The main difference comes down to the scope of their expertise, as a carpenter is a generalist who builds the structural skeleton of a house, while a roofer is a specialist focused solely on the protective outer shell. Carpenters work with wood to frame walls, install beams, and handle trim or cabinetry, whereas roofers deal specifically with shingles, metal, or tiling to ensure the structure is watertight. You should generally hire a carpenter for the heavy structural build or interior finish work, but you definitely want a dedicated roofer for any issues concerning water intrusion, ventilation, or shingle replacement. While their tasks might overlap when installing rafters or roof decking, the roofer brings the specific trade knowledge needed to prevent leaks and meet local building codes for weatherproofing. Think of the carpenter as the person who builds the bones of the structure and the roofer as the person who ensures those bones stay dry and protected for decades to come.