Chicago roofing services – What to look for in a roofing service in Chicago?

First of – it starts with what kind of work you need doing. If you’re looking for a completely new roof installation, this is obviously going to cost a lot more – and it might mean you’ll want to take a bit more time finding the right roofer.

If you’re just looking for a repair, this might change who you’re happy with. Especially if you need an urgent 24-hour repair – as some good Chicago firms do offer this sort of service.

Do you have a special roof that needs specific skills and experience?

If you’ve got a low metal roof or some other specialist type of finish, you might want to look for a roofer that has particular experience with that. Ask them what they specialze in and what experience they have with your particular roof.

If you’re looking to have your roof overlayed, there are some companies that come with a wealth of experience doing just that, as well as tearing off and starting again. Regardless of the type of roof you’ve got – you’ll want to find a firm that matches your specific needs and requirements.

Do they come recommended?

With lots of roofers available in the Chicago area, it can be difficult to know exactly who to go for. That’s why nothing beats the personal recommendation of someone you know.

We’re going to look at some of the more popular roofing services in Chicago – and you can also do further searches online (or check review sites). But if you know someone who’s had their roof done recently, ask them who they used and if they were happy with it.

Roofing firms live by their reputation, and the best ones will have lots of happy customers who’re willing to spread the word. Ask your neighbours and see who they recommend, or if they know anyone suitable.

What do they charge?

This is another important factor. You can do all the research you like, but if you can’t afford what you find – there won’t have been much point. Thankfully, most Chicago roofing companies provide free inspections and quotes.

Many of them will also compete on price. That means you can get quotes from a few different firms to see which works best for you. Not only will you be able to get the best possible quote, you’ll also be able to ask a few more questions and evaluate each roofer when they visit your property.

Sometimes, it pays in the long run to not just pick the cheapest quote, but go with the best value roofer who you think will do a great job.

How long do they think the work is going to take?

When you consult with different roofing companies, it’s best to ask them a few different questions – and this is one of them. Some companies might have a lot of manpower, and these could get the job done much more quickly. This might be more expensive, but if you’re in a rush – it could be for you.

Can you check out some of their work?

Here’s another important question. If your potential roofer is good enough – they shouldn’t hold back when talking about their previous jobs. Ask to have a look at a portfolio. If possible, visit a couple of finished jobs to see how they want (and ask the homeowner if you can).

Your roofer should be proud of their work and more than happy to show you finished examples. If not, you might want to look elsewhere.

Five top roofing services in Chicago

Roof leaks

Probably the most common service roofers get called to is roofing leaks. It doesn’t matter which type of roof you have in your home, sometimes, it will leak. Especially if you live in an area where the winter is tough, like Chicago. All materials get old, and water and fluids have a tendency to drip between pretty much anything. Sooner or later, you will call your local roofer to come fix that annoying leak.

Re-roofing

Here’s another very popular service home owners order, a reroofing job. This basically mean that most or some of their shingles are ruined or damaged enough that they need to be replaces or just re-tiled. If the damage is deep enough, sometimes you be better to just replace the whole roof. But most of the time, you can just re-roof it and make it last for many more years to come.

Shingles repair 

Shingles get damaged all the time, especially in the Chicago area where you get high winds and heavy snow. Calling a roofer to fix broken shingles should probably be first on this list, but don’t think just because it’s in number #3 on the list it’s not super popular. 

Blowoff damage – Wind damage 

Going back to the high winds issue. We can’t stress this enough. strong winds causes a lot of damage to roofs, and over time, it could add up. So after you suffer a storm or a day or week with crazy weather, you would want to check your roof and see if there’s any damage to it that will need to be fixed by your local roofer. 

General maintenance 

This is not a specific fix that needs to be done, but rather a general maintenance issues that may happen from time to time. Every roof needs to be looked at at least once a year and sometimes even more if you live in an area where there is a high probability of damage. Use this list as your guide to help you learn more about your roofing needs. 

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While flat roofs can be a cost effective solution – they aren’t always the best choice. If you already live somewhere with a flat roof, you might seriously need to consider getting your home re-roofed if you want to avoid them.

