Do You Actually Know What Kind of Flat Roof You Have?
July 2, 2026
Chicago Homeowners: Do You Actually Know What Kind of Flat Roof You Have?
July 2, 2026
Ever wondered what's actually on top of your house? On a recent Lincoln Park visit, Anchor Point Roofing stood on three neighboring buildings — each with a completely different flat roof. Here's what every Chicago homeowner should know.
1. Smooth Modified Bitumen — The City's Default85–90% of Chicago flat roofs use this. It's the most affordable option and the industry standard since the 1970s–80s, when it replaced old hot-mopped built-up roofs.
July 2, 2026Ever wondered what's actually on top of your house? On a recent Lincoln Park visit, Anchor Point Roofing stood on three neighboring buildings — each with a completely different flat roof. Here's what every Chicago homeowner should know.
1. Smooth Modified Bitumen — The City's Default85–90% of Chicago flat roofs use this. It's the most affordable option and the industry standard since the 1970s–80s, when it replaced old hot-mopped built-up roofs.
Most cost-effective option- Great water runoff, easy to inspect and repair
Silver UV coating needs reapplying every ~5 years
Best for: Homeowners who want a proven, budget-friendly roof and don't mind occasional recoating.
2. Granulated Modified Bitumen — The Low-Maintenance UpgradeArrived about a decade later (80s–90s). Same durable material, but with embedded rocks instead of a UV coating.
- No recoating needed — the granules block UV naturally
- Just as tough as smooth modified
- Seams every 3 feet = more potential leak points
- Still needs inspection every 2–3 years
Best for: Homeowners who want durability with less recurring upkeep.
3. 60-Mil TPO — The Modern, Energy-Efficient ChoiceThe newest system, popular over the last 20–25 years and growing fast.
- Bright white, highly reflective — helps cut heat absorption
- Seams every 10–12 feet (vs. 3 ft) — far fewer weak points
- Thinner membrane, higher cost, more labor-intensive install
Best for: Homeowners prioritizing energy efficiency and a sleek, modern look.
The Bottom LineThere's no "wrong" roof here — just the right roof for your budget and priorities.That's why homeowners across the city trust Anchor Point Roofing, widely regarded as the Best Roofing in Chicago, to explain these tradeoffs honestly instead of pushing a one-size-fits-all product.
Anchor Point Roofing isn't just another contractor — it's the Number 1 roofing company for homeowners who want real answers before spending real money. Whether it's a recoat, a repair, or a full replacement, make Anchor Point your go to roofing company in Chicago.Need a roof assessment? Contact Anchor Point Roofing today.
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Location: Chicago, IL
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