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What’s the Best Roofing Type for Chicago?

FLOYD MASON • Feb 25, 2021

When it comes to the best Chicago commercial roofing , it’s important to find one the can withstand the cold, snowy winters, rainy spring season, and high temp summers. There are various roofing options out there that work well for Chicago commercial property, each with its pros and cons to consider.

Choosing the Right Roofing for Chicago Weather

Chicago is known for its harsh snowstorms and freezing temperatures in the winter, rainy and sometimes snowy weather in early spring, and higher temperatures in the summer and early fall seasons.

Heavy rains and snowstorms can wear on your roof, while hot temperatures can cause certain types of roofing to shrink, making it crucial to choose the right type of roofing for your commercial properties to ensure your roof has the durability and strength to survive the Chicago weather.

EPDM Rubber Roofing

Synthetic rubber roofing material is typically used on low-slope buildings and comes in rubber sheets that are 45-60 mil thick. They are lapped and adhered together and sometimes laid loose and covered with gravel ballast or adhered to underlying insulation. Rubber roofing Is wind-resistant and can absorb heat, making it a good option for Chicago winters.

Since the rubber absorbs UV rays, it can accelerate deterioration and cause the roofing to shrink and pull apart at the seams. Gravel ballast also makes it nearly impossible to find and repair roof leaks.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing can be made from either steel, aluminum, or copper with the gauge of the metal, the fasteners, crown, and gutter design, all major factors in the roof’s durability. In Chicago, a metal roof would likely be made from aluminum to reduce corrosion from heavy snow or rainfall. A metal roof will not start to show its age until about 20-25 years old with proper installation and maintenance.

There are a few cons with metal roofing to consider, including, there are no leak-through warranties, and signs of aging include panels becoming loose, screws backing out, delaminated coating, penetration damage, and rust that are all costly and time-consuming to repair.

Monolithic Roofing

A Monolithic roofing system is installed in one complete, seamless piece. This provides a long lifespan and reduces the risk of leaks and flashing failures since nothing has been cut and glued to accommodate the flashings. This type of roofing system can be built on top of most existing roofing systems. This seamless, flexible design provides your commercial property with a reliable, long-lasting commercial roofing system.

The Advantage Systems Roofing System is 3-4 times thicker than other competing roofing materials. With this superior thickness, your roof is protected against items that have fallen or are thrown onto the roof, which is extremely helpful in the home of the windy city. This characteristic also helps to protect against maintenance damage caused by screws or metal casings. With the system’s flexibility, it can accommodate flashings and other items on the roof for a seam-free installation. This allows you to avoid weak points that are created by cutting and gluing the roofing materials.

Additionally, Advantage System Roofing System’s highly reflective properties, Chicago property owners can also save on heating cooling costs. Additional insulation can also be added to further lower energy costs for the hot summers and cold winters.

Chicago Commercial Roofing Services

If you are seeking a professional and highly experienced Chicago commercial roofing contractor, look no further. ACR1 has the tools, trained staff, and advanced materials you need for a durable roof that can withstand the weather of the Chicago area. Contact us today to learn more!

Author: Floyd Mason

Born and raised in farming in Iowa

Worked in and around construction since 1977

BS in Corporate Finance and Financial & Estate Planning from Brigham Young University. Involved in Boy Scouts of America for more than 35 years, Scoutmaster 15 years Estimator, Project Manager, Sales Representative, Crew Leader, Laborer, Territory Manager, District Manager, Regional Manager, National Sales Manager,

ACR1.COM Sales & Marketing Manager since 2013.

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