When repairs no longer pencil out, a full replacement is the smart move. We tear off down to the deck, replace damaged sheathing, install ice-and-water shield well past Chicago code minimums, and finish with architectural shingles, standing-seam metal, or a modern flat roof system matched to your building.
At The Chicago Roofers, roof replacement is one of our core specialties. Chicago is unlike any other roofing market in the country — a city built on a mix of 1890s greystones, 1920s bungalows, mid-century brick two-flats, modern infill, and dense commercial corridors, all sitting in a climate that swings from 95°F summer humidity to -20°F winter wind chills. A roofing contractor who treats Chicago the same as a suburban tract neighborhood will miss the details that actually keep water out of these buildings. We don't. Every roof replacement project we take on is scoped, priced, and executed around the specific building era, roof geometry, and microclimate of the property in front of us.
What's Included
- Complete tear-off — no layovers
- Deck inspection and replacement of rotted sheathing
- Ice-and-water shield 6 ft up from the eave (well above code)
- Synthetic underlayment, drip edge, and starter strip
- Ridge and soffit ventilation balancing
- Manufacturer-certified shingle, metal, and flat systems
Why It Matters in Chicago
Chicago's freeze-thaw climate punishes shortcuts. We over-spec ice-and-water shield because we see what happens in February when a 60-degree day is followed by a 10-degree night. Our replacement details are built around the city's actual weather, not generic national specs.
Chicago's combination of lake-effect moisture, sustained winter freeze cycles, and aggressive summer storm patterns means that roofing problems that would take a decade to develop in a milder climate can show up in three or four years here. That's why our approach to roof replacementis built around durability-first detailing — heavier ice-and-water shield coverage, properly terminated parapet flashings, balanced attic ventilation, and material specifications that exceed code minimums in the spots that matter most.
Materials & Systems We Use
For Chicago roof replacement projects, we work exclusively with established, manufacturer-backed systems: architectural asphalt shingles from GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed; standing-seam and stone-coated metal panels rated for Chicago wind zones; EPDM, TPO, and PVC single-ply membranes for flat assemblies; and SBS-modified bitumen where torch-down or self-adhered low-slope systems make sense. We carry manufacturer certifications that unlock extended warranties most contractors can't offer, and we register every warranty in the property owner's name so it transfers cleanly at sale.
Chicago Code, Permits & Inspections
Any meaningful roofing scope in Chicago triggers a Department of Buildings permit. We pull the permit in our name, post it at the property, coordinate the inspector visit, and close the permit when work is complete — a step that protects you when you sell. For landmark districts, designated historic properties, and HOA-governed buildings, we navigate the extra approval layer so your project doesn't get red-tagged. Our crews work to the most recent Chicago energy and building code revisions, including reflectivity requirements on low-slope roofs and ventilation balance rules on steep-slope assemblies.
Our Process
- 1
Design consult
We walk the property, measure, and discuss material, color, and ventilation options.
- 2
Permits & HOA
We pull City of Chicago permits and coordinate any landmark or HOA approvals.
- 3
Tear-off & install
Most replacements complete in 1–3 days with a dedicated cleanup crew daily.
- 4
Final inspection
We meet the city inspector, verify the manufacturer warranty, and hand you the paperwork.
What to Expect on Project Day
Crews arrive between 7 and 8 a.m. with a project lead who walks you through the day's plan, protects landscaping and the building exterior with tarps and plywood, and stages dumpsters and materials with the smallest practical street footprint — a real concern on narrow Chicago lots and tight alley access. Magnetic nail sweeps run multiple times per day, every day, including final cleanup. We leave the property cleaner than we found it.
Across Every Chicago Neighborhood
We provide roof replacement in every Chicago neighborhood — from the dense flat-roof corridors of Logan Square and Pilsen, to the bungalow belts of Portage Park and Chatham, to the lakefront high-rises of Edgewater. Local building stock, microclimate, and even prevailing wind direction all change how we approach the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Chicago roof last?
An architectural asphalt shingle roof installed correctly typically lasts 22–28 years in Chicago. Standing-seam metal can exceed 50. Flat roofs run 18–30 depending on the system.
Will my insurance pay for replacement?
If storm damage caused the failure, often yes. We document the damage and work directly with your adjuster.
Do you do layovers?
No. Tear-offs let us inspect the deck, install proper ice-and-water shield, and avoid trapping moisture. Layovers void most manufacturer warranties.