Nailing It: Crafting a Standout Resume for Roof Installer Positions

If you are a roof installer aiming to land better-paying projects or a stable full-time role, your resume needs to work as hard as you do on-site. Hiring managers across Europe and the Middle East quickly scan dozens of applications looking for specific proof of safety, speed, and quality. A great roof installer CV does more than list tools and past employers - it showcases achievements in square meters installed, leak-free results, and a clean safety track record.

In this guide, we break down exactly how to write a compelling, ATS-friendly resume that highlights your roofing experience. You will find examples tailored to markets like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi, salary insights in both EUR and RON, and practical tips to stand out for roles with specialized roofing contractors, industrial waterproofing firms, general contractors, and solar EPCs across Europe and the Middle East.

What Hiring Managers Want To See On a Roof Installer Resume

Before you write a single line, know what decision-makers scan for in the first 10-20 seconds. Across markets, employers typically value:

Safety-first mindset: Verified training (Working at Heights, hot works), PPE use, zero-incident streaks.
System versatility: Pitched and flat roofs, tile, slate, metal, bitumen torch-on, EPDM, TPO, PVC, green roofs, solar mounting.
Productivity and quality: Square meters installed per day, leak-free handovers, minimal rework, on-time delivery.
Weather readiness: Experience working safely in heat, wind, and cold, with solid housekeeping and protection measures.
Blueprint and spec literacy: Ability to read drawings, follow manufacturer specs, and complete details like flashing and penetrations.
Tools and techniques: Heat welding (Leister), torch work, mechanical fastening, seam testing, insulation and vapor barrier installation.
Reliability and teamwork: Strong attendance, clear communication with site leads, mentoring juniors, shift flexibility.
Mobility: Willingness to travel, driving license (B), and availability for night shifts or weekend emergency call-outs when needed.
Documentation: Daily reports, progress photos, as-built notes, hot works permits, and toolbox talks.

If your resume quickly signals these points - using specific proof and short, punchy bullets - you will likely get a call.

Choose a Format That Makes You Easy To Hire

Your layout should be clean, scannable, and ATS-friendly. Keep it to 1 page if you have up to 7-8 years of experience; 2 pages if you are a crew lead or foreman with complex projects.

Recommended structure:

Header and contact info
Professional summary (3-5 lines)
Core skills (grouped by system or function)
Professional experience (achievement bullets)
Certifications and training
Tools and materials
Education
Projects or portfolio link (optional, but valuable)

Formatting tips:

Use a simple font (Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica) at 10.5-12 pt.
Maintain clear section headings with consistent spacing.
Save and send as PDF unless the ad requests Word.
Avoid graphics, text boxes, and columns that confuse ATS.
File name example: Firstname_Lastname_Roof_Installer_Bucharest_2026.pdf
Align dates to the right, keep job titles and employers left-aligned.
Include city and country (e.g., Cluj-Napoca, Romania) to help recruiters match you locally.

Write a Summary That Proves Your Value Fast

Your summary is a short, high-impact pitch. Focus on years of experience, key systems, safety training, and one or two strong outcomes.

Tips for a strong summary:

Keep it to 3-5 lines.
Name systems and certifications relevant to the target job.
Add one measurable result (install speed, leak-free rate, safety record).
Mention mobility or languages if they help (e.g., available across Romania or ready for UAE deployment).

Sample summaries:

Entry-level (Iasi): Reliable entry-level roof installer with 1 year of apprenticeship experience on pitched tile and metal systems. Trained in Working at Heights and hot works safety. Known for precise measurements, clean flashing details, and strong attendance. Available for projects across Iasi and Suceava counties.
Experienced installer (Bucharest): Roof installer with 6+ years on flat roofs (EPDM, TPO, PVC) and bitumen torch-on in Bucharest high-rise and industrial sites. Achieved 9,000+ m2 installed in 2025 with 0 safety incidents and less than 2% punch list items. Holds Working at Heights, hot works, and first aid certificates; Category B license.
Crew lead (Cluj-Napoca): Crew lead with 10 years in industrial waterproofing and green roof systems, managing teams of 6-10. Delivered logistics park roofs of 35,000 m2 in Cluj County on time and 100% leak-free at handover. Experienced with Leister welding, quality inspections, and client walk-throughs.
Middle East-ready (Timisoara to Dubai/Doha): Flat roof specialist (EPDM/TPO) with 8 years in Romania and EU projects, OSHA-30 equivalent safety training, and heat stress awareness. Experienced in large commercial sites and stadium roofs. Ready to mobilize for UAE or Qatar with passport and clean safety record.

