Commercial Asphalt Shingle Roofing in Chicago, IL
Not every commercial building has a flat roof. Many multifamily properties, small offices, churches, schools, and retail buildings across the Chicago area have pitched roofs, and for those buildings, asphalt shingles remain a common, cost-effective choice. All Available Roofing installs, repairs, and replaces asphalt shingle roofs built to handle Chicago's ice, wind, and heavy snow.
What Is Asphalt Shingle Roofing?
Asphalt shingles are made from a fiberglass mat coated in asphalt and topped with mineral granules that protect against UV rays and add color. They are installed in overlapping rows over a waterproof underlayment on a sloped roof deck. Two styles are common: 3-tab shingles, which are flatter and more basic, and architectural (dimensional) shingles, which are thicker, more durable, and have a layered look.
Where Asphalt Shingles Fit
Shingles work well on sloped roofs, including apartment and condo buildings, townhome communities and HOA properties, small offices and medical buildings, churches, schools, and retail buildings with pitched sections. They are not designed for flat or very low-slope roofs. Those need a membrane system such as TPO, EPDM, PVC, or modified bitumen. We check your roof's slope first and tell you which applies.
Asphalt shingles offer four clear advantages for pitched commercial roofs.
Benefits of Asphalt Shingles
Cost-effective
Shingles generally cost less than metal or other steep-slope materials, which helps on large multi-building properties.
Easy to repair
Damaged or missing shingles can be replaced individually without redoing the whole roof.
Style options
A wide range of colors and profiles lets you match the look of the property or HOA requirements.
Efficient installation
Pitched roofs can often be completed quickly, which limits disruption for residents and tenants.
Built for Chicago Winters
Ice dams are a common cause of shingle roof leaks here. When heat escapes into the attic, it melts snow on the roof, and the meltwater refreezes at the eaves and backs up under the shingles. We install an ice and water barrier at eaves and valleys and evaluate attic ventilation and insulation, because shingles alone cannot solve an ice dam. We also follow manufacturer fastening and sealing requirements for wind, and we can discuss impact-resistant shingles for properties concerned about hail. [Confirm shingle manufacturers and warranty tiers offered.]
Our Asphalt Shingle Services
- New shingle roof installation
- Tear-off and full replacement
- Overlay installation where code and roof condition allow
- Storm damage and leak repair
- Flashing, valley, and chimney repair
- Attic ventilation and ice dam prevention
- Inspections and maintenance
Asphalt Shingle Roofing FAQ
How long does an asphalt shingle roof last?
Typically 15 to 20 years for 3-tab shingles and 20 to 30 years for architectural shingles, depending on installation quality, ventilation, and exposure. [Confirm warranty.]
Can new shingles go over my old roof?
Sometimes. It depends on local code, the number of existing layers, and the condition of the deck. We inspect first and recommend tear-off when an overlay would hide problems or shorten the new roof's life.
Need a shingle roof inspection or quote? Call 773-339-9370 or Request an Estimate