Roofing Questions, Answered by DFC Roofing

There's no honest one-number answer, because it depends on the size and pitch of your roof, how many layers have to be torn off, the condition of the decking, the shingle you choose, ventilation and flashing work, and permit fees. As a broad Illinois-area guide only — not a DFC quote — most single-family asphalt shingle roof replacements in the Chicago suburbs fall in the low five figures, with large, steep or complex roofs running higher. The accurate number is a written estimate after we measure and inspect your roof, and that estimate is free. See what affects cost.

Small repairs — a handful of shingles, a pipe boot, resealing a vent — are usually a few hundred dollars in the Elgin area. Chimney or skylight flashing rebuilds, valley repairs and anything involving rotted decking run more. Those are general ranges; every repair is priced after we've seen it, in writing, before we start.

Estimates are free and there's no obligation. We offer a 5% discount for seniors and military — just ask when you call. Formal written inspection reports for real estate or insurance purposes may be quoted separately; we'll tell you upfront.

Most homes are torn off and reroofed in one to two days once materials are on site. Bigger or steeper roofs, multiple layers, or extensive decking replacement can add a day. We don't open a roof if rain is forecast for that day, so weather occasionally shifts the schedule.

Yes. Elgin, South Elgin and nearly every village and city we work in require a building permit for a roof replacement, and some require inspections during or after the job. DFC Roofing pulls the permit and handles the inspections as part of the work.

We install roofs from early spring through late fall, and shingles seal best when it's warm and sunny. Late spring through early fall is ideal, but fall is our busiest season, so booking a spring or early-summer date usually gets you on the schedule faster. Winter installs are possible in a stretch of mild weather when a roof can't wait.

An architectural asphalt shingle roof installed correctly with proper ventilation typically lasts 20 to 30 years in northern Illinois; older three-tab shingles closer to 15 to 20. Cedar shake often 25 to 40 years with maintenance, and metal longer than that. Hail, poor attic ventilation and ice dams are what shorten a roof's life around here. If your roof is past 15, get it inspected.

Most Illinois homeowners policies cover sudden wind and hail damage after your deductible, but not ordinary wear or an old roof at the end of its life. Some policies pay actual cash value on older roofs rather than full replacement cost, and some have a separate wind/hail deductible — check your declarations page. We inspect first and tell you honestly whether the damage looks like a claim. Full details on our storm damage page.

Yes. We document the damage with photos, meet the adjuster at your home and walk the roof together, submit supplements if the scope misses something, and complete the work per the approved estimate. Customers have told us we "took care of everything with the insurance company."

If the roof is under about 15 years old and the problem is localized — a flashing, a vent, one wind-damaged slope — repair almost always makes sense. If it's 20-plus, failing in several places, brittle or losing granules everywhere, repairs are money spent on a roof that needs replacing. We'll tell you which one you have; see repair vs. replace.

Architectural (dimensional) asphalt shingles from the major manufacturers are our standard install for most homes, in a full range of colors and with impact-resistant options for hail. We also install cedar shake and shingle, standing-seam and architectural metal, and Carlisle EPDM/TPO membranes on flat and low-slope sections. Ask about the warranty differences between shingle tiers when we quote your roof.

Both are single-ply membranes for flat and low-slope roofs. EPDM is a black (or white) synthetic rubber with a decades-long track record, installed with adhesives or ballast and seamed with tape or adhesive. TPO is a white thermoplastic membrane with heat-welded seams that reflects sunlight and lowers cooling loads. Which is better depends on the building, the budget, roof traffic and energy goals. DFC Roofing is a Carlisle SynTec authorized applicator for both, which lets us offer Carlisle NDL (No Dollar Limit) warranties. See commercial roofing.

At least twice a year — spring and fall — plus after any major hail or wind event, and drains should be checked more often than that. Flat roofs fail at seams, flashings and drains long before the leak shows up on a ceiling tile. A twice-a-year inspection with photos is the cheapest way to extend the roof's life and keep a manufacturer warranty in good standing.

Yes. DFC Roofing is the trade name of Dyna-Flow Corporation, family-owned since 1979. We are an Illinois-licensed roofing contractor (license 104-004825), bonded and insured, a member of the NRCA and the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association, a Carlisle SynTec authorized applicator, and rated A+ by the BBB. Our office is at 1360 River Rd, South Elgin, IL 60177, open Monday through Saturday 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. We serve Elgin and all of Kane, Cook and DuPage counties — see our service areas.