Chicago Roof Installation

For many of us, from the time we were children, we've been taught about the importance of having a roof over our heads. Through good times and bad, weather fair and foul, our roofs keep us sheltered and free to live our lives comfortably, and as adults, being thankful for our roofs is generally not a problem. Unfortunately, no matter how good of a roof you have, through every one a little rain must fall, eventually. When the top of your home has seen better days in a city like Chicago, roof installation is a project that will be necessary not only for the comfort of those underneath it, but for the well being of you home's structure as a whole.

Chicago Roof Installation Options
Once a roof has been compromised badly enough to warrant replacement, there are several materials to choose from that your new roof can be made from. Each has some advantages and disadvantages, and none are right for every situation, but knowing the benefits and drawbacks of common roofing materials gives homeowners a better idea of what will be the best investment for their house.

Asphalt Roof Installation: This is the most common roofing material in the country, and is found on homes all around Chicago. Roof installation can be a pricey process, and asphalt shingles are the least expensive option on the market. Shingles, of course, vary in quality, price, and durability, but in general, they are easy and inexpensive to install, provide an extra layer of insulation, and often last for 20 or 30 years as long as they are well-maintained.

Metal Roofing: Metal roofing used to be extremely popular, and is gaining popularity again, as technology has solved many of the problems of metal roofs in the past. No longer are metal roofs noisy, rusty, or unattractive; modern metal roofs can easily last more than 40 years, and look good the entire time. Strong, durable, and visually appealing, metal roofing is, unfortunately, more expensive than asphalt, and requires installation by an experienced professional.

Slate Roofing: In many ways, slate is the best roofing material available. Similar in performance to the tile roofs that are common in the Southwest, slate roofs can easily last for 80 years or more. They look great, and add a sense of quality and history to a property. The bad news is that slate roofing is extremely expensive and difficult to install. Additionally, though they can last for more than a century, slate roofs are incredibly brittle and will require special attention if ever a problem arises.

Prices of Roof Installation in Chicago
When it comes to new roof installation, Chicago residents are left with the age old question of whether to go with high quality at a high price, or moderate quality at a lower price. The average price for a new roof in the Chicago area is just less than $20,000. This figure includes all types of roofing materials, and puts the median cost at about $5,000 more than the national average. For something high end like slate roofing, you can easily expect prices to be more than $30,000 or $35,000, while asphalt shingles may be installed for well less than $10,000 in more than a few cases. Your best bet is to talk to several contractors and get a few different bids on the material you feel most comfortable with. A great roof at a good price is out there, but it'll take a bit of work to get it!