Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Roof: Insights from a Roofing Company in Homer Glen, Illinois

Whether you are replacing an aging, damaged, or leaking roof or even choosing a roof for a new building in Homer Glen, Illinois, it is not going to be an easy task. Why? Because there is no one-size-fits-all roofing system. The ideal roofing solution varies across environments or even building structures.

On a fundamental level, residential and commercial roofs are quite different. But even within these categories, there is a multitude of roofing options available. So how do you choose a new roof for your Homer Glen home or business? The answers to the following questions might help you narrow down your choices:

What is the purpose of the building?

First, take some time to consider the long-term serviceability of the building itself. Is it going to be used for housing or serve as a space of work and administration? You want to select a roofing system that functions adequately with respect to the building’s purpose. You also want to consider how long you will be responsible for managing the building and how this affects your roofing installation or maintenance budget. Will the serviceability of the building change any time soon? Are there any plans for renovation or expansion? All these questions are essential when it comes to choosing a new roof.

What physical characteristics will influence the roofing system?

Climate and weather patterns, building orientation, and local building codes will largely influence the type of roofing system you choose. Besides, the size, shape, design, height, age, and load-bearing capacity of the building are also important. You need to make sure that the building can support the new roof, including the location and installation of HVAC and other equipment. A qualified roofing contractor in Homer Glen, Illinois will want all this information before recommending the ideal roofing system.

What about roofing membranes and attachment systems?

There are a wide variety of flexible membrane roofing options available out there, namely:

1. Thermoset membranes: These are constructed from rubber polymers and make an ideal choice for climates with a lot of sunlight. The most common thermoset roof membrane is Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM).

2: Thermoplastic membranes: These are constructed from plastic polymers and usually include a reinforcement layer to improve strength and stability. Examples include Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO).

3. Modified bitumen membranes: These are pre-fabricated from asphalt and a synthetic rubber or plastic polymer for increased flexibility, strength, and stability. Examples include Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) and atactic polypropylene (APP).

Cost, building height, wind exposure, roof traffic, and aesthetics are key factors to consider when selecting a roof membrane and attachment system.

How does the roof affect the dead load of the roof structure?

If you are installing a roof in your Homer Glen home, clay or slate roofing is an attractive and durable option. Unfortunately, not all building structures can support the weight of these materials and the resulting roofing system. Therefore, you must know your roof deck’s load-bearing capacity to ensure that you choose the best membrane option.

As you can see, many factors will affect which roofing system is best suited to your building. Choosing a new roof is a complex process that must always involve the expertise of a reputable Chicagoland roofing contractor. 

Professional roofing contractor and company in Homer Glen, Illinois

If you live in the Will County village of Homer Glen, trust Prusak Construction and Roofing, Inc. for all your roofing needs. For over 55 years, we have been providing homeowners and businesses across the greater Chicago area with exceptional quality roofing options.

If you live anywhere in Chicago and the Suburbs, contact us today at (708) 422-2624 or fill out an online form to request a quote on your next roofing project.