These four questions are so common that we train each of our new team members on the CFRC way to answer each one. See, with all of our years doing business, we’ve developed some “best practices” for dealing with what we call the “Big 4”. These questions represent property owners’ biggest concerns regarding their largest investment, so you can be sure we take them very seriously.

Now, that we’ve covered the reasons for this article, and given the basis for why you should listen to what we have to say – we are the experts after all – it’s time to start our examination of the “Big 4”. Where possible, we’ve tried to give some tips to help out with each specific question.

#1: “Can I just replace the shingles?”

While Chicago Flat Roof Company sticks to flat and low-slope roofing, we know all about shingles – the good and the bad. One of the most common questions we’re asked is, “Can I just replace the shingles?” and we always answer in exactly the same way – with a thorough roof inspection. Depending on what our technician discovers, the answer to the question can vary widely, and you can trust us to give you the facts about all your options.

If all is sound structurally, and we do a very deep inspection to uncover any issues with the underlayment or decking, we’ll offer a simple shingle replacement making the answer to the question yes. However, if there’s any structural issue uncovered, or if there’s damage beyond what a simple replacement will cure, our recommendation will entail something more significant. We’ll offer all the possible options we’ve identified including repairs, replacement, or construction. As long as the fix doesn’t compromise the safety and security of the structure’s occupants, we’ll deliver exactly what you ask for – never more, never less.

Pro Tip: Replace your missing shingles as soon as you discover they’re gone. The purpose of a shingle, aside from beautifying a building, is protecting the underlayment and decking from moisture. So, letting even a little shingle damage remain for any length of time is just inviting trouble. Call Chicago Flat Roof Company instead.

#2: “What about a patch?”

As Chicagoland’s premier flat roof company, we’re asked all the time about patching a flat or low-slope roof. Again, like with most construction-based questions, this is completely dependent upon what’s uncovered during our free inspection process. Our technicians are extensively trained to identify any and all areas where damage has occurred and locate the reasons causing the issue in the first place. Any patch or repair we do will need to address the underlying problems, or we’re just putting off the financial hit for the customer for another day – and it’ll be much worse.

The best patch applications are instances where a specific section of roof has problems and our technicians identify a patch as the most cost-effective solution available for our client. With shingled roofing, shingle replacement is just as good an option, but for flat and low-slope, the process can be a bit more complicated due to building codes. If a patch works for our customer, we’ll offer it alongside whatever other choices we’ve identified as bringing their roofing nightmare to a successful conclusion.

Pro Tip: It’s important to discuss the proposed patch with your contractor – Chicago Flat Roof Company. We’ll do our best to match the existing roofing from an aesthetic perspective, but you need to know the patch – even with our exceptional service – will not be perfect. Blending we can do – miracles not so much.

#3: “Can we roof over my existing roof?”

This question is asked during the roofing process by nearly every property owner due to the worry over new roof construction costs. It’s totally understandable from an owner’s perspective, but we do our best to explain that, for a great many, reroofing is nothing more than adding trouble to an already troublesome situation. Think of reroofing like a Band-Aid that you slap onto your roofing. Have you ever worn a Band-Aid for any length of time?

A reroofing job works perfectly fine for flat roofing when there’s not more than two layers already in place. That’s Illinois code and we can’t get around that even if we wanted to – which we don’t. If reroofing will work for a customer, of course we’ll recommend it, but we always do so with a caveat – it won’t last. Band-Aids, if worn for too long, harbor infection and bacteria. They do more harm than good. Well, reroofing does the same thing, but it does it to your home. In the end, it’s not a solution we advise to our pitched-roof customers.

Pro Tip: Be sure to discuss your reroofing application thoroughly with your contractor before you do any work. There’s a very good chance that your reroofing job will completely void any manufacturer’s warranty your roof had in place.

#4: “Do I need to replace my roof?”

This is the biggest question of them all and every property owner fears having to ask it. Yet, it doesn’t have to be so intimidating. Yes, new roofing can be expensive. Yes, installation and construction can be intrusive operations. But, even with the imagined, and the very real, concerns, there’s a real range of benefits that can’t be overlooked. Again, as with all roofing questions, at the end of the day the answer is completely dependent on what our inspectors uncover when they visit your structure.

The advances in materials and techniques means that any new roofing you put in today will end up paying for itself over the course of its lifetime. How? Well, the energy efficiency of roofing products has grown astronomically in the last 20 years, so your new roof will vastly reduce your overall energy usage – lowering your bills. There’s also the benefit to the overall value of your home to consider. Property is valued far higher with a new roof within warranty, so you’re investing in yourself and your family’s financial future.

Pro Tip: Ask the experts at Chicago Flat Roof Company about our flexible payment plans and helpful financing options. We’ll even help with your insurance paperwork!

No matter what questions you may have about roofing, you can always trust the professionals at Chicago Flat Roof Company to be there with an answer. It’s what we do and have been doing for the last 15+ years, so call (312) 667-4440 today to speak with one of our knowledgeable experts and ask your own “Big 4”. We guarantee we can provide the answers you’re looking for.

