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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Maintaining the health of your roof, although important, isn't always easy. It's crucial that the roof of your Des Plaines home stands up to all kinds of weather without failing.
For any problems, large or small, there's a local roofing contractor who can help. Our guide can help connect you with one of the top roofers in Des Plaines.
Free inspections
Quality customer service
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Free inspections
Transparent project updates
Transparent pricing
Preventive services
Quality customer service
Customer education
Services Offered
Our Rating
Transparent pricing
Free inspections
Locally owned
Preventive services
Quality customer service
Customer education
Services Offered
Our Rating
Honors appointment windows
Free inspections
Transparent project updates
Customer education
Preventive services
Quality customer service
Locally owned
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Our Rating
Transparent pricing
Transparent project updates
Quality customer service
Customer education
Free inspections
Preventive services
Services Offered
Our Rating
Transparent pricing
Quality customer service
Free inspections
Customer education
Locally owned
Services Offered
Our Rating
Customer education
Transparent project updates
Free inspections
Transparent pricing
Reputation for timeliness
Quality customer service
Services Offered
Our Rating
Transparent pricing
Customer education
Free inspections
Quality customer service
Honors appointment windows
Services Offered
Our Rating
Quality customer service
Customer education
Transparent pricing
Transparent project updates
Services Offered
Our Rating
Quality customer service
Transparent pricing
Customer education
Free inspections
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on roofers to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Budgeting is important when you need to tackle a project as big as replacing your roof. Below, we provide the average price range for replacing a roof on a 1,500 square foot home in Des Plaines. We also highlight price differences between common roof materials.
A new roof installation is a major home renovation that can run tens of thousands of dollars. It's essential to research and find a highly reviewed and recommended roofing company for the job. Here are some important considerations for hiring a roofer.
Though most homeowners don't think about their roof on a daily basis, it provides critical protections for your home. Be attentive for these common signs that your roof may need inspection and repairs from a professional roofer.
Your roof's age and material are both important. The most popular residential roofing material is asphalt shingles, which normally last around 20–25 years before requiring replacement. Have your roof evaluated if it’s approaching this age to determine if it needs to be replaced.
Leaks are a frequent sign of roof issues. Water leaking through deteriorating shingles often leads to water stains on insulation, walls, and ceilings, or in your attic. Don't dismiss even small leaks, as they can still lead to mold and other issues.
If you can see roof deck boards or sheathing under shingles, it indicates that those shingles are curling or losing their seal. This means it's time for replacement. Shingles need to lie flat to prevent water from entering your home.
Inspect your shingles thoroughly from ground level or a steady ladder. Look for ones that have cracks or that no longer have their protective coating. Over time, storms can cause surface damage. To keep your roof in good shape, replace any shingles that detach or are openly gaping.
Roof flashing creates a barrier against the elements around valleys, vents, chimneys, and other areas that penetrate your roof. If this metal flashing is coming loose, cracked open, or worn down, it can allow leaks. Problems with roof flashing should be addressed promptly.
A structural problem can lead to noticeable roof sagging or unevenness. If you notice sagging or an uneven slope, get a roofing company to inspect it. An unsupported roof deck will get worse over time.
The best type of roofing material for your home in Des Plaines will depend on things like your budget and how frequently you want to do maintenance.
Metal costs more but is more durable, while asphalt will be cheaper up front but will require more maintenance. Wood roofs have better insulation than many other materials, which can be very beneficial in the winter.
Roofing contractors in Illinois are required to obtain a license from the Department of Professional Regulation. Contractors need to be both bonded and insured to apply. Licenses are available for residential work, both residential and commercial/industrial work or for commercial and industrial work only.
Generally, spring or fall is the best time of year to have your roof replaced. Winter may not be the ideal time to have work done on your roof in Des Plaines, as cold weather can delay work or simply be unpleasant.
Your roof absolutely impacts the energy efficiency of your home. For example, in the winter a good roof allows you to spend less energy heating your home. Some roofing materials, such as metal, provide superior insulation compared to other types.
The best roofing color for you depends on a few factors like the style and color of your house and the local climate. For instance, if you have a Spanish style home, then you'll most likely want a terracotta roof to match the style. Also, those in a hot climate may want to avoid darker colors since they absorb heat, which makes cooling your home more difficult.
A professional might either pressure wash or "soft wash" your roof, depending on the material and the extent of the cleaning needed. Power washing is not recommended for certain roof types, such as asphalt shingles. To soft wash your roof, your contractor may use chemicals like bleach and detergent, and tools such as brushes and brooms.