Showcase Core Roofing Skills That Get You Shortlisted

Group your skills to help both ATS and human readers. Include systems, safety, tools, and soft skills.

Suggested skill groups:

Roof systems: Pitched tile and slate, standing seam metal, bitumen torch-on, EPDM, TPO, PVC membranes, green roofs, skylights, gutters, downspouts, flashing, roof penetrations, parapets.
Installation methods: Mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, heat welding (Leister), torching, cold-applied liquid membranes, seam testing, vapor barrier and insulation installation.
Safety and compliance: Working at Heights, fall protection, harness and lifeline use, scaffold user awareness, hot works permits, fire watch, daily toolbox talks, incident reporting, manual handling.
Technical: Blueprint reading, measurement and cutting, surface prep, moisture checks, slope and drainage planning, CAD drawing literacy (reading), digital photo documentation.
Tools and equipment: Roofing nailers, seam rollers, heat welders, torches, utility knives, angle grinders, drill drivers, riveters, laser measures, core drills, Hilti anchors, ladders, mobile elevating work platforms.
Soft skills: Teamwork, communication with site managers, problem-solving for leaks, time management, mentoring apprentices, customer interaction.

Example skills section (ATS-friendly):

Roof Systems: EPDM, TPO, PVC, bitumen torch-on, standing seam metal, tile and slate, green roofs, gutters and flashing Methods & QA: Heat welding, torching, seam testing, mechanical fastening, vapor barriers, insulation, moisture checks, punch list closure Safety: Working at Heights, fall protection, hot works permit, fire watch, PPE, scaffold user awareness, first aid Tools: Leister welder, roofing nailer, seam roller, utility knife, grinder, drill/driver, laser measure, Hilti anchors, MEWP operation (user trained) Soft Skills: Team leadership, communication, problem-solving, reliability, documentation with progress photos

Turn Experience Into Achievements With Numbers

Hiring managers want proof, not just duties. Convert tasks into measurable results using numbers and outcomes.

Ways to quantify impact:

Area installed: m2 per day/week/month; total m2 per project.
Quality: Leak-free rate at handover, defect rate, warranty claims.
Time: On-time milestones, reduced installation time with improved workflows.
Safety: Zero-incident streaks, number of toolbox talks led, hazard close-outs.
Cost: Reduced material waste, optimized cut plans, savings from reuse.
Team: Apprentices mentored, crews coordinated, subcontractors managed.

Achievement bullet examples:

Installed 12,500 m2 of TPO membrane across 4 industrial projects in Bucharest in 2025 with 0 safety incidents and a 1.5% punch list rate.
Led a team of 8 installers in Cluj-Napoca to deliver 18,000 m2 of bitumen torch-on roofing 2 weeks ahead of schedule, meeting FM Approved specifications.
Cut daily waste by 8% on EPDM jobs through optimized sheet layout and improved seam planning, saving an estimated EUR 4,200 in materials.
Resolved chronic leak issues at 3 logistics sites by redesigning parapet flashing and penetrations; zero callbacks after heavy rain testing.
Completed 280+ hours of hot works with consistent permit compliance and no near-miss events; led daily fire watch and post-work inspections.

Tailor Your Resume To The Job Posting: A Live Walkthrough

Generic resumes get generic results. Tailor for each role by mirroring the ad's keywords and priorities.

Sample job excerpt (flat roof installer - Bucharest):

Role: Flat roof installer (EPDM/TPO)
Location: Bucharest sites
Requirements: Working at Heights, hot works permit, Leister welding, seam testing, Category B license; experience with insulation and vapor barriers; ability to read drawings; team player.

How to mirror in your resume:

Summary: Mention EPDM/TPO, Leister, hot works, Working at Heights, driving license B.
Skills: List EPDM, TPO, vapor barrier, insulation, seam testing, blueprint reading.
Experience: Add specific achievements on EPDM/TPO projects in Bucharest: m2 installed, leak-free rate, hot works compliance.
Certifications: Clearly show Working at Heights and hot works training with dates.
Tools: Name-check Leister welders and seam rollers.

