DeKalb Elite Roofing

Commercial & Residential Roofing Experts in DeKalb, IL

DeKalb Elite Roofing provides expert commercial roofing and residential roofing services across DeKalb, IL. With 28 years of proven experience, we specialize in roof replacement, roof repair, and new roof installation designed to handle Northern Illinois’ toughest weather. Whether it’s protecting your home with durable asphalt shingle roofing, restoring your business with reliable flat roof repair, or addressing urgent needs with emergency roof repair, our certified team delivers long-lasting solutions that exceed expectations.


As a trusted roofing contractor in DeKalb, IL, we understand the local climate challenges, from snow and ice to severe storms. Our services include routine roof inspections, preventative roof maintenance, and complete replacement projects tailored to both commercial properties and residential homes. Clients choose us for our commitment to premium materials, skilled craftsmanship, and clear communication throughout every project. With decades of expertise, we ensure your investment is protected for decades to come.


Why Work With Us:

  • Certifications: Master Elite Contractor
  • Warranties: 50-year warranty on residential shingle roofs, 30 years on commercial flat roofs
  • License & Insurance: C-39 Roofing Contractor License, General Liability Insurance with $5M+ umbrella, Workers’ Compensation

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References of Big Commercial Roofing Projects We've Done

Our Commercial Roofing Services

Flat Roof Installation & Replacement

We specialize in installing and replacing flat roofing systems designed for maximum durability and weather resistance. Our expert team ensures proper drainage, insulation, and seamless installation to protect your property year-round.

Roof Repairs & Maintenance

From minor leaks to major storm damage, our technicians provide prompt and thorough repair services to extend the life of your roof. Regular maintenance programs help prevent costly issues and keep your roofing system performing at its best.

TPO & EPDM Roofing Systems

We install and service top-quality TPO and EPDM roofing membranes known for their energy efficiency and long-term performance. These systems offer superior UV protection and resistance to punctures, making them ideal for commercial buildings.

Metal Roofing Solutions

Our durable metal roofing systems combine strength, longevity, and a modern aesthetic appeal. They are engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions while providing excellent energy efficiency and low maintenance requirements.

Roof Coatings & Restoration

Roof coatings are a cost-effective way to restore and extend the life of your existing roof. We apply high-performance coatings that improve waterproofing, reflectivity, and overall energy savings without the need for a full replacement.

Emergency Roofing Services

When unexpected damage occurs, our emergency response team is ready to act quickly to protect your property. We provide rapid assessments and temporary or permanent repairs to minimize downtime and prevent further damage.

Our Residential Roofing Services

Residential Roof Installation

Our expert installers provide custom roof installations designed to enhance your home’s beauty, value, and protection. We use top-quality materials and proven techniques to ensure your new roof is built to withstand DeKalb’s weather for years to come.

Residential Roof Replacement

When your existing roof has reached the end of its lifespan, our replacement services offer a seamless upgrade. We remove old materials safely and install a durable, energy-efficient roof that improves your home’s curb appeal and performance.

Residential Roof Repair

From minor leaks to storm damage, our skilled technicians handle all types of roof repairs quickly and effectively. We identify the root cause of the issue and restore your roof’s integrity to keep your home safe and dry.

What Roofing Materials Do We Use for

DeKalb's Climate?

Asphalt Shingles

The most popular roofing choice in the Midwest, offering excellent value, a wide variety of styles and colors, and Class A fire ratings. We install premium architectural shingles from leading brands like CertainTeed and Owens Corning with enhanced wind resistance ratings up to 130 mph.

Impact-Resistant Shingles

Specialized asphalt shingles are designed to withstand hail damage, a common concern in DeKalb's storm season. These shingles can qualify homeowners for insurance premium discounts.

Metal Roofing

Known for its exceptional durability, longevity (50-70 years), and ability to shed snow and ice effectively. Metal roofs are increasingly popular in Northern Illinois for their performance in extreme weather conditions.

Flat Roofing (EPDM, TPO, PVC)

Ideal for low-slope and flat commercial roofs, these membrane systems are engineered to handle ponding water and extreme temperature fluctuations common in the Midwest.

Energy-Efficient Options

We offer a range of ENERGY STAR® rated materials that reflect more of the sun's rays in summer while providing excellent insulation during DeKalb's cold winters, reducing energy consumption year-round.

