Roof Replacement in Chicago, IL

What Does Roof Replacement Involve?

Roof replacement is more than nailing new shingles over old ones. It's a complete system: tear-off, deck inspection, underlayment, flashing, and new shingles. In Chicago, where wind uplift from severe storms tears shingles off and ice dam formation causes water backup under shingles, a proper replacement must address the whole roof assembly — not just the visible surface.

The Tear-Off and Deck Inspection

We start by stripping the old roof down to the deck. This tear-off reveals rot, decay, or sagging that an overlay would hide. In Logan Square, we've found decks with granule loss and widespread cracking after just 15 years of thermal cycling. We replace any rotted plywood and install self-adhered ice and water shield along eaves and valleys — required by Illinois code for all roof slopes in our climate zone.

Materials We Install

Chicago homeowners choose from three architectural shingle lines we install: Owens Corning Duration Cool Series, GAF Timberline HDZ, and CertainTeed Landmark Pro with SureStart warranty. Each uses ring-shank nails and staggered courses for wind resistance. For flat roofs, we offer TPO and EPDM options. We also handle metal roofing for homes near Lake Michigan where salt air erodes asphalt faster.

Signs You Need Roof Replacement

Curling or cupping shingles visible from the street, granules in gutters after rain, water stains on interior ceilings, and missing shingles after a storm are all red flags. In Chicago, temperature swings from 90°F summer days to subzero winter nights cause flashing and seals to crack. If your roof is 20+ years old with end-of-life wear, replacement beats repeated roof repair costs.

Our Step-by-Step Roof Replacement Process

1. Inspection and Estimate: We assess the roof, measure squares, and check decking. You get a written quote with material and labor costs.
2. Permit and Prep: We pull the permit (required for more than 25% resurfacing under the 2021 IRC) and protect your landscaping with tarps.
3. Tear-Off: Crew strips old shingles, underlayment, and flashing. We inspect the deck for rot or decay and replace damaged sections.
4. Underlayment and Ice Shield: We install self-adhered ice and water shield on eaves and valleys, then a synthetic underlayment over the field.
5. Shingle Installation: New shingles go on with a starter course, field courses, and staggered joints. We use ring-shank nails and hand-seal exposed fasteners on high-wind zones.
6. Final Walkthrough: We clean up all debris, magnetic-sweep for nails, and walk the roofline with you to confirm quality.

Cost and Timeline

Roof replacement in Chicago typically costs $8,000 to $18,000 for a 1,500–2,500 square foot home, depending on material, slope, and deck repairs. Most jobs take 2–4 days. We provide a free estimate with competitive pricing — no surprises.

Insurance and Warranties

If storm damage caused your roof failure, we help document hail damage and work with your insurance claims process. Our workmanship warranty covers installation for 10 years, and shingle manufacturers back materials for 30–50 years. We're licensed and insured, and we'll walk you through every step.

Why Chicago Roofing Team?

We've served Chicago since 2005, replacing roofs in Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Hyde Park, and Bronzeville. We know how lake-effect snow loads, hail storms, and UV degradation affect local roofs. Our crews are GAF Master Elite certified, and we back every job with a satisfaction guarantee. Call 3123133253 for your free roof assessment.