Top Roof Replacement & Installation in Wheaton, Illinois Ranked

Planning a new roof for your Wheaton home is a significant investment that requires careful consideration of local climate, material options, and project logistics. The process involves more than just swapping out shingles; it's about installing a durable, weather-resistant system that will protect your home for decades. In Wheaton, where weather can shift from heavy snow to intense summer heat and hailstorms, choosing the right roofing solution is critical for long-term performance and peace of mind. This guide provides a detailed overview of what to expect when undertaking a roof installation project in the area.

Etruscan Gutters and Roofing Inc.

1460 Old Skokie Valley Rd Unit C, Highland Park, IL 60035

Etruscan Gutters and Roofing Inc. is a family-owned roofing and gutter contractor serving Chicago, IL, and nearby areas. With over forty years of experience, they provide residential roofing services including repairs, replacements, and installations of cedar shake, tile, and synthetic roofs. Their gutter services cover installation, repair, and replacement using high-quality materials to protect homes effectively. The company offers an exceptional warranty on roofing projects and is fully insured, ensuring property protection.

5.0

500 Reviews

New Edge Improvement, Co.

1230 Louis Ave, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

New Edge Improvement, Co. is a roofing contractor based in Chicago, IL, specializing in roof installation, replacement, repair, and inspection services. They also handle gutter and downspout replacement, siding, soffit, fascia, and window trim work. The company is experienced in managing insurance claims for storm and hail damage, often assisting clients in obtaining approvals for full roof and gutter replacements. Their team uses tools like drones for detailed inspections and documentation to support insurance processes. New Edge Improvement, Co. has a strong track record of working with residential and commercial properties in the Chicago area, providing comprehensive roofing and exterior improvements.

5.0

314 Reviews

Anchor Point Roofing

3104 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Anchor Point Roofing is a roofing company based in Chicago, IL, serving both residential and commercial clients. They provide a wide range of services including roof installation, repair, replacement, and inspections, specializing in asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and flat roofing systems. As a Malarkey-certified contractor, they use durable roofing products and employ skilled technicians to ensure quality workmanship. Their expertise includes flat roof replacements and shingle repair, with a focus on addressing issues caused by Chicago's weather conditions. Anchor Point Roofing offers detailed roof assessments and flexible financing options to support their customers' roofing needs.

5.0

224 Reviews

Roofing Staff & Remodeling Inc

11545 183rd Pl Unit 111, Orland Park, IL 60467

Roofing Staff & Remodeling Inc offers comprehensive roofing, gutter, and siding services for residential and commercial properties in Chicago, IL. They specialize in roof installation, replacement, repair, and inspection, providing tailored solutions to protect homes and businesses from weather damage. With over 20 years of experience in the Chicagoland area, the company is skilled in handling insurance claims and installing features like ridge vent systems to improve roof ventilation. Their team is licensed and insured, delivering workmanship backed by guarantees.

5.0

219 Reviews

Midwest Roofing

4057 N Narragansett Ave, Chicago, IL 60634

Midwest Roofing is a family-owned business serving Chicago, IL, and the surrounding suburbs since 2004. They offer a range of services including roof repairs and replacements for shingle and flat roofs, seamless aluminum gutter replacements, vinyl siding repairs, and chimney repairs with minor masonry work. The company covers an extensive area around Chicago and is experienced in handling various roofing and exterior home maintenance needs. Midwest Roofing is known for its thorough approach to roof and gutter replacement projects and chimney repair services.

5.0

210 Reviews

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Understanding Wheaton's Climate and Its Impact on Roofing

The local weather is the single most important factor influencing roofing decisions in DuPage County. Wheaton experiences a full range of Midwestern seasons, each presenting unique challenges for your roof's integrity ¹.

Hail and Wind: The region is prone to severe spring and summer thunderstorms that can bring damaging hail and high winds. These events can crack, bruise, or tear shingles, leading to leaks and reduced lifespan ². For this reason, many homeowners and contractors prioritize materials with high impact resistance. Installing Class 4 impact-resistant asphalt shingles or durable metal roofing can be a wise investment to mitigate storm damage ³.

Snow and Ice: Heavy winter snow loads add substantial weight stress to your roof's structure. More insidiously, the cycle of melting and refreezing at the eaves leads to ice dam formation. Ice dams block proper drainage, causing water to back up under the shingles and into your attic, which can result in significant interior water damage, mold, and rot ¹. Proper defense involves a combination of adequate attic insulation, robust ventilation to keep the roof deck cold, and the critical installation of an ice and water shield membrane along the eaves and in valleys ^{4 5}.

Temperature Extremes: The thermal expansion and contraction that occurs with seasonal temperature swings can stress roofing materials over time. Furthermore, installation timing matters. Asphalt shingles require warmth to seal properly. Scheduling your roof replacement for late spring or early fall, when temperatures are consistently mild, is ideal to ensure the materials adhere and perform as designed ^{6 7}.