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Modified Bitumen Roofing is a durable and flexible roofing system ideal for commercial buildings in DeKalb’s varied climate. It combines asphalt with reinforced materials to provide excellent waterproofing and UV resistance. It is a cost-effective solution for flat or low-slope roofs.

What Commercial Roofing Issues Do We Address?

Roof Leaks and Moisture Intrusion

Leaks are one of the most frequent problems in commercial roofing, often caused by damaged membranes, poor installation, or standing water. Even small leaks can lead to significant interior damage, mold growth, and costly repairs if not addressed quickly.

Punctures and Roof Membrane Damage

Foot traffic, dropped tools, or debris can puncture or tear the roof membrane. These openings compromise the waterproof barrier, allowing moisture to infiltrate and damage insulation or building materials below.

Blistering and Bubbling

Blisters form when air or moisture becomes trapped beneath the roofing surface, often due to poor installation or aging materials. If left untreated, these bubbles can expand and cause the roofing membrane to crack or separate.

Ponding or Standing Water

Flat and low-slope roofs are especially prone to ponding water after heavy rain. Over time, this standing water can weaken roofing materials, accelerate deterioration, and increase the risk of leaks and structural damage.

Poor Drainage Systems

Clogged or improperly designed drains, and gutters prevent water from flowing off the roof efficiently. This can lead to pooling, leaks, and premature wear of roofing materials, especially around seams and edges.

Thermal Expansion and Contraction

Temperature fluctuations cause roofing materials to expand and contract, leading to stress on seams, flashing, and joints. Over time, this movement can create cracks and gaps that allow water infiltration and reduce the roof’s overall lifespan.

Our Roofing Process: From Consultation to Completion

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Site Assessment

We comprehensively assess your roof, including measurements, structural conditions, ventilation assessment, and identification of existing issues that might impact your roofing project. We talk about your goals, aesthetic preferences, functional requirements, timeline, and budget parameters.

Step 2. Design & Material Selection

We guide you through roofing material options, underlayment choices, color selections, ventilation possibilities, and accessory types. This step includes the provision of material samples to demonstrate color, texture, and finish options in natural lighting at your property. It is a collaborative process to select the roofing system that best complements your home's architectural style while providing optimal protection.

Step 3. Detailed Proposal & Planning

In this stage, we present a detailed documentation of all work to be performed, materials to be used, and associated costs. The plan comprises a realistic schedule for project phases from material delivery through final inspection. The agreement outlines all terms, payment schedule, and project specifications.

Step 4. Project Preparation

We start with the procurement of all specified materials with verification of availability before scheduling installation. The handling of all necessary building permits and inspections required by Dekalb County and local municipalities also comes in this phase.

Step 5. Professional Installation

This stage involves the actual implementation of the agreed plan. We typically complete most residential projects in 1-3 days, depending on size and complexity. We maintain strict quality control throughout the installation process with regular inspections by project supervisors.

Step 6. Final Inspection & Cleanup

Before ending the project, we remove all debris, with magnetic sweeping to collect nails and fasteners from your property. We thoroughly examine all completed roofing work with you present to verify quality and completeness. This final step ensures you're completely satisfied with your new roof and equipped with the knowledge to maintain it properly. We remain available for questions and support long after installation is complete.

Hear it from our happy clients!

"As a commercial property owner with multiple buildings in DeKalb, I need contractors who deliver quality work on schedule and within budget. DeKalb Elite Roofing has handled all my roofing needs for the past seven years, from routine maintenance to complete replacements. Their commercial division understands the importance of minimizing disruption to my tenants, often working weekends or evenings to accommodate business hours. Their attention to detail and follow-through are unmatched in the local market."

Norberto Jimeno

Commercial Property Manager, DeKalb

"When we purchased our historic home in the Ellwood District, the roof was in desperate need of replacement, but we wanted to maintain the architectural integrity of the property. DeKalb Elite Roofing worked with us to select materials that honored the home's original design while providing modern protection and efficiency. Their knowledge of historic properties and attention to detail were impressive. Three years and several major storms later, our roof remains beautiful and leak-free."

Dara Dubois

Ellwood Historic District, DeKalb

"When we purchased our historic home in the Ellwood District, the roof was in desperate need of replacement, but we wanted to maintain the architectural integrity of the property. DeKalb Elite Roofing worked with us to select materials that honored the home's original design while providing modern protection and efficiency. Their knowledge of historic properties and attention to detail were impressive. Three years and several major storms later, our roof remains beautiful and leak-free."

