TL;DR: Summary
Not all roofing contractors offer the same level of expertise. While many roofers only perform standard roof replacements, roofers with carpentry and framing experience can also repair structural damage, correct framing issues, and complete complex roof redesign projects.
If your roof has rotten trusses, sagging framing, structural defects, or requires major modifications, hiring a roofer with carpentry skills can eliminate the need to coordinate multiple contractors and ensure the entire roofing system is repaired correctly. When evaluating contractors, look for evidence of framing experience through project photos, customer reviews, case studies, and detailed explanations of their work.
The key takeaway: if your project involves more than replacing shingles, choose a roofer with proven carpentry and framing expertise. Addressing structural issues during your roof replacement can prevent future problems and provide a more durable, long-lasting roof.
Are you worried that your roofer will tear off your old roof only to discover rotten rafters, broken trusses, or other structural problems they aren't equipped to fix? What happens if the contractor you hired can replace shingles but can't handle the carpentry work needed to make sure the roof underneath them is actually structurally sound?
At RoofSmart, we’ve helped hundreds of customers update and redesign their roof framing and structure. Our 15 years of experience with roofing, framing, and carpentry allows us to identify and address structural issues that a standard roofing crew may not be prepared to handle, from rotten rafters and damaged trusses to more complicated roof redesigns.
In this article, we'll explain the difference between a standard roofer and a roofer with carpentry experience, when your project may require those additional skills, and what you should look for to make sure the contractor you hire is actually qualified to handle structural roofing work.
What’s the difference between a regular roofer and one who knows carpentry?
From what I’ve seen, most roofers in the Seattle area are focused on basic roofing jobs that only involve tearing off the old roof and replacing it. Only a few roofers (like us at RoofSmart) offer services beyond that, specifically those who are experienced in framing and carpentry.
This means that your roofer might be leaving structural issues unfixed on your roof. The last thing you want is for your newly replaced roof to collapse or have other issues due to weak framing.
To get a better idea of what a roofer with carpentry skills can offer you compared to a regular roofer, take a look at this comparison:
- Standard Roofer Capabilities:
- Plywood replacement
- Fascia board replacement
- Sistering rotten rafter ends
- RoofSmart's Carpentry Capabilities:
- Repairing broken or rotten trusses and rafters
- Correcting under-framed or inconsistently sloped roof assemblies
- Plum-cutting rafters for built-in gutter conversions
- Framing chimney chases and walls
- Siding work
Basically, a roofer who has carpentry and framing skills can offer you a more comprehensive list of roofing services that you cannot get from everyone else.
Plus, when your roofer can take care of multiple projects, you don’t have to worry about hiring a carpenter and coordinating their work with your roofing contractor. Everything is run by one company, which makes the process much more efficient and easier for everyone (including you).
At RoofSmart, our crews provide a complete, lasting fix for structural problems, not just a cover-up. We pride ourselves on paying meticulous attention to detail and offering enough services to make sure that we can fix all of our customers’ roof problems.
Standard Roofer vs. Roofer With Carpentry Skills
|
Capability |
Standard Roofer |
Roofer With Carpentry Experience |
Why It Matters |
|
Tear off and replace roofing |
Yes |
Yes |
Basic roofing work |
|
Replace damaged plywood |
Yes |
Yes |
Common part of roof replacement |
|
Replace fascia boards |
Usually |
Yes |
Helps restore roof edges and gutter support |
|
Sister damaged rafter ends |
Sometimes |
Yes |
Repairs localized framing damage |
|
Replace rotten or broken rafters |
Usually limited |
Yes |
Addresses deeper structural problems |
|
Repair damaged trusses |
Usually no |
Yes |
Important when roof structure is compromised |
|
Correct under-framed roof sections |
Usually no |
Yes |
Helps prevent sagging or structural failure |
|
Reframe uneven or poorly sloped roof sections |
Usually no |
Yes |
Can improve drainage and roof performance |
|
Convert built-in gutters |
Usually no |
Yes |
Requires careful framing and carpentry |
|
Frame chimney chases or walls |
Usually no |
Yes |
Useful during major roof repairs or redesigns |
|
Handle siding-related carpentry |
Limited |
Yes |
Makes multi-system repairs easier |
|
Coordinate structural roof redesigns |
Rarely |
Yes |
Helpful for additions, vaulted ceilings, and major remodels |
|
Work from engineering plans |
Sometimes |
More likely |
Structural projects often require engineered details |
When do I need a roofer with carpentry skills?
If your roof framing needs to be updated or you want to do a roof redesign project, then you’ll need to hire a roofer with carpentry and framing experience. Basically, any time you want to alter the framing of your roof in any way, you’ll need to hire a roofer who is experienced in framing.
Plus, if you are updating your roof framing, then you might need to hire an engineer to make sure that it is structurally sound and meets current building code. A roofer who is experienced with carpentry might be able to help you troubleshoot basic engineering issues, and for everything else, they will be able to recommend an engineer.
If you just need a basic roof replacement, then you don’t necessarily need to look for a roofing contractor who also has carpentry experience. But remember to still do your research so that you find someone reliable and experienced.
How do I know if a roofer is knowledgeable about carpentry?
Finding a roofing contractor who is knowledgeable about carpentry is a matter of doing extra research. A good way to tell if a roofing contractor can help you with framing or carpentry work is if it’s listed on their website.
You can look for it on the list of services they offer or see if it’s mentioned anywhere else on their website. A roofing contractor that offers these skills should be advertising them very clearly on their website to make sure that you know they can do it.
