Dekalb Elite Roofing

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The ideal roofing material for Dekalb properties depends on several factors, including your budget, aesthetic preferences, and specific property characteristics. For most residential applications, architectural asphalt shingles offer an excellent balance of performance, value, and aesthetics in our climate. We recommend selecting shingles with enhanced wind ratings (130 mph) and impact resistance for optimal performance during our seasonal storms. Metal roofing is gaining popularity for its exceptional longevity, superior snow shedding capabilities, and energy efficiency benefits. For flat or low-slope applications, EPDM or TPO membrane systems provide excellent performance in our temperature extremes. During your consultation, we evaluate your specific property characteristics—including roof pitch, orientation, shading, and ventilation—to recommend the optimal material choices for your situation. We also consider energy efficiency goals, maintenance preferences, and long-term cost considerations to help you select the roofing system that provides the best overall value for your specific needs.

Yes, we offer several financing options to make your roofing investment more manageable. We partner with reputable financing providers to offer plans including same-as-cash options (typically 12-18 months), low-interest installment plans (terms from 3-10 years), and specialized programs for veterans and seniors. Application processes are straightforward, with quick approval decisions often available within hours. We can help you compare different financing scenarios during your consultation, allowing you to select the option that best fits your financial situation. Additionally, we work with all major insurance companies for storm damage claims, often accepting only the deductible portion from homeowners when insurance is covering roof replacement. Our team can explain available financing options in detail, including current interest rates, term options, and any applicable promotions, helping you make an informed decision about financing your roofing project.

Proper ventilation is critical to roof performance and longevity in Dekalb's climate, helping prevent moisture damage, ice dams, and excessive heat buildup. Our ventilation approach begins with a thorough assessment of your current system, including calculation of your attic's square footage and existing intake/exhaust ventilation. We follow industry best practices requiring a balanced system with equal intake (soffit/eave) and exhaust (ridge/roof) ventilation. For typical installations, we recommend continuous ridge venting paired with properly sized soffit vents to create natural convection airflow. For homes where traditional approaches aren't feasible due to architectural constraints, we may recommend power vents, solar-powered vents, or other specialized solutions. All our roof replacements include ventilation system evaluation and improvements as needed, as proper ventilation is essential for warranty compliance and optimal roof performance. We take time to explain ventilation principles and recommendations, ensuring you understand this critical but often overlooked component of a complete roofing system.

If you suspect storm damage to your roof after severe weather, we recommend the following steps: First, safely assess visible damage from the ground using binoculars if available—never climb on a roof after a storm due to potential structural weakening. Document the date and nature of the storm, and photograph any visible damage or fallen debris. Contact us for our free storm damage inspection service, where our certified inspectors will thoroughly evaluate your roof and document all findings with photos and detailed reports. If significant damage is found, we recommend filing an insurance claim promptly, as most policies have time limitations for storm damage reporting. Our insurance specialists can meet with your adjuster during their inspection to ensure all damage is properly identified and documented. Throughout this process, we provide guidance on temporary protection measures if needed, assistance with the claims process, and clear explanations of repair or replacement options. Our goal is to make the storm damage restoration process as stress-free as possible while ensuring your home is properly protected.