Winter is coming in the Chicago area.
Is your home ready?
Introduction
Roofs are the hallmark protective features of our homes. They keep us cool during the grueling summers and keep us warm through the frigid winters. In the US conditions can vary, leading to large amounts of variation in roof function and design.
For extreme weather states like Illinois, our roofs need to be breathable for our 90-degree summers, and resilient enough to protect from snow and ice during the winter.
Chicago, Elk Grove, and Arlington homeowners must deal with specific challenges during the winter months. Our homes are constantly battling heavy snow, icy conditions, and freezing temperatures that make a quality roof a necessity.
The Importance of a Quality Roof
Our roofs are responsible for regulating temperature as well as protecting us from the number of natural objects that fall near and on our homes every day. Wind, rain, and the natural world around us bring a host of physical objects that are constantly attacking our structures.
Your roof and shingles act as the first line of defense.
A strong roof helps with the protection of the foundational elements of our home’s upper features. It is common for poor quality roofing to lead to water damage, snow damage (the weight of snow damaging structural elements), and ice related damage (frozen pipes and electronics).
Strong roofs help insulate and protect against creeping moisture and ice damage. Strong quality shingles that have been installed correctly help mitigate the risk damage from wind, falling trees, and other natural factors.
A strong roof not only protects your home, it also protects the people inside of it.
Proper roof installation is crucial for protecting your home from these elements, ensuring its durability and long-term value.
Common Winter Roofing Issues In Chicago
Because of the inclement weather in the northern Illinois region, our roofs have to work overtime. There are many issues to address for any state along the Canadian border including large snow accumulation, Ice dams, spring time leaks, and moisture build up after the snow has melted.
Ice dams are something unique to climates as cold as Illinois. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof that prevents snow from melting and draining off your structure. Ice dams can lead to large build ups of water that can result in significant water damage to your foundation and eves.
Water damage can be a one-way ticket to mold and rot, which in some cases can cost upwards of $30,000 to fix. A strong roof comes at a fraction of the price and could act as a great financial investment.
3 Signs You Need a New Roof Before Winter
There are many things to consider this winter with the top of your house. Here are 3 of the biggest signs it may be time for a new roof.
3 Signs To Pay Attention To:
- Missing Shingles
- Water Stains On Ceilings
- Sagging Areas
Pre-winter inspections can help identify these problematic signs before the cold sets in. Seidel Exterior Group offers free home inspections in the Northern Chicago Area. These at home consultations are essential and informative due to our home consultant experts have a minimum of 15 years of experience with the many different shapes, sizes, and styles of residential roofing.
Roof Prep – For Icy Winters
Choosing the right material for your home is just as important as identifying its flaws. This takes some serious consideration, as there are many different types and styles that relate to your roof’s function.
Selecting the right roofing material is critical for protecting your harsh winter months in Illinois. All roofing materials have distinct advantages and disadvantages regarding insulation, snow and ice management, and durability.
Asphalt Shingles:
| Performance | Asphalt Shingles are some of the most common roofing materials due to their availability and ease of implementation. They perform well in mild winter conditions, but heavy snow can lead to issues if not properly checked. |
| Pros | · Cost effective and widely available · Relatively easy to repair · Large variety of colors and styles |
| Cons | · May curl or crack over time · Less durable in very extreme weather conditions |
Metal Roofing:
| Performance | Metal, steel, aluminum, and copper roofs are highly effective during the winter months. These roofs are less prone to snow accumulation due to their smoother surfaces, which allows snow to slide off easily. |
| Pros | · Excellent ice and snow shedding during the winter · Reflects heat keeping attics cool · Reduces energy costs · Long lifespans (up to 50 years or in some cases more) |
| Cons | · Higher cost of installation · Can be noisy during heavy rain or hail |
Tile Roofing:
| Performance | Concrete, Clay, and other tiles are robust and can withstand harsh winter weather conditions. Their weight requires strong structural support and reinforcement, which may not be available in all homes. |
| Pros | · Durable and resistant against rot, insects, and fire · Provides a natural and classic look · Can provide great installation when installed properly |
| Cons | · Heavy and may require additional structural support · Slightly higher in installation cost and more complex when it comes to repairs |
Slate Roofing:
| Performance | Slate is a premium high-end roofing material well known for its exceptional durability and life span. It performs well during winter and can easily handle heavy snow and ice without significant risk of damage. |
| Pros | · Resistant to fire and extreme weather conditions · Provides a natural look and unique aesthetical presence · Extremely durable and can last well over 100 years |
| Cons | · Very expensive, installation requires skilled labor · Not all homes are compatible, may require additional structural support |
Synthetic Roofing Materials:
| Performance | Manufactured from rubber or plastic composites, synthetic roofing materials can mimic the appearance of more traditional materials like wood or slate. These roofs offer superior performance during the winter months, and great flexibility and breathability during the hot summers. |
| Pros | · Lightweight · More affordable than natural materials · Good snow and ice-shedding capabilities · Resistant against fading, cracking, and rotting |
| Cons | · Large variance in quality depending on the manufacturer · Less traditional and some times tacky aesthetic appeal |
Investing In Your Future Quality Roof
It is important to understand what roofing materials are right for your home’s given region and weather conditions. Here is a regional breakdown of current home roof types and their impact on weather conditions:
| Region | Popular Roofing Materials | Percentage | Weather Impact on Choices |
| Northeast | Asphalt Shingles | 70% | Dominant due to affordability and performance in varied climates |
| Slate and Tile | 10-15% | Common in historical architecture | |
| Midwest | Asphalt Shingles | 75-80% | Commonly used for snow and ice durability |
| Metal Roofing | 10-15% | Increasing due to snow-shedding properties | |
| South | Asphalt Shingles | 80-85% | High temperatures and humidity lead to reflective coatings popularity |
| Tile and Metal Roofing | 10-12% | Gaining traction in coastal areas | |
| West | Tile Roofing | 20-25% | Preferred for durability and energy efficiency |
| Asphalt Shingles | 60-70% | Common in less arid areas |
Here are some more quick facts on roofing from other nationally sourced statistics:
| National Statistics | Percentage/Impact |
| Asphalt Shingles | Over 60% of all residential roofs in the U.S. |
| Metal Roofing | Approximately 10% of residential roofing installations; 15-20% growth rate annually |
| Roofing Lifespan | Asphalt shingles: 15-30 years; Metal roofs: 40-70 years in some cases longer |
| Cool Roofing and Green Roofs | Predicted growth rate of 25% in installations over the next five years |
| Weather Condition | Material Preference | Trend Impact |
| Snow and Ice (Northeast & Midwest) | Metal Roofing, Steep-Sloped Roofs | 20% increase in metal roofing installations |
| High Temperature (South) | Reflective Coatings, Higher Solar Reflectance Shingles | 30% of homeowners opting for reflective coatings |
| Dry and Arid (West) | Tile Roofing, Metal Roofing | 15% of new homes built with tile roofs |
Every year before the extreme weather seasons it is important to be prepared and understand how your roof functions and its current condition. Faulty or damaged roofs can lead to other serious infrastructure and energy issues that homeowners typically overlook.
Ensuring your home’s readiness for the winter season in Chicago and Northern Illinois is essential to your family’s safety. Don’t wait to protect your home:
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