Roofing in Evanston, IL

Serving Evanston and

Common Roofing Problems in Evanston

Evanston's location on the Lake Michigan shoreline and its stock of historic Victorian and Tudor Revival homes create specific roofing challenges.

Heavy snow, ice dam formation from lake-effect weather, and severe thunderstorms with hail and wind accelerate roof deterioration and increase water intrusion risk.

• Ice dams — frozen water backs up behind gutters along the eave, forcing meltwater to seep under the starter course and ice-and-water shield. This moisture wicks into the attic and rots the roof deck and rafter system if left unaddressed.
• Granule loss on asphalt shingles — freeze-thaw cycles strip protective granules from shingle surfaces, exposing the bitumen layer to UV damage and accelerating deterioration toward end-of-life wear.
• Step flashing failure — corroded or improperly sealed step flashing where the roof meets a chimney or wall allows water to seep behind the sheathing and into the interior walls.
• Gutter and soffit rot — overflowing gutters and downspouts allow water to pool against fascia and soffit, causing decay of the wooden substrate and wood shake or cedar materials.
• Ridge cap deterioration — the ridge cap and ridge vent are exposed to wind and water, and once the sealant and adhesive fail, water enters the roof deck directly at the peak.
• Wind damage from thunderstorms — severe weather can tear field course shingles loose, separate flashing from counter-flashing, and compromise the roof's weatherproofing across multiple sections.
• Skylight and dormer leaks — older Craftsman and Victorian homes often have dormers and skylights with pipe boot and vent boot flashing that deteriorates or separates, allowing rain and melting snow to drip into attic spaces and living areas.