Tailored achievement example:

Delivered 7,800 m2 of EPDM roofing across 3 retail sites in Bucharest; conducted daily seam tests and documented results via photos for client handover; 0 leaks in the first rainy season.

Certifications and Training That Boost Credibility

In roofing, safety and manufacturer-aligned training is often the deciding factor. Include the certificate name, issuing body, and year.

Valued certifications and courses (select those you have):

Working at Heights / Fall Protection User (Romania: SSM training aligned; EU equivalents acceptable)
Hot Works Safety (permit to work procedures and fire watch)
First Aid (basic level for construction sites)
MEWP/Scissor Lift User Training (IPAF or local equivalent user-level)
Scaffold User Awareness (not erector unless certified)
OSHA 10/30-hour (commonly accepted by Middle East employers, even if US-based)
VCA/SCC Basic Safety (Netherlands/Belgium/Germany worksites)
Manufacturer trainings: EPDM, TPO, PVC systems (e.g., Sika, Carlisle, Firestone/RubberGard) where available
Asbestos Awareness (for refurbishment sites, if applicable)

How to list them:

Certifications

Working at Heights (SSM), 2025
Hot Works Safety & Fire Watch, 2024
First Aid (Construction), 2024
MEWP User Training (Scissor & Boom), 2025
EPDM System Installer Workshop (Manufacturer-led), 2023

Tools, Materials, and Technologies To Name-Drop

Being specific proves you can be productive from day one.

Membranes: EPDM (RubberGard-style), TPO (Sarnafil-style), PVC, bitumen torch-on, liquid-applied coatings.
Insulation and barriers: PIR/PUR boards, mineral wool, XPS, vapor barriers, primers.
Flashing and metals: Aluminum, zinc, galvanized steel, standing seam panels, gutters, downspouts, expansion joints.
Tools: Leister Triac/ST heat welders, seam rollers, torch kits, roofing nailers, chalk lines, utility knives, angle grinders, drill drivers, riveters, Hilti anchors, laser measures.
QA: Seam probes, test welds, peel tests, moisture meters, drone photo capture (if used for documentation).

Example listing under Tools & Materials:

Tools & Materials: Leister heat welder, seam roller, torch kit (hot works), roofing nailer, grinder, drill/driver, Hilti anchors, laser measure; EPDM, TPO, PVC membranes; PIR insulation; bitumen torch-on sheets; aluminum flashing and gutters.

Safety and Compliance: Show You Protect People and Property

Employers need installers who return home safe and keep the site out of trouble. Include safety in your summary, experience bullets, and a dedicated safety line.

Strong safety indicators:

Zero incident streak length (e.g., 24 months)
Number of toolbox talks delivered or attended
Hot works permits managed with fire watch duration
Weather protocols followed (wind limits, heat stress breaks)
Housekeeping and edge protection checks

Sample bullets:

Maintained a 0-incident record across 22 consecutive months; daily pre-start inspections of harnesses and lifelines.
Enforced hot works permit steps on torch-on jobs, including 60-minute post-work fire watch; no smolder events recorded.
Stopped work in high wind conditions above manufacturer limits; rescheduled tasks to maintain safety and productivity.

Projects Portfolio: How To Reference It Professionally

Photos and project lists can win interviews. Keep it professional and respectful of client confidentiality.

Create a simple portfolio PDF or online folder with labeled photos (project name, city, m2, system, year).
Blur client logos if needed and avoid sharing proprietary drawings.
On the resume, add a line like: Portfolio with project photos and QA logs available upon request or via link.
Example: See portfolio: bit.ly/firstname-roofing (custom short link).

Salaries and Market Signals: Romania and Middle East Snapshot

Compensation varies by city, system complexity, overtime, and whether you work for a subcontractor or a general contractor. The ranges below are approximate and can shift with demand and certifications. For a simple comparison, assume EUR 1 = RON 5 (rounded).

