Chicago’s unpredictable weather can take a toll on your roof. Whether you have a flat roof or shingles, it’s essential to know the best practices for roof repair and maintenance to protect your home. At Anchor Point Roofing, we understand the unique challenges Chicago weather presents, and we’re here to help you keep your roof in top condition. In this blog, we’ll discuss the key factors to consider for flat and shingle roof repairs in Chicago.

UNDERSTANDING CHICAGO’S WEATHER PATTERNS 🤔

It’s easy to think of all of the negatives that come with a roof replacement. But, the truth is that there are also a myriad of benefits that you have to look forward to, including:

SIGNS IT’S TIME TO REPLACE YOUR ROOF

Residential roofing refers to the type of roofing material and projects you would see in residential homes around your neighborhood. These roofs typically have a distinct slope to them and often use asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, or composite shingles.

That being said, residential flat roofs are not unheard of. You might see these in more modern architecture or for extra structures like garages. If you live in a big city like Chicago, though, you may see more residential properties sporting flat roofs than usual!

COMMERCIAL ROOFING ????

You are most likely to find EPDM roofing systems or other types of flat roofs on commercial buildings. The term ‘flat roof’ is a bit of a misnomer, though. Flat roofs actually do have a slight slope to them! This allows them to properly drain water and avoid water damage.

Commercial roofing systems have many benefits, including:

4 TYPES OF FLAT ROOFING MATERIALS

While our post today focuses on EPDM roofing material, you’ll likely come across many different terms while researching flat roofing material. Here are some of the most common types of flat roofing that you will hear about.

1) EPDM ROOFING

We couldn’t start this list without shouting out an EPDM roof! An EPDM rubber roof (also known as ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is a type of single-ply flat roofing material that is versatile and durable. It is a newer form of flat roofing material that was only developed in the past fifty years and addresses some of the problems faced with older flat roofing systems.

An EPDM roofing membrane can be purchased in a wide range of colors and can last for years!

2) BUILT-UP ROOF

While EPDM may be one of the newer materials, built-up roofing (BUR), is one of the oldest forms of flat roofing materials. BUR roofs are created by layering tar and gravel onto your roof in order to create a moisture barrier. Not only is it less effective at protecting your property from severe weather damage than some other methods, but it is also one of the more expensive forms of flat roofing and only lasts around 15 years.

That being said, you will find that it does a very good job of keeping water out and is very easy to maintain.

3) TPO ROOFING

TPO is another type of roofing membrane that has grown in popularity. However, it isn’t chosen as often as an EPDM roof simply because it is more expensive. That being said, it can be a good choice if you live in a cold region, as it resists shrinking when the temperatures drop.

4) SPRAY FOAM ROOFING

A spray-on roof isn’t the prettiest option, but it is pretty effective at keeping out water. If you’re just looking to get the job done and not have to worry about it, spray roofing may be right for you!

HOW CAN I EXTEND THE LIFESPAN OF MY ROOF IN CHICAGO’S CHALLENGING CLIMATE? ⌛

• Regular Inspections: Perform regular visual inspections of your roof to catch any issues early. Look for damaged or missing shingles, cracks, leaks, or signs of wear and tear.

• Clean Gutters: Keep your gutters clean and free of debris to prevent water backup. Clogged gutters can lead to water infiltrating your roof and causing damage.

• Trim Overhanging Branches: Overhanging tree branches can damage your roof during storms or high winds. Trim branches that could potentially fall onto your roof.

• Invest in Proper Ventilation: Ensure your attic has proper ventilation to regulate temperature and moisture levels. Proper ventilation helps prevent ice dams and reduces the risk of moisture-related damage.

• Professional Maintenance: Consider scheduling regular maintenance inspections with a professional roofing contractor like Anchor Point Roofing. Professionals can identify and address issues you might miss during DIY inspections.

• Use High-Quality Materials: When it’s time for a roof replacement, invest in high-quality roofing materials suited to Chicago’s climate. Consult with roofing experts to choose the best materials for your specific needs.

• Address Repairs Promptly: If you notice any roof issues, such as leaks or missing shingles, address them promptly. Timely repairs can prevent minor problems from escalating into major ones.

HOW MUCH DOES EPDM ROOFING COST?

The big question! How much can you expect to pay for an EPDM roof?

The EPDM roofing product itself typically costs between $3-$10 per square foot. This means that for the average commercial roof, you can expect to pay anywhere between $6,000-$18,000 for a full roof replacement.

HOW LONG DOES EPDM RUBBER ROOFING LAST?

If the idea of shelling out thousands of dollars to replace your entire roof has you shaking in your boots, don’t worry! For all of that money, you are getting decades of use! The durable EPDM membrane can last 30 years, with many reporting up to 50 years of use, with good maintenance!

MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR EPDM ROOFING SYSTEMS

Want your roof to last for a long time? You need to take good care of it!

Because of their limited slope, a flat roofing system requires a bit more maintenance than a residential roof would. If you want to keep your roof in tip-top shape for years to come, then you need to follow these simple maintenance instructions.

CAN YOU DIY YOUR ROOF REPLACEMENT?

Many cost-conscious homeowners try to pinch pennies by attempting to do their own roof replacements. And while we won’t say that it CAN’T be done – it certainly has been done in the past – we also can’t recommend it.

As we’ve mentioned previously, your roof is a vital part of protecting your home. DIY installation could lead to problems down the road that could have been avoided with professional help. Additionally, any job that requires you to climb up on your roof comes with some inherent danger.

If you feel at all uncertain, we recommend relying on a professional roofer.

GET THE ROOFING HELP YOU NEED!

Not sure where to start? Anchor Point Roofing has you covered. Whether you are looking for a full or partial roof replacement, our knowledgeable team is here to answer all of your questions. Contact us today to receive a free quote for your roofing project!