Choosing the Right Roofing Material for Your Home

Selecting a material is a balance between budget, aesthetics, durability, and maintenance. The most common and cost-effective choice in Wheaton is asphalt shingles, but other options offer distinct advantages for long-term performance ^{8 9}.

Asphalt Shingles: This remains the most popular residential roofing material due to its affordability, wide variety of colors and styles (like architectural/dimensional shingles), and relatively straightforward installation and repair ¹⁰. The primary drawback is a shorter lifespan (typically 20-30 years) and susceptibility to damage from severe hail or winds ¹¹. For better durability, consider upgrading to architectural shingles with a Class 3 or Class 4 impact rating.

Metal Roofing: Gaining popularity for its exceptional longevity (40-70+ years), metal roofing is highly resistant to fire, hail, and wind. Its reflective properties can also improve energy efficiency by reducing cooling costs in the summer ¹². The higher initial investment is often offset by its durability and minimal maintenance requirements, though it requires specialized installation techniques.

Cedar Shakes/Wood Shingles: These offer a classic, natural aesthetic that many homeowners find appealing. Wood provides good natural insulation. However, this material requires regular maintenance to prevent moss, mold, and rot, and it is more susceptible to fire unless treated with fire-retardant chemicals ¹³.

Slate and Tile Roofing: For the ultimate in longevity and a distinctive look, slate and concrete or clay tile are top-tier options. They can last 50 to 100 years with very little maintenance and offer superior durability ⁸. The significant weight of these materials often requires a structural assessment and potential reinforcement of the roof framing. The specialized installation and high material cost place them at the premium end of the spectrum.

Project Timeline: How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take?

For a typical Wheaton home with asphalt shingles, the physical tear-off and installation process usually takes 1 to 3 days⁴. However, the total project duration from contract signing to final inspection can be longer, influenced by several key factors:

• Roof Size and Complexity: A simple, single-story ranch home with a low pitch will be completed much faster than a large, multi-story home with a steep pitch, multiple dormers, chimneys, and skylights ^{14 15}.
• Material Choice: A standard asphalt shingle job is the quickest. Switching to metal, slate, or tile can extend the installation time to 1-2 weeks due to the precision and specialized skills required ¹⁶.
• Weather Delays: As mentioned, roofing is weather-dependent. Rain, high winds, or freezing temperatures will pause work for safety and to ensure proper installation quality ⁶.
• Underlying Damage: Once the old shingles are removed, the roof decking (the wooden substrate) is exposed. If the crew discovers rotted, warped, or otherwise damaged wood, these sections must be replaced before new underlayment and shingles can be installed, adding time to the project ⁴.

Understanding Costs and Budgeting for Your Project

The cost of a full roof replacement in Wheaton varies widely based on the square footage of your roof, the material selected, and the complexity of the job. Below are general price ranges for the Wheaton and greater Illinois area to help with initial budgeting ^{17 18}.

• Small Houses (1,000-1,500 sq. ft. roof): $7,500-$12,000
• Average Houses (2,000-2,500 sq. ft. roof): $15,000-$20,000
• Large Houses (3,000-5,000 sq. ft. roof): $22,000-$40,000+

A more precise way to estimate is by cost per square foot (installed), which includes tear-off, disposal, and installation of all new materials ^{19 20 21}:

• 3-tab Asphalt Shingles: $4.50-$5.50 per sq. ft.
• Architectural Asphalt Shingles: $5.50-$7.00 per sq. ft.
• Metal Roofing: $10.00-$14.00 per sq. ft.
• Slate/Tile Roofing: $15.00-$30.00 per sq. ft.

It's important to note that these estimates typically include the complete removal and disposal of the old roofing material. In Illinois, if there are already two layers of roofing on a home, a full tear-off is required by law before a new roof can be installed ²². Always verify local permitting and code requirements with the City of Wheaton Building Department before any work begins.

The Installation Process: What to Expect

A professional roof replacement follows a systematic process to ensure quality and durability.

1. Preparation and Tear-Off: The crew will protect your landscaping, set up dumpsters, and use tarps to catch debris. They then systematically remove all old shingles, nails, and underlayment down to the bare roof deck.
2. Inspection and Repair: The exposed decking is thoroughly inspected for damage. Any soft, rotted, or broken wood is replaced to create a solid, level base.
3. Underlayment and Flashing: A synthetic or felt underlayment is rolled out over the entire deck as a secondary water barrier. Critical areas-like valleys, around chimneys, vents, and along the eaves-are fortified with metal flashing and, in the case of eaves, an ice and water shield membrane ⁵.
4. Material Installation: Shingles (or other material) are installed according to manufacturer specifications, starting at the eaves and working upward. Proper alignment, nailing patterns, and sealing are crucial.
5. Ventilation and Finishing: Ridge vents or other exhaust vents are installed to ensure proper attic airflow. All job-site debris is cleaned up, and a final inspection is conducted to ensure quality.

Frequently asked questions

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