Chicago & Lyons flat roofs

Flat Roof Repair & Replacement in Chicago

Leaks, ponding, bad seams, tired rubber — we inspect, write a clear quote, and install modified bitumen when it’s time to recover or replace.

Licensed & insured · IL #104.019788 · Priority for active leaks

Who this is for

Owners and managers of 2–12 unit flats, courtyard buildings, storefronts, mixed-use, and small commercial roofs in Chicago, Lyons, and nearby.

  • Water in a unit under the roof
  • Ponding after every rain
  • Open seams, blistered membrane, cracked flashings
  • Clogged drains / scuppers
  • End-of-life rubber or coating that’s peeling off

Chicago freeze-thaw and ponding kill flat roofs. We look at the membrane, seams, flashings, and drainage — then tell you repair vs recover vs replace in plain language.

Three options

Repair, recover, or replace

Same building. Different scopes. You get all three in writing after we walk the roof.

Repair

Seams, flashings, drains, and limited membrane patches when the field still has life.

Recover

New membrane over the existing system when code and deck condition allow — less tear-off, faster dry-in.

Replace

Tear-off, insulation / taper as needed, new modified bitumen system with drains and flashings done right.

Systems

We like to install modified bitumen

Modified bitumen (mod-bit) is our go-to for Chicago flat and low-slope work — tough against freeze-thaw, traffic, and ponding when detailing is right. Typical service life in the 10–15 year range depending on system and maintenance.

We also work with TPO and EPDM when the building, budget, or existing system calls for it (often 15–20 year style lifespan language). On most recover and replace jobs we recommend and install mod-bit.

How we work

  1. Inspect — leaks, ponding, membrane, seams, flashing, drainage.
  2. Written 3-option quote — repair / recover / replace after the walkthrough.
  3. Schedule — priority for active leaks.
  4. Protect the building — dry-in and site care while we work.
  5. Drains & flashings — the details that stop the next leak.
  6. Walkthrough — you see the finished roof before we leave.

Real job photos

Our modified bitumen installs

Torch work, cover board, deck, and field — real Chicago jobs.

More roofing photos in the gallery

Real job photos from our crews. No stock. No fake reviews.

Flat roof FAQ

How long does a flat roof last?
Modified bitumen systems we install are commonly discussed in the 10–15 year range with normal maintenance. TPO/EPDM are often 15–20. Ponding, bad flashings, and ignored seams shorten that fast in Chicago.
Can you do emergency leak repairs?
Yes. Active leaks get priority. We stabilize when we can, then quote the lasting fix — repair, recover, or replace.
Insurance vs wear-and-tear?
Storm damage is different from an old roof that wore out. We document what we see. We don’t promise a claim outcome.
What do you check on a flat inspection?
Leaks and stains, ponding, membrane condition, seams, flashings, penetrations, drains and scuppers, and how the roof meets walls and parapets.
Do you only install modified bitumen?
It’s what we like to install and recommend for most Chicago flat jobs. We’ll talk TPO or EPDM if that’s the better fit for your building.

Service areas

We come to your building

Chicago, Lyons, Pilsen, Little Village, Logan Square, Berwyn, Cicero, Bucktown, Lakeview, Ravenswood, Rogers Park, and nearby. If it’s leaking, we work to get there this week.

Chicago
Lyons
Pilsen
Little Village
Logan Square
Berwyn
Cicero
Bucktown
Lakeview
Ravenswood
Rogers Park

Full service area list

Need a flat roof looked at this week?

Call for a free leak / ponding inspection. Written quote after we walk the roof.