The reality of that is – a new roof can be expensive. You might not even be able to fit a new non-flat roof on your property or be allowed it because of planning restrictions.

You might be asking yourself: if flat roofs have so many problems – why do so many homes have them? There’s one common answer to that question – they’re cheap.

can be some of the quickest, easiest and least-expensive ways to get a new roof on your property and are used extensively in home developments that want a quick and cheap finish.

But often – you get what you pay for. And flat roofs have more problems than most.

If you want to know more about flat roof problems – you’re in the right place. Let’s have a look at them:

Flat roof problems: Leaks

One of the most common problems with flat roofs, and one many flat roof homeowners have been complaining about for years – is leaks. If you think you’ve had leaking problems with your traditional roof, you probably haven’t lived in a home with an old flat roof.

While some flat-roofed properties manage to get by without leaks – many don’t. While all roofs can develop leaks from time to time, because the flat roofs are flat – the water doesn’t have anywhere else to go other than straight down.

That’s why leaks are such a problem with flat roofs – it’s not that they are more likely to occur, it’s that when they do, they cause a much bigger problem.

When moisture goes straight down instead of draining off like it might on a leaky normal roof, the water can get into the roof itself and cause problems with mold and fungus.

If you’ve got a flat roof and are worried about leaks leading to complications like this – the best solution is to get your roof inspected by a professional roofing contractor often and any issues dealt with quickly and effectively as soon as you find them, to prevent any complications.

Alligatoring

While alligatoring might sound unusual – it’s actually one of the most obvious signs that your roof needs replaced. Alligatoring is a result of aged old asphalt cracking due to a loss of elasticity.

The cracked and bubbled roof is said to resemble the skin of an alligator. If this happens to your roof, there normally isn’t anything you can do about it other than getting a new roof installed.

Membrane buckle

While flat roofs are often built in a similar way to traditional shingle roofs – one way they differ is that the membrane on a flat roof is all one piece. This can cause a number of issues – particularly that over time, buckles can occur in the membrane as it doesn’t have the space to shift or move as your home does when it ages.

A buckling roof is no longer safe, and can cause even bigger problems if you leave it. You need to get a buckled roof fixed as an urgent priority.

Flashing is another common problem with a flat roof

Along with shifting due to the age of a home, asphalt roofs also expand and contract in phase with changing weather conditions. What this means for your flat roof is that extended expansion and contraction can cause the flashing to come away from the corners and edges of the roof.

This can cause moisture to get trapped inside the roof itself – causing similar issues to those we looked at earlier.

While flashing doesn’t always call for a completely new roof straight away, it needs to be maintained carefully and any leaks need to be fixed quickly and effectively. When they get too serious, you might need a new roof.

Water pooling

When it rains, there’s nowhere for the water to go on a flat roof. That’s one of the main reasons traditional pitched roofs have been so popular for centuries.

They provide easy drainage so that any water that goes on the roof can flow off. It’s also why flat roofs are mainly used in places that don’t get a lot of rainfall (or snow).

So if you’ve got a flat roof somewhere where it does rain – you’ve got problems.

As your home ages, it might move a bit and the roof may settle in, making water pooling issues even greater – and making it even harder for rainfall to drain off.

This can cause water to get into divots or dips in your roof and can even seep into deeper layers of the roof, causing further problems.

If you’ve got a flat roof, especially on a slightly older home – you might want to take extra care to make sure you’re draining it regularly, especially if it’s been raining a lot.

Make sure you sweep excess water off regularly if you have safe access to your roof. You can also install other drainage solutions. If you leave the problem without addressing it, it might cause damage that requires your roof be completely replaced.

A poorly draining flat roof could need to be completely replaced much sooner than one that drains well.

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Actually, more and more residential architects are starting to see the benefits of a low slope metal roof. They’re both cost effective and architecturally suitable for a number of different types of buildings.