Romania (approximate monthly take-home for installers):

Bucharest:
- Entry-level/apprentice: RON 3,500 - 4,500 (EUR 700 - 900)
- Experienced installer: RON 5,500 - 7,500 (EUR 1,100 - 1,500)
- Crew lead/foreman: RON 7,500 - 10,000 (EUR 1,500 - 2,000)
Cluj-Napoca:
- Entry-level/apprentice: RON 3,300 - 4,200 (EUR 660 - 840)
- Experienced installer: RON 5,000 - 7,000 (EUR 1,000 - 1,400)
- Crew lead/foreman: RON 7,000 - 9,500 (EUR 1,400 - 1,900)
Timisoara:
- Entry-level/apprentice: RON 3,200 - 4,100 (EUR 640 - 820)
- Experienced installer: RON 4,800 - 6,800 (EUR 960 - 1,360)
- Crew lead/foreman: RON 6,800 - 9,200 (EUR 1,360 - 1,840)
Iasi:
- Entry-level/apprentice: RON 3,000 - 4,000 (EUR 600 - 800)
- Experienced installer: RON 4,500 - 6,500 (EUR 900 - 1,300)
- Crew lead/foreman: RON 6,500 - 8,800 (EUR 1,300 - 1,760)

Middle East (often includes housing/transport/OT):

UAE/Qatar/Saudi Arabia field installer: EUR 1,100 - 2,200 equivalent per month, plus accommodation, transport, and overtime. Supervisors/foremen can reach EUR 2,000 - 3,000+ with strong English and safety credentials.

What affects your position in these ranges:

Certifications (hot works, MEWP, Working at Heights)
Membrane specialization (EPDM/TPO/PVC vs basic shingles/tiles)
Project type (industrial logistics, stadiums, malls, hospitals)
Overtime availability and night shift allowances
Employer type (specialist roofing contractor often pays more than small general contractors)

Use these numbers to benchmark your expectations and to present your value when discussing offers.

Typical Employers and Where To Aim Your CV

Roof installers are hired by a mix of companies:

Specialist roofing and waterproofing contractors handling flat and pitched systems.
Industrial waterproofing and insulation firms for logistics parks and factories.
General contractors on large builds needing dedicated roofing crews.
Solar EPCs installing PV systems that require structural mounting on roofs.
Facility management providers for maintenance and leak remediation.
Public-sector projects awarded through tenders (schools, hospitals, municipal buildings).

In Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi, strong activity comes from logistics parks, retail centers, commercial offices, and residential developments. Target your resume to companies actively posting for EPDM/TPO/PVC or bitumen torch-on skills.

Sample Resume Template You Can Adapt

Use the outline below as a starting point and fill it with your details and numbers.

Firstname Lastname

City, Country | Phone | Email | LinkedIn/Portfolio (optional) | Driving License B

Professional Summary Reliable roof installer with X years across EPDM/TPO/PVC and bitumen torch-on systems. Installed over Y m2 on logistics and retail sites with a Z% leak-free handover rate. Trained in Working at Heights, hot works, and MEWP user-level safety. Available for projects in Bucharest and nationwide travel.

Core Skills

Roof Systems: EPDM, TPO, PVC, bitumen torch-on, standing seam metal, tile and slate, gutters and flashing
Methods & QA: Heat welding, torching, mechanical fastening, seam testing, vapor barrier, insulation, moisture checks
Safety: Working at Heights, fall protection, hot works permit, fire watch, first aid, PPE, scaffold user awareness
Tools: Leister welder, roofing nailer, seam roller, torch kit, drill/driver, grinder, laser measure, Hilti anchors
Soft Skills: Teamwork, problem-solving, time management, client walk-throughs, mentoring apprentices

Professional Experience Roof Installer | Company Name, City, Country | MM/YYYY - Present

Installed X m2 of TPO roofing across Y projects with a Z% punch list rate and 0 incidents in the last N months.
Executed vapor barrier and PIR insulation to specification; documented daily progress photos for QA.
Conducted seam tests and performed corrective actions immediately, reducing rework by X%.

Roof Installer | Company Name, City, Country | MM/YYYY - MM/YYYY

Completed X m2 of bitumen torch-on roofing on two logistics parks; maintained hot works permits with fire watch.
Coordinated with crane/MHE schedules to stage materials and cut idle time by X%.
Assisted with client handovers, closing punch lists within 48 hours on average.

