Roof Replacement in Chicago

Our Roof Replacement Process

1. Free inspection and written estimate

   We assess the existing roof, the attic, the ventilation and the deck condition, photograph what we find, and give you an itemised estimate with material options at different price points.

2. Property protection and tear-off

   We tarp landscaping, protect walls and windows, then strip the old roofing down to bare deck. Debris goes straight into a dumpster, never onto your yard or your neighbour's.

3. Deck inspection and repair

   With the deck exposed we can finally see the truth. Soft, rotted or delaminated sheathing is replaced before anything new goes down — this is the step cheap bids skip.

4. Ice & water shield and underlayment

   In Chicago this is not optional. Self-adhering membrane goes at the eaves, in every valley and around every penetration, then synthetic underlayment across the field.

5. New flashing throughout

   Step flashing at walls, counter-flashing at chimneys, new pipe boots and valley metal. Old flashing is never reused — it is the most common source of leaks on an otherwise sound roof.

6. Ventilation correction

   We balance intake and exhaust to code. Getting this wrong traps heat and moisture in the attic, which is how ice dams form and how a new roof ages prematurely.

7. Installation to manufacturer spec

   Correct nail count, correct placement, correct starter and ridge products. This is what keeps your material warranty valid.

8. Magnetic sweep and walkthrough

   We magnet-sweep the whole property for nails, clear the gutters of debris, then walk the finished job with you before asking for final payment.

Signs It Is Time to Replace Rather Than Repair

• The roof is 20+ years old and has never been replaced
• Granules filling the gutters, and bare patches visible on the shingles
• Shingles curling, cupping or cracking across whole slopes rather than in one spot
• Repeat leaks in different places, winter after winter
• Soft or spongy areas underfoot on the roof deck
• Visible sagging along the ridge or between rafters
• Ice dams forming every year no matter how much you clear them
• You are preparing to sell and the roof will not pass inspection

How Long Does It Take?

Generally we can begin within 1 day after the contract is signed, once the quote is accepted and any necessary permits are secured. A typical Chicago bungalow or single-family shingle roof takes one to three days. Larger buildings, steep or complex roofs, and flat roof systems take longer. Weather is the main variable — we will not open a deck we cannot dry in, and we will tell you honestly if the forecast pushes your start date.

Not sure yet? Compare with roof repair