But keep in mind that just because a roofer offers a service does not mean that they are skilled and knowledgeable in it. Here are some things that you can look for that better demonstrate skill and experience in framing or carpentry:
- Photos from jobs where they’ve done framing and carpentry work: Showing photos from multiple jobs where they’ve actually done this type of work helps you see that they have experience
- Reviews or customer testimonials that mention framing or carpentry: Looking at customer reviews that specifically talk about the framing or carpentry work that the company did is helpful because you can see that the company has that experience and you can hear about how other homeowners like you felt about their work
- Case studies about framing or carpentry work: Another great resource is a case study written by the company about a particular job. This shows you that they are knowledgeable and experienced in framing and carpentry because they give a detailed breakdown of the work and explain why they made the choices they made. It shows expertise in their field.
A trustworthy, knowledgeable roofer will be more than willing to answer any question that you have about the framing or carpentry work. Don’t be afraid to ask your roofer directly what experience they have with framing and carpentry, and (if you want) have them point you toward the reviews, testimonials, or case studies on their website.
Make sure to pay close attention to how they respond to your questions. Dodging your questions or giving vague answers is a huge red flag!
Why should you choose a roofer with carpentry experience for a roof redesign?
If your roofing project involves damaged framing, structural changes, or a complete roof redesign, choosing a contractor who can only replace roofing materials means you’ll need to search for another company to help with carpentry and framing. But already having a roofer with carpentry and framing experience means the same team can address problems beneath the roofing system instead of simply covering them up.
At RoofSmart, that ability allows us to take on more complicated projects involving damaged rafters and trusses, framing corrections, chimney chases, built-in gutter conversions, and other structural changes. When engineering is required, we can also work from those plans to make sure the finished roof is both functional and structurally sound.
Read our article “Why Choose RoofSmart to Help With Your Roof Redesign Project?” to learn how we approach complex roof redesigns, what our process looks like, and why having roofing and carpentry expertise under one roof can make these projects easier to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roofers with Carpentry Skills
1. What does it mean when a roofer also does carpentry?
It means the roofing company can do more than remove and replace roofing materials. A roofer with carpentry skills can also repair or rebuild parts of the roof structure, including rafters, trusses, fascia, walls, and other framing components.
This is especially useful when a roof replacement uncovers structural damage that cannot be fixed with new shingles or plywood alone.
2. When do I need a roofer with carpentry experience?
You may need one if your roof has:
- Rotten or broken rafters
- Damaged trusses
- Sagging sections
- Under-framed areas
- Uneven roof slopes
- Structural damage from leaks
- Major framing changes
- A redesign or addition planned
If the project changes the structure of the roof, basic roofing skills usually are not enough.
3. Can a regular roofer repair rotten roof framing?
Some can handle minor repairs, such as replacing plywood or sistering a damaged rafter end. More extensive framing work is different.
Replacing trusses, correcting poor framing, or rebuilding sections of the roof requires stronger carpentry knowledge and, in some cases, engineering guidance.
4. Why does carpentry matter during a roof replacement?
A new roof is only as strong as the structure underneath it.
If the rafters, trusses, or framing are damaged, covering them with new roofing materials does not solve the underlying problem. A roofer with carpentry experience can address those issues before the new roof is installed.
5. What happens if structural roof problems are ignored?
Ignoring framing problems can lead to:
- Continued sagging
- Cracking or movement
- Poor drainage
- Premature roofing failure
- Weak support for roofing materials
- More expensive future repairs
In severe cases, structural problems can become a safety concern.
6. Do I need an engineer for roof framing repairs?
Sometimes.
Simple carpentry repairs may not require engineering, but larger structural changes often do. Projects involving trusses, major framing redesigns, new loads, additions, or significant roof shape changes may need an engineer to create or approve the repair plan.
A roofer with framing experience should know when the project has moved beyond basic carpentry and requires professional engineering.
7. Can a roofer with carpentry skills help with a roof redesign?
Yes.
Roof redesigns often involve:
- Moving or adding framing
- Changing roof slopes
- Extending eaves
- Framing new walls
- Creating openings for skylights
- Building chimney chases
- Reinforcing existing structural components
A roofing contractor with carpentry experience is much better equipped for this type of work than a company that only installs roofing materials.
8. Is it cheaper to hire one company for roofing and carpentry?
It can be.
Using one company may reduce scheduling problems, duplicated labor, and the need to coordinate between separate roofers and carpenters. It can also make responsibility clearer because one contractor is managing both the roofing and structural portions of the project.
The total cost still depends on the amount of framing work required.
9. How can I tell if a roofer is actually experienced in carpentry?
Look for evidence rather than just a service listed on the website.
Useful signs include:
- Photos of framing projects
- Case studies showing structural repairs
- Reviews that specifically mention carpentry or framing
- Examples of truss, rafter, or wall repairs
- Clear explanations of how they approach structural problems
A knowledgeable contractor should also be able to explain when engineering is necessary.
10. What questions should I ask a roofer about their carpentry experience?
Ask questions such as:
- Have you repaired rafters or trusses before?
- Can you show me examples of framing projects?
- Do you handle structural repairs in-house?
- When do you bring in an engineer?
- Have you worked on roof redesigns or additions?
- Can you repair framing discovered during tear-off?
- Who will actually perform the carpentry work?
Clear, specific answers are a much better indicator of experience than a general claim that the company “does framing.”
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