So whether you’re building a new facility for your business or simply want to try something different for your residential home – in this article, we’re going to look at a few of the benefits of a low slope metal roof. You’ll see why more and more people are choosing them for their property every year.

Cheap to install, cheap to maintain

Low slope metal roofs are super cost-effective on a number of different levels. Not only are they cheap to install, they’re also importantly cheap to maintain.

They provide years of durability at a fraction of the cost of a traditional roof. That means you can put one up and then forget about it for potentially decades – all while a traditional roof needs constant care and attention to prevent cracks.

If you’ve seen how often some home-owners have to get their traditional shingle roof looked at, repaired, re-layed or replaced – you’ll start to see why a low slope metal roof could give you the easy life you’ve been looking for.

Quick and easy

Another reason low-slope metal roofs are so cheap is because they’re also quick to install – and that’s another benefit in itself. You won’t need a team of professionals working days or potentially weeks to hand-build each part of your roof. Simply ship in the right size metal roofing and get it in place in a day or two.

If you’re really in a rush – low slope metal roofing can get you the roof you need without too much fuss.

Modern finish

While low slope metal roofs might not look great on an industrial building – the main reason they’re there is because they’re cheap and durable. So if you place these things above style then a low slope metal roof should already be towards the top of your list.

But with the right architect, a metal roof can still provide a modern, stylish finish to your property – especially if it fits in with the aesthetic and material you’ve built the rest of your home with. The right metal roof can add that final touch to a modern home that wows guests for years to come.

First-rate protection

Metal slope roofs have been popular in industrial buildings for decades now – and it’s not because they’re a cost-effective way to cover large buildings.

They also provide first-rate protection against the elements and are durable for many years after construction. They allow water to drain away from the roof quickly and easily, keeping everything inside dry at all times.

They’re also really light – so you don’t have to worry about overloading. As well as this, they’re particularly resistant to heavy-winds.

Sustainable and recyclable

Low slope metal roofs are a sustainable option that won’t need replacing for many decades. As we already touched on, a metal roof won’t need much maintenance so it’s great for a building you just want to put up and forget about for a while rather than a traditional roof that needs constant care and attention.

One huge benefit of a metal roof compared to a traditional one is that they’re actually much better for the environment. You might be surprised when you hear this – as metal roofs don’t seem environmentally friendly. But that’s because most metal roofs are constructed from recyclable metal. So when it’s finally time to get a new roof, you’ll be able to dispose of the old one in a sustainable way that could even get you some money back.

High-quality drainage

Your metal roof will be finished with a seaming machine to ensure a watertight seal to interlocking panels. This seam will make sure rain and snow are adequately drained and that integrity of the roof will be kept so that ponds and leaks don’t form.

Cost-effective solution

Low slope metal roofs last around 20-40 years. That means the initial up-front cost is offset for much longer than many potential roof solutions. They’re also a much cheaper way to roof a large area – so if you’re building a big home, storage facility or commercial property – they could be the right choice for you.

Lower demands on the structure

Because low slope roofs keep a low profile and spread the weight of the roof accordingly, they require much less from the building they are placed on. That means you can use low slope metal roofs as a lightweight solution on lighter builds as a perfect way to protect them from the elements.

Low slope metal roofs are one of the lightest roofing solutions available, and they’re also one of the easiest to install. That makes them a viable solution for tons of different types of buildings. Low slope metal roofs can be deployed directly over roof joists rather than needing an underlying deck like many traditional roofs – again making them more efficient and easier to put in place.

Multiple colors

If you’re looking to finish your home with a particular color, metal roofs are available in a wide range of different ones. That means they really could add that stylish finish to a modern-designed home that stands out.

The right choice

Hopefully, you’ve now seen how low slope metal roofs cold be the right choice for your new or existing construction. They aren’t just for industrial units, but they could provide a cheap, durable and sustainable way to roof your property that’s hard to beat.

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A completely-snow capped roof might look great – but they do present some risks. These risks tend to fall under two categories:

1) Is the roof over-loaded to the extent where it might collapse?

2) Could the snow fall off and injure passers-by (or yourself)?

