Looking for roofing options?
Expert Roofers You Can Trust
Eco-friendly homes need air-tight, insulated roofing that absorbs heat and maintains air quality. We offer many roofing options, including cedar shingles, slate, metal, asphalt, clay, and green roofs. EcoBuild+ consultants are also happy to walk you through solar panel options to even further enhance the energy savings of your home.
Hail or Storm Damage? We work with your insurance to get the best coverage for repairs.
EcoBuild+ has helped hundreds of Chicagoland families with all of their roofing needs. We deliver an outstanding experience from the first meeting to the final inspection. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Roofing 101
Roofing shingles are a great addition to your home since they provide proper installation and even a protective barrier that can significantly increase your property’s value. Furthermore, they’re not only effective but quite an affordable way to cover your home.
Types of Shingles include:
Estimated Cost: $100-$150 each
Installation Cost: $1700-$8,400 each
These are most popular and affordable type of shingle. They come in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles like weathered wood, Barkwood, slate, and charcoal. They can even help you save on your energy bills. However, they might not do too well with sudden changes in temperature, which might cause them to crack. They can also only be used on roofs with steep slopes.
Installation Cost: $3800-$8000
Made from a fiberglass base mat with a waterproof coating, Fiberglass Shingles are another attractive option because they are lightweight, Fire-resistant, durable, resistant to harmful UV rays, and also very affordable. They also carry a longer warranty than other products in the market.
Made from wood chips, recycled cardboard, rags, paper, and other organic materials, organic shingles are waterproof and inexpensive. On the other hand, they are heavier than their fiberglass counterparts and won’t last as long. This might lead to some big issues in climates with high humidity or freezing temperatures.
3-Tab Installation Cost: $2300-$5300
Architectural Installation Cost: $3800-$8000
You might also encounter 3-Tab Shingles and ask find yourself choosing between them and Architectural Shingles.
Similar in lifespan to asphalt shingles (20-30 years), 3-Tab shingles are thinly made and low-priced compared to architectural shingles. You’ll easily recognize them from cut-outs on their bottom when you install them that make them look like 3 different shingles.
However, true architectural shingles have no cut-outs and have more curves. Moreover, they have extra asphalt that give them the similar layered look. They are very vulnerable on roofs with low slopes.
Estimated Cost: $300-$700
Installation Cost: $10,000-$14,000
Tile shingles are the most stylish in the group and can be molded into a variety of shapes and painted in lighter colors to keep them cool. You’ve probably seen them in colonial Spanish-style buildings. They can last up to 80 years but are also among the most expensive types of roofing.
Estimated Cost: $400-$700
Installation Cost: $7000-$15000
Wood shingles are priced between expensive tiles and lower priced asphalt. They can last about 30-50 years and are the most environmental friendly of the group. They’re also the most energy-efficient. On the other hand, they’re very prone to fire and termites.
Estimated Cost: $100-$1000 (based on material)
Installation Cost: $2000-$15,000
Made with either constructed or solid metal, metal roofing is a sturdy and long-lasting roofing option. Its also surprisingly affordable when low galvanized metal is used. You can also choose from aluminum, copper, tin, and zinc metals.
Estimated Cost: $200-$600
Installation Cost: $5000-$23,000
With a life expectancy of 80-100 years, slate shingles are indeed the option that will literally last you a lifetime. They also top the list in water and damage resistance, especially for extremely cold climates. They even come in popular colors such as black, gray, green, and red. On the other hand, they are expensive to buy and maintain. You also might not find them readily available.
Finally, solar shingles like the Tesla Solar Roof, are an investment that eventually pays for itself. Since your roof gets more sunlight than any other part of your house, a solar roof makes sense, offering a dual purpose of roofing and power source. They provide the same level of protection as conventional asphalt shingles, lasting about 30-40 years. They can also generate 30%-50% of your household’s electrical needs in an eco-friendly way since solar energy is pollution free.
Furthermore, the process lowers the amount of heat from the sun going through your roof to keep things cooler inside. This energy is also free.