Certifications

Working at Heights (SSM), 2025
Hot Works Safety & Fire Watch, 2024
First Aid (Construction), 2024
MEWP User Training, 2025
Manufacturer EPDM Installer Workshop, 2023

Tools & Materials Leister welders, seam rollers, torch kits, roofing nailers, utility knives, grinders, drill/drivers, Hilti anchors; EPDM/TPO/PVC membranes; PIR insulation; bitumen sheets; aluminum flashing and gutters.

Education Vocational High School in Construction Trades, City, 20XX

Projects & Portfolio

Logistics Park Roof, Cluj County (18,000 m2, TPO, 2025) - leak-free at handover
Retail Center, Bucharest (6,500 m2, EPDM, 2024) - punch list under 2% Portfolio link: bit.ly/firstname-roofing

References Available on request (or list 1-2 with permission)

Special Situations: How To Position Your Background

Entry-level or apprentice:
- Highlight training (Working at Heights, hot works) and any hands-on practice from vocational school.
- Emphasize speed of learning, attendance, and detail work like flashing and cleanup.
- Include volunteer or family business roofing if relevant, with m2 and outcomes.
Seasonal, temp, or project-based work:
- Group projects under one employer or list each project with clear dates.
- Use bullets to explain system types and results rather than repeating duties.
Self-employed or PFA/micro-company:
- Title: Owner - Roof Installer (Self-employed)
- List key clients or project types (residential metal roofs, industrial waterproofing) and summarize totals by year.
- Add a short line on estimating, procurement, and client communication to show broader responsibility.
Employment gaps:
- If you took time off, mention training completed, portfolio updates, or short-term gigs.
- Keep it factual and brief; pivot back to your current readiness and certifications.

Keywords For ATS: Sprinkle, Do Not Stuff

Use target keywords naturally, especially in your summary, skills, and experience bullets:

Systems: EPDM, TPO, PVC, bitumen torch-on, standing seam metal, tile, slate, green roof, gutters, flashing, skylights
Methods: Heat welding, mechanical fastening, seam testing, vapor barrier, insulation, moisture check, primer, parapet
Safety: Working at Heights, fall protection, hot works permit, fire watch, PPE, scaffold user awareness, first aid
Tools: Leister, roofing nailer, seam roller, torch, grinder, drill/driver, Hilti anchors, laser measure, MEWP
Project types: Logistics parks, retail centers, warehouses, residential blocks, schools, hospitals

Proofreading and Final Checks

Before you send the resume, run through this checklist:

Contact info correct and professional email address
3-5 line summary with systems, safety, and a number-backed result
Skills grouped and aligned to the job posting
Experience bullets measurable (m2, leak-free rate, incidents, time saved)
Certifications listed with dates
File named clearly and saved as PDF
No spelling errors (especially system names and tools)
City and mobility preferences visible (e.g., Timisoara-based, willing to travel)

Cover Letter: Short, Specific, and Useful

A compact cover letter can boost your chances. Keep it to 120-180 words and focus on fit.

Sample paragraph for a Bucharest EPDM/TPO role:

I am applying for your Flat Roof Installer role in Bucharest. Over the last 3 years I installed more than 14,000 m2 of EPDM and TPO across retail and logistics sites with a 1.8% punch list rate and 0 safety incidents. I hold Working at Heights, hot works, and MEWP user training, and I am experienced with Leister heat welding and daily seam testing. I can mobilize within 2 weeks and have a Category B license for travel between sites. I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can help you deliver leak-free handovers on your upcoming projects.

Real Examples That Impress Romanian Employers

To make your resume resonate in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi, consider adding:

City-specific projects: Name the city and project type (e.g., Cluj logistics park, Bucharest retail center).
Weather performance: Mention safe operation under summer heat in Timisoara or winter wind in Iasi with schedule adjustments.
Team collaboration: Many sites mix crews from different regions; note how you coordinate and communicate effectively.
Language: If you can read basic English manuals/specs, say so; helpful for international contractors.

