Roofing Materials in Chicago, IL

One of the most important things to decide on when building a new home is the material you’ll have for your roof. Numerous roofing materials exist today and if you want to pick the best one that will serve you and your family for years to come, take time to examine the pros and cons of each one.

Some roofing materials have a longer lifespan than others but are quite expensive, while some have lower price points but won’t last as long as the others. Other materials are also perfect for homes in areas frequented by storms, and there are also others that are best for places where it’s hot for a large part of the year.

Top 5 Roofing Materials in Chicago

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material not only in Chicago but throughout America. Available in blended or solid colors, they are perhaps the most economical option that also allows for style and versatility as they can mimic the look of slate and wood roofs.

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material not only in Chicago but throughout America. Available in blended or solid colors, they are perhaps the most economical option that also allows for style and versatility as they can mimic the look of slate and wood roofs.

Wood Shingles

For a really natural look, nothing beats wood shingles and shakes. Many homeowners like wood roofs for their undeniable aesthetic appeal, as well as their ability to provide attic insulation while letting the house to breathe. However, wood shingles and shakes are prone to rot, insects, and mold, so they require regular maintenance. Plus, installing them can be more costly and challenging compared to other roofing materials.

Slate

Slate is a close second to wood when it comes to creating a natural look for your home. Often seen in upscale homes, slate roofing is composed of shingle-like rock slivers arranged in patterns. It also comes in a wide range of colors found in nature, allowing roofing contractors to come up with a roofing look and feel that complements a home’s curbside appeal.

However, unlike wood, slate is considerably heavy and requires additional roof support. It’s also breakable, so gutter cleaning and roof maintenance will have to be done with care.

Concrete Tiles

Many contractors these days consider tile roofing as the best on the market, boasting a lifespan as long as 50 years and an ability to replicate the natural appearance of wood. Often coated with plastics, thin metals, and enamels, concrete tiles are made of fiber-reinforced cement and are more sustainable and lightweight than other roofing options. Concrete roofing is also easy to maintain and has excellent fire protection and rot resistance.

The only downside is that concrete tiles are generally more expensive than traditional roofing materials. Still, if you have funds to spare, concrete roofing is a worthy investment.

Metal

Durable, fire-retardant, and pretty much maintenance-free, metal roofs are the top choice when it comes to storm protection. Metal roofing can withstand the heavy impact of objects deposited by a storm and support the added weight due to debris build-up. Plus, metal roofs are big on energy efficiency as they’re capable of reflecting light and retaining heat. Modern metal roofing is also lightweight and can be made to resemble Victorian metal tiles, clay tiles, and wood shakes.

Like concrete tiles though, the initial cost of installing a metal roof is higher than other roofing materials.

Lakefront Supply is your premier roofer in Chicago. From high-quality roofing materials and siding supply to gutters and custom sheet metal products, we’re your one-stop-shop for anything and everything in between.

At Lakefront Roofing and Siding Supply, we always want to make life as easy as possible for our customers with our roofing materials in Chicago. We have a fully functioning e-commerce store stocked with thousands of roofing and siding materials. We offer everything from residential and commercial roofing materials to siding and insulation to sheet metal and lumber. We are also the only stocking supplier of Vegetal i.D.’s Hydropack® in the Midwest and these green roof trays are available for purchase online as well. We now stock PVC and accessories courtesy of Carlisle. We also have a propane filling station for all your propane needs.

We have a fully stocked showroom with a variety of free product samples. Our experienced staff is well-trained and always happy to help, no matter what kind of job you’re working on, we will always help you with any questions you may have. If you have a question or would like to take a look at what we have in-stock, please stop by our location on Western Avenue. If you have your materials and need to find a contractor, we’re happy to refer numerous trusted Chicago contractors.