While both of these risk factors aren’t always applicable to every kind of snow-loaded roof – we need to look a bit more closely at both of them so you can decide if it’s a problem for you.

Heavy snow could damage the integrity of your roof

First and foremost – roofs aren’t built to withstand any and all pressure levels. In fact, some cheaper rules might be less-able to carry a load than you think.

One thing to remember with snowy roofs – you might think you’re more at risk in an area that has lots of snow each year, but that isn’t always the case. Perhaps counter-intuitively – it’s those areas that suffer a random and unexpected heavy winter which could be the most problematic.

That’s because most areas that get regular snow will normally have homes that are built with that in mind. Your home should already be able to withstand a bit snow-storm if architects and builders were aware of the weather risks in your area when the property was built.

It’s those places where snow is hardly ever an issue that you need to be careful in – especially if your home was put together under the assumption that snow will never be an issue and the most your roof is going to have to deal with is a bit of wind and rain.

How to tell if your roof is at risk

Homes in different areas are built to different standards regarding how much pressure they can take. While there probably won’t be a specific figure for your exact property, if you can find out how much pressure your roof is likely to be able to handle – do it. If you need to, consult a structural engineer or some other industry professional who should be able to give you a good idea about the type of you need if any and if your home can stand a bit of snow.

A general estimate for the pressure of 1-foot of snow is around 15lbs per square foot – but this can vary quite a lot depending on the type and intensity of the snowfall.

Industry experts recommend that if you’ve had 2 or more feet of snow in your area – you should definitely start thinking about getting the snow removed.

If you’re looking for actual warning signs of a roof collapse in your home – things can be a bit tricky in the cold weather. That’s because you would normally check for leaks – but these are hard to find if everything’s frozen.

Still, you can look for signs of water damage along with cracks in the drywall and potentially cracked roof joists if you can access the roof cavity or attic.

If you hear cracking – you might be at immediate risk of a roof collapse and should exit the building immediately.

You might also be able to smell unusual odours or have trouble opening doors due to unexpected pressure loads. These could also be an indication that your roof is in danger.

What sort of roofs are at risk?

As we already touched on – those that aren’t built to withstand heavy snow loads are at more risk, especially in an unexpected snow storm. But that doesn’t mean all homes built in areas that experience a lot of snow are necessarily safer. It all depends on the design, construction and maintenance of your roof.

If you’ve got an old roof that’s needed some work for a while, a heavy snow-load could be enough to push it over the edge. You might also want to be careful with older homes that have insulated roofs. This type of insulation might help for energy-efficiency – but they don’t help in snow storms. That’s because a bit of heat exiting your roof is a great way to melt some of the snow and address the problem.

How to prevent heavy snow loads affecting your roof

The best way to fix a snow-loaded roof is to prevent it getting too overloaded in the first place. If it’s safe to dislodge smaller amounts of snow with a long tool before it gets too deep – then do it. Having a roof that can emit the right amount of heat could also help you – as you’ll be able to melt the snow gradually so it never gets too deep. You could even use boiling water for this, but only if it’s safe to access your roof.

Large deposits of snow could also be a safety risk if they slide

The other main risk to your roof with heavy snowfall – other than roof collapse, is snow slides. If your roofs have a fall-off that could be in the way of passers-by or other areas people exit or enter your home, you might want to be careful. Again, you can use the same methods we’ve just looked at to try and dislodge or melt the snow. Otherwise, make sure walkways and at-risk areas are well sign-posted so people can keep clear.

Is it time for a new roof or a snow removal service?

Older roofs are often more at risk from issues during heavy snow. While a new roof can be expensive, it might be the right thing for your home – especially if you get one that can withstand tons of pressure. If you’re just looking for a short-term solution or don’t get a lot of snow in your area, a snow removal service could be the right choice. There should be a few high-quality snow-removal specialists in your area that are experience in clearing roofs in winter and making them safe again.

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We’re going to help you find the best roofer for your home or business by giving you a number of different questions to ask potential contractors.