Example bullets by city:

Bucharest: Assisted with 9,200 m2 of PVC roofing on a retail center; coordinated night shifts to avoid customer disruption; turnover completed 3 days early.
Cluj-Napoca: Delivered 14,500 m2 of TPO on a logistics park with 0 lost-time incidents; mentored 3 apprentices to independent seam welding in 6 weeks.
Timisoara: Installed 6,800 m2 of bitumen torch-on roofs during a hot summer; implemented heat stress breaks and hydration plan with no productivity loss.
Iasi: Completed 4 residential blocks with standing seam metal roofs; achieved precise valley and ridge details leading to 0 leak callbacks.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Listing duties only: Replace generic lines like Responsible for roofing with measurable achievements.
Omitting safety: Not showing Working at Heights or hot works training can be a deal-breaker.
Overloading with jargon: Use clear terms and explain results; mix technical with plain language.
Using fancy layouts: ATS may not read columns, icons, or tables; stick to simple headings and bullets.
Forgetting location and availability: Always state your base city and travel readiness.
Not tailoring: If the ad wants EPDM, list EPDM upfront; do not hide it under Other skills.

How To Present International Readiness (Middle East Focus)

If you are open to UAE, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia projects:

Add a Mobility line: Passport valid to 20XX, ready to mobilize in X weeks.
Safety training: Note OSHA 10/30 or equivalent safety courses and heat stress awareness.
Language: Basic English for safety briefings and paperwork is often required - mention your level.
Project scale: Reference any large industrial or commercial roofs (malls, logistic hubs, stadiums).
Documents: You can say Medical and police clearance available on request (do not include personal data).

Sample resume line:

Mobility: Valid passport, ready to mobilize in 3 weeks for UAE/Qatar projects; OSHA-30 equivalent safety training completed in 2025.

Resume Review Checklist: Final 60-Second Scan

Summary proves system expertise + safety + one number-backed win
Skills include the exact systems and tools in the job ad
Each job shows at least 2-3 measurable achievements
Certifications are current and visible
File is ATS-friendly, no columns or images
City and travel flexibility are clearly stated
Portfolio link (optional) is short and professional

Call To Action: Get Expert Help From ELEC

A sharp, targeted resume can be the difference between waiting and working. If you want a quick, professional review or tailored feedback for roles in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, or Middle East deployments, ELEC can help. Our recruiters know what roofing and waterproofing employers prioritize and can coach you to present your experience in the strongest possible way.

Request a free CV check and keyword scan.
Get a list of in-demand skills for your target city.
Be matched with current openings that fit your systems expertise and certifications.

Contact ELEC today to fast-track your next roofing assignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Should my roof installer resume be one page or two?

If you have under 7-8 years of experience, aim for one page with tight, measurable bullets. If you are a crew lead, foreman, or have broad system expertise and major projects across several cities, two pages are acceptable. Keep the most recent 5 years detailed and older roles summarized.

2) Do I need to include photos of my work?

Not in the resume itself. Instead, add a short Portfolio available upon request or link. A compact, well-labeled portfolio with 6-10 project photos and brief captions (city, m2, system, year) is ideal and avoids large email attachments.

3) How do I list self-employed or PFA roofing work?

Use a clear title like Owner - Roof Installer (Self-employed), include location and dates, then quantify: X projects per year, Y m2 installed, Z% leak-free handovers, and relevant systems. Add 2-3 client references if you have permission.

4) Which certifications matter most for flat roof roles?

Working at Heights, hot works safety, and MEWP user training are often mandatory. For membranes, manufacturer trainings for EPDM/TPO/PVC are a plus. First aid and scaffold user awareness also help, and OSHA 10/30 can be valuable for Middle East projects.

5) How can I show teamwork if I was not a formal supervisor?

Mention how many people you worked with regularly, how you supported the lead, and any mentoring of juniors. For example: Collaborated in a crew of 6; trained 2 apprentices in safe torch work and seam testing.

6) Should I translate my CV to English for Romania-based roles?

Many Romanian employers accept Romanian-language CVs. However, if the contractor is international or the job ad is in English, send an English version. If you target the Middle East or multinational GC projects in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, or Iasi, an English CV is recommended.

7) Do I list every tool I have ever used?

Focus on tools relevant to the job posting and system types you want to work on. Name specific, recognizable tools (Leister, roofing nailer, Hilti anchors) and group the rest under a short Tools & Materials section to keep it concise.