Matilda Ellis

ART DIRECTOR

Residential and Commercial Roofing FAQs

How do I know if I need a roof repair or a complete replacement?

Determining whether your roof needs repair or replacement depends on several factors: the age of your current roof, the extent and nature of damage, and your long-term plans for the property. If your asphalt shingle roof is over 15-20 years old and showing multiple signs of failure (curling shingles, granule loss, multiple leaks), replacement is often more cost-effective than ongoing repairs. If damage is isolated to a specific area and your roof is relatively new, repairs may be sufficient. During our free inspection, we provide an honest assessment based on these factors and present options for both repair and replacement when appropriate, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances and budget considerations.

How long does a typical roof replacement take in DeKalb?

Most residential roof replacements in Dekalb are completed within 1-3 days, depending on several factors: the size and complexity of your roof, the selected roofing material, weather conditions, and any additional work required (such as deck repair or ventilation improvements). Simple, straightforward asphalt shingle installations on average-sized homes (1,500-2,000 sq. ft.) typically take 1-2 days with our full crew. More complex projects involving metal roofing, multiple levels, or extensive repairs may require additional time. We provide a specific timeline estimate during your consultation and keep you updated on the schedule as your installation date approaches. Our crews work efficiently while maintaining strict quality standards, and we never rush a job at the expense of proper installation procedures.

What should I expect during the roof replacement process?

The roof replacement process begins with thorough preparation to protect your property. We cover landscaping and exterior features with tarps, position debris containers strategically, and establish safety perimeters. The first day typically involves removing the existing roofing materials down to the deck, making any necessary repairs to the underlying structure, and installing underlayment and ice/water shield. Depending on project size, shingle installation often begins the same day. The installation continues with careful attention to valleys, flashing, and ventilation components. Throughout the process, our crew leaders conduct quality checks, and a final inspection occurs upon completion. Daily cleanup ensures your property remains tidy, with a comprehensive magnetic sweep for nails and fasteners at project conclusion. We maintain open communication throughout, with your project manager available to address any questions or concerns that arise.

How do you handle unexpected issues discovered during a roof replacement?

Despite thorough initial inspections, occasionally issues such as hidden deck damage or structural concerns are only discovered after the old roofing material is removed. When this occurs, we follow a transparent process: work is temporarily paused in the affected area; the project manager documents the issue with photos and prepares a detailed explanation of the problem, necessary repairs, and associated costs; this information is promptly shared with you, along with clear recommendations; and no additional work proceeds without your explicit approval. To minimize delays, our crews are trained to continue working in unaffected areas while awaiting decisions on unexpected issues. Our trucks carry common repair materials, allowing us to address many unexpected problems immediately upon approval without extending the project timeline. This approach ensures you maintain complete control over project costs while allowing us to deliver a properly completed roofing system.

What kind of warranties do you offer on new roofs?

We provide warranty coverage on all new roof installations, including both manufacturer material warranties and our own workmanship guarantee. For asphalt shingle roofs, we offer manufacturer warranties ranging from 25-50 years depending on the selected shingle line, with options for enhanced coverage through manufacturer certification programs. Our standard workmanship warranty covers installation-related issues for 10 years, with extended options available. For commercial roofing systems, warranty terms vary by material type, with options for 15-30 year NDL (No Dollar Limit) coverage on many systems. All warranties are provided in writing upon project completion, with clear explanation of coverage terms and maintenance requirements. As a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster™ and Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, we can offer enhanced warranty options not available through non-certified installers, providing additional protection for your investment.

How do you handle roofing in DeKalb's extreme weather conditions?

Roofing in Northern Illinois requires specialized approaches to address our region's extreme weather variations. For winter installations, we carefully monitor temperatures, as most roofing materials have minimum installation temperature requirements (typically 40°F for asphalt shingles). When working in cold conditions, we store shingles in heated areas before installation and use specialized cold-weather adhesives when necessary. During summer heat, we adjust work schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day, protecting both our workers and ensuring proper material handling. For all installations, we exceed code requirements for ice and water shield protection along eaves, valleys, and other vulnerable areas—critical for preventing ice dam damage during Dekalb winters. Our material selections and installation techniques are specifically chosen for their performance in our climate extremes, including enhanced wind resistance ratings and proper ventilation systems that extend roof life by regulating temperature and moisture levels throughout the year.