Insulation Worker

HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The work involves reading blueprints and technical specifications, installing ductwork, piping, and electrical components, charging systems with refrigerants, testing system performance, diagnosing malfunctions using specialized tools, and performing preventive maintenance. Modern HVAC work increasingly incorporates smart thermostats, zoning systems, and building automation integration. Technicians must understand electrical systems, plumbing principles, refrigeration cycles, airflow dynamics, and indoor air quality. The job varies between routine maintenance visits, new construction installations, and emergency repair calls for systems that have failed during extreme weather. Specializations include commercial refrigeration, industrial climate control, clean room environments, and energy efficiency optimization. Physical demands include working in tight spaces like attics and crawlspaces, handling heavy equipment, and exposure to temperature extremes.

Carpenters construct, install, and repair building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. Finish and custom carpenters specialize in detailed work including custom cabinetry, built-in furniture, millwork, trim installation, staircases, and architectural woodwork. The role requires reading blueprints, measuring and cutting materials precisely, joining materials using nails, screws, adhesives, and joinery techniques, and ensuring finished work meets aesthetic and structural standards. Carpenters must understand different wood species, their properties, and appropriate applications. The work spans new construction, renovation, restoration of historic buildings, and custom furniture fabrication. Each project presents unique challenges—fitting trim around irregular walls, matching existing woodwork in older homes, or translating design concepts into functional pieces. Physical demands include lifting materials, extended standing, and working at heights or in awkward positions.

Roofers install, repair, and replace roofs using various materials including asphalt shingles, metal panels, tile, slate, and membrane systems. The work involves inspecting roof structures for damage, measuring roof dimensions, removing old materials, preparing surfaces, installing underlayment and weatherproofing, cutting and fitting roofing materials, and ensuring proper drainage and ventilation. Roofers work on residential homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. The physical demands are significant—carrying heavy materials up ladders, working on steep slopes, and exposure to heat, cold, and weather conditions. Safety is paramount given the fall risks inherent in roofing work. Specializations include commercial membrane roofing, historic slate and tile restoration, solar-ready installations, and green/living roofs. The work requires understanding different material properties, regional weather considerations, and building code requirements.