work in order to be licensed. Construction roofers build roofs for new homes and buildings.