Remember – just because you’ve invited a company to visit your home and give you a quote, that doesn’t mean you have to go with them. If some of the answers to these questions don’t ring true or simply make your feel unsure about doing business with them – then don’t.

The right roofing contractor should be able to give you competent answers to all these questions, and you don’t want to get stuck with a poor-quality team when there are so many good ones out there.

So, here are some questions to ask a roofer before you agree to hire them

#1 How long do they think the job will take?

This one’s important – there can be a vast range of estimates from different contractors, depending on the size of the team and if they’ll only be working on your house before they start the next job. Some contractors take multiple jobs at a time meaning they won’t be rushing to finish your site or even be at your home every day.

If you’re having your roof completely replaced – you’ll want it fixed as quickly as possible. Having days where the roof is open could be risky in certain weather conditions – and it’s just not really something you want to leave unfinished, is it?

If your potential contractor can’t give you a reasonably specific estimate as to how long it’ll take – you might want to look elsewhere.

#2 What specific roof solution do they recommend?

Be careful that some contractors aren’t simply recommending the most expensive option. If you feel like this is the case – ask around for more quotes from other firms.

While completely re-roofing might be the right choice for your home, it could alternatively be better suited to a quicker solution like overlaying. See what they recommend and ask them why. And importantly…

#3 What will it cost?

There’s a huge difference in price between overlaying an existing shingle roof and completely replacing one. Although re-roofing might be more expensive, it should also last longer, and could even add value to your home.

Not only does the type of roof work vary in cost – but so do the contractors. You normally get what you pay for, and those in high demand will be able to charge more for a better quality job, but this isn’t always the case. So try and shop around.

Again, cost can vary depending on things like how big the team is and how long the job will take to complete, as well as how big your actual roof is.

#4 How much experience have they got?

You won’t really want to go with an inexperienced team unless you’re super-desperate for a low price. Make sure the local roof contractor you choose has tons of experience doing a good job – they should have plenty of references from people who’ve been happy with their work.

#5 Can you see some finished roofs?

Ask if there are any roofs they have worked on nearby that you can have a quick look at. Failing that, ask for a few happy customers who you can call to check. If they can’t provide you with any of this information, you might want to treat carefully.

If they’ve been doing the job for a while in your local area – they should have plenty of people who’ve been happy with their work. If they don’t – you need to know why.

#6 Do they have any relevant qualifications?

While many quality tradespeople learn on the job and do so without actual qualification – you might want to see if your potential contractor has any. Especially if the location they work in requires it.

Aside from roof work, they may have a number of auxiliary qualifications that supplement their roof work – like health and safety certificates.

#7 How many team-members will be working on your roof?

When you allow someone to work on your property, you’ll want to know how many people are going to be on-site at any one time. If you can, you’d like to know exactly who’s working on your property.

Some teams have variable numbers with new and different workers arriving every day – and this can be off-putting to certain homeowners who don’t want different people entering their property without knowing who they are. If this is an issue for you – ask the relevant questions.

#8 Where are they located?

It goes without saying that if you pick a contractor that isn’t from the local area – it’ll be harder to evaluate their work. It might also make commuting to the job more difficult and could lead to complications with traffic and other issues.

It’s normally better to go with someone in your local area – especially if they come recommended from someone you know.

#9 What level of access will they need to your roof?

Depending on where you live and what the situation of your property is – you might need to evaluate how they’re going to get to the roof. Are there trees in the way – can scaffolding or ladders be easily put in place.

Some jobs might become more expensive if specialist equipment is needed to get to the roof in the first place.

#10 Are they fully licensed and insured?

Depending on your location – your roofer might need specific licensing to carry out the job – so this is something you’ll need to check. You’ll also want to make sure they’re insured to carry out the job.

#11 Will there be a warranty on the roof?

If you notice a problem with the roof not long after the job has been completed – will there be any comeback? Most high-quality roofers will be proud of their work and should be happy to offer a warranty in confidence as they know a problem will be unlikely. If they aren’t – this could be a warning flag.

Hopefully, these questions are enough to find you the best roofer for your job.

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