On the other hand, solar shingles aren’t the most attractive. Wires will be visible on the exterior of your house. However, the solar panels themselves aren’t as noticeable. They also require regular maintenance since the panels need to be free of dust and debris to get their maximum function. While they are durable, you cannot walk on them.
8-step process to replace your roof
The day your roof is installed is the most important in the life of your roof. It must be installed by trained professionals using the correct roofing techniques and quality materials. Proper roof installation is crucial to protecting your roof investment.
1. Roofing materials delivered
The first step to your roof replacement is getting all the roofing materials delivered to your home. Usually, they are delivered the afternoon before or the morning of your replacement. The amount of roofing material will depend on the size of your roof and should be kept in a dry area near the roof access point.
2. Move your vehicles
When our team arrives at your home, they’ll make sure all the vehicles are moved out of your driveway or garage. If the car in the garage won’t be used during your replacement, then moving is unnecessary.
We do this so you can come and go as you please. We don’t want to block you or your family from doing your business as usual. It also protects your vehicles from any stray debris that could fall from your roof. For example, you don’t want your windshield cracked by falling roof debris.
3. Protect your property
The next step of your roof replacement is preparing your property for the roof tear-off. Our installers will start tarping the ground for the dump zone and set up tarps to cover your shrubbery and landscaping.
We will take all the steps necessary to protect your outside property and attic during your roof replacement. Also, it’s also a good idea for you to protect anything hanging on the walls in your home, especially if the installation method is hand nailing.
4. Tear off your old roof
After our team covers everything, they’ll begin tearing off your old roof in sections. They’ll start on the furthest corner of your roof away from your driveway so they’re always moving towards the dump trailer and new materials.
After a section is torn off, some installers will stay behind to begin installing your new roof while the others continue tearing off. This saves time and means less traffic on your roof.
5. Clean out your gutters
As soon as a section is torn off and cleaned up, your gutters will be cleaned out as well. Any roofing debris from the tear-off, leaves, and other possible blockages will be removed from your gutters.
6. Install roofing materials
After the tear-off and ensuring your gutters are cleaned out, our team is ready to install your new roof. They’ll systematically work their way around the house, following the sections that are torn off.
Once a section is torn off, they’ll lay the underlayment and install the drip edge. Depending on the weather, they’ll then start installing your starter shingles and shingles using the installation method of your choosing. Finally, they’ll put on all the ridge capping and install any vents needed for your roof’s ventilation system.
6. Cleaning up
After installing your new roof, our installers will begin the cleanup process. They’ll blow off your roof so that all the leftover debris gets down on the dump tarps. The installers will then clean out your gutters and downspouts to clear them of any roofing debris, roll up all the tarps, get their tools, and ensure everything on the ground is cleaned up. To ensure they get all the nails, they’ll go all over your property with a strong magnet. After we leave, it should be like we were never there.
8. Roof inspectiion
After your roof has been replaced and your property has been cleaned up, our installers will double-check the finished product. They’ll get on your roof, take a look around, and make sure the quality of the roof matches the high standards you expect when investing in a roof replacement.
They’ll double-check the areas that are known to frequently leak (around penetrations, skylights, chimneys, etc.) and make sure they’re properly protected. We always inspect our workmanship to ensure your roof is installed correctly and all local codes have been followed.
Benefits of New Roofing
Get in Touch
If you have questions, but don’t know where to start, contact us and we walk you through every step of the process. It’s our goal to help you lower your utility costs and create a comfortable, healthy space for your family to gather, without posing any harm to the Earth.
Whether you seek a new roof, basement remodeling, or are looking to upgrade your kitchen and bath, as Chicago’s best general contractors, we provide a level of customer service that matches our craftsmanship, ensuring that your goals are met on-time and on-budget.
Design
Choosing the right material for your home takes time and attention; at EcoBuild+ we work to bring your visions to reality.
Quality
Quality craftsmanship, efficient design, unsurpassed customer service, and experience are some of the core values of our company.
Experience
EcoBuild+ is committed to giving you a personal experience during the entire roofing process.