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Chicago Flat Roof Company specializes in assisting homeowners and business owners with roof leaks of all shapes and sizes. Our intensive, thorough inspection process will uncover any further damage that may not be immediately recognizable from a simple surface observation. We know how important these inspections are to identifying and fixing a leak, so we offer them completely free of charge before any repairs are undertaken.

One of Chicago Flat Roof Company’s highly-trained technicians will check the inside and outside of your roofing for damage and offer a full explanation of all of their findings. Before offering an estimate for repairs, we’ll always spend however much time you need to completely grasp what’s wrong and what we’ll do to fix it. Again, the estimate is free of charge and we give a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job we do. If there are continuing issues, we’ll come back out and handle it at no cost to you. That’s our promise to the good people who trust us with their biggest investment.

Roof Leak Repairs Are Our Specialty

Any property owner knows that every second that passes while the roof is leaking means another dollar going right down the drain. Chicago Flat Roof Company can have a skilled technician to you within four hours. That’s the fastest service around and all of our technicians have been thoroughly vetted by our management for your added security. You and your family are safe while we’re on the property – guaranteed.

Chicago Flat Roof Company is pleased to offer our estimates free of charge, but if you need Rush Service we’ll bill you according to how fast you need us to arrive. Once on the scene, and our inspection is complete, we’ll provide an estimate for service which will come at the Rush Service cost. However, if accepted, we will reduce the Rush Service fee by half. That’s right – 50% off if you choose to proceed with the work.

Roof Leak Repair

We have many years of experience with all types of residential roofing systems and carry the finest products backed by the industry’s best warranties. Our technicians are specially-trained to install and repair our entire range of products.

Roofing doesn’t have to be difficult. Just call Chicago Flat Roof Company and let the all-around roofing experts handle it – plus it’s 100% guaranteed.

• Experienced Crews & Affordable Rates.
• Courteous & Respectful Staff – Both In-Office & Onsite.
• Prompt & Efficient Service at Every Turn.
• Licensed & Insured for Your Peace of Mind.
• Free Inspections & Estimates for Every Project.

So, pick up the phone and call (312) 667-4440 today to speak with one of our talented, friendly staff about your roof work. You’ll see why people all over Chicago choose Chicago Flat Roof Company over all the rest.

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Though becoming more common, copper rooftops are more expensive than traditional shingles or modern thermoplastic products. One of today’s most aesthetic, popular metal roofing selections is copper. Copper roofing is striking, especially as it ages. Established copper roofs develop a unique, blue/green “patina” over time, and they look extraordinary when paired with wooden or brick exteriors of a complementary color. While more costly than other metal roofing types, copper serves to boost your structure’s curb appeal while substantially increase its resale value.

In The Beginning

Metal is actually an ancient technology, and is has been used continuously for roofing and for many other forms of architecture and technology, all the way up to today. It has always been notorious for its function as a superior roofing option as opposed to other materials, regardless of which metal is used.  However, due to its higher cost, it never really grew popular as a mainstream home option until the past few generations. “The Dome of the Rock” – the establishment which sits on the area “Temple Mount” in Israel, where certain religious groups believe the prophet Muhammad ascended to Heaven and where God intervened on Abraham’s sacrifice of his son Isaac – is believed to have originally been protected by gold metal roofing. It currently sports gold-leafed aluminum metal roofing.

Copper roofing, arguably the oldest form of metal roofing, has been around for thousands and thousands of generations.  In around ~300 B.C., copper roofing was installed on the Sri Lankan Loha Maha Paya Temple, also known as the Mahamuni Buddha Temple. We know that around 27 B.C., the Romans used copper metal roofing for the Pantheon. The oldest European medieval structures – churches – from around the 14th century, also utilized copper roofing. A St. Mary’s Cathedral, known as Hildesheim, had a copper metal roofing system installed on it in 1280 A.D.; the same exact roof is still there to this day. You may be thinking “Sure, right. That that system is 734 years old!”  Well, it’s true.

In The Modern Era

The benefits of copper roofing go beyond aesthetics, though. Copper is one of the most fireproof roofing materials on the market; it’s also highly water-resistant, and is excellent at preventing rainwater from penetrating your home. Like all metal roofing materials, copper is long-lasting, with a life expectancy of at least 50 years. This far exceeds the expected lifespan of cheaper roofing materials. Copper’s light weight is also well worth considering, especially given the relatively high levels of Illinois snowfall. Because it is such a light material, it puts little stress on your home’s structural elements and foundation: helping owners avoid the costly problems associated with such stresses.

While copper is a superior roofing material overall, there are a few drawbacks that should be considered. First, like all metal roofs, copper roofing can be noisy during storms. It tends to amplify weather noise, rather than dampening it. Also, as temperatures change over the seasons, copper roofs can expand and contract significantly, and this can loosen the roof’s fasteners. You will need to draw on the expertise of a skilled NJ roofing contractor to prevent these problems, as there are technologies available to inhibit copper’s natural expansion and contraction.

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