Roofing Installation & Repair Services in Plainfield, IL
Asphalt, Cedar Shake, Slate, EPDM & More
Most roofing problems don't start with a catastrophic failure. They start small — a cracked shingle, a nail that backed out, a flashing joint that let go after one bad freeze. And then they get ignored.
By the time water shows up on a ceiling, it's usually been moving through the roof system for weeks. It's soaked through felt paper, wicked into sheathing, and found a path down a rafter. What could have been a $400 repair is now a $3,000 problem — and that's before any interior damage gets counted.
At Plainfield Superior Roofing, we work on every type of residential roofing system common to the Chicago southwest suburbs — from standard asphalt shingles to cedar shake, EPDM flat roofs, and slate. Whether you need a full replacement, a targeted repair, or an attic ventilation upgrade that stops ice dams from forming every winter, we handle it.
This page covers every roofing service we offer. If you want to go deeper on any one of them, each service has its own dedicated page with more detail on process, materials, and typical costs.
Roofing Services We Provide in Plainfield and the Surrounding Area
We serve Plainfield, Naperville, Bolingbrook, Joliet, Lockport, Romeoville, Oswego, and surrounding communities throughout Will County and DuPage County.
Asphalt Shingle Installation
Asphalt shingles are still the most widely installed residential roofing material in the country — and for good reason. They're cost-effective, available in a wide range of colors and profiles, and when you buy the right product and have it installed correctly, they perform well in Illinois's climate.
The key word there is correctly.
A lot of shingle failures we see in Plainfield aren't material failures — they're installation failures. Improper nailing patterns, inadequate starter course application, skipped step flashing at walls and valleys, underlayment that wasn't lapped right. These mistakes don't show up immediately. They show up three winters later when you've got a leak over your bedroom.
We install architectural asphalt shingles — also called dimensional or laminate shingles — as our standard residential product. Three-tab shingles are still available, but we rarely recommend them. The dimensional products are heavier, have better wind resistance, and carry longer manufacturer warranties.
For homes in areas with frequent hail, we recommend Class 4 impact-resistant shingles. These are tested to withstand direct hail strikes up to a certain diameter without cracking. Some insurance carriers in Illinois offer premium discounts for Class 4 products — worth checking with your agent before you commit to a specific shingle line.
What asphalt shingle installation includes:
- Full tear-off and disposal of existing roofing material
- Decking inspection and repair of any soft or damaged sheathing
- Ice and water shield installation at eaves, valleys, and penetrations
- Synthetic underlayment over the full field
- Drip edge installation at rakes and eaves
- Starter strip installation
- Shingle installation to manufacturer specifications
- Ridge cap installation
- Full cleanup including magnetic nail sweep
[Learn more about Asphalt Shingle Installation →]
Asphalt Shingle Roof Repair
Not every roofing problem requires a full replacement — and we'll tell you honestly which situation you're in.
If your roof is under 15 years old and the damage is isolated — a section blown off in a windstorm, a few cracked shingles around a pipe boot, a valley that's started to lift — a targeted repair is almost always the right call. The goal is to match the existing shingles as closely as possible, address any underlayment damage underneath, and make sure the repair area is properly sealed and integrated with the surrounding field.
Where it gets tricky is on older roofs. If the shingles are already granule-depleted, brittle, or curling at the edges, patching a problem area might stop that specific leak while leaving a dozen other areas that are weeks away from failing. In that case, we'll tell you the repair is a short-term fix and give you a realistic assessment of how much runway you have before a full replacement makes more financial sense.
Common shingle repair situations we handle:
- Wind-lifted or missing shingles
- Cracked or bruised shingles from impact
- Failed pipe boot and penetration seals
- Open or lifted valley flashing
- Step flashing failures at dormers and walls
- Granule loss in isolated sections
[Learn more about Asphalt Shingle Roof Repair →]
Cedar Shake Roof Installation
Cedar shake is one of those roofing materials that divides people pretty cleanly. Some homeowners love it — the texture, the way it weathers over time, the curb appeal on a craftsman or colonial home. Others look at the maintenance requirements and decide it's not worth the trade-off.
Both positions are reasonable. The honest answer is that cedar shake is a great roofing material if you're willing to maintain it, and a liability if you're not.
A properly installed and maintained cedar shake roof in the Plainfield area can last 30 years or more. The climate here is tougher on cedar than in drier parts of the country — the humidity, the freeze-thaw cycles, the moss and algae growth that comes with it — but none of that is a disqualifier if you're going in with realistic expectations.
We install hand-split and sawn cedar shakes, as well as resawn shakes, depending on the look the homeowner wants. New installations include a breathable underlayment system — not standard felt paper, which traps moisture against the wood — along with proper spacing to allow airflow on the underside of the shake course.
For homes in Plainfield's older neighborhoods and established subdivisions where cedar is the existing material, we also offer re-shake work where sections are replaced to match the existing roof profile.
Cedar shake installation highlights:
- Hand-split or resawn shakes based on homeowner preference
- Breathable synthetic underlayment system
- Properly spaced installation for airflow and drainage
- Hip and ridge treatment options
- Treated shake options for improved moisture and insect resistance
[Learn more about Cedar Shake Roof Installation →]
Cedar Shake Maintenance & Treatment
This is the part of cedar roofing most homeowners underestimate — and where we see cedar roofs fail far earlier than they should.
Cedar is wood. It responds to moisture, UV exposure, and biological growth the same way any untreated wood does. Without periodic cleaning and re-treatment, a cedar shake roof will start showing moss, algae, and lichen growth within five to seven years in the Illinois climate. Once that biological growth takes hold, it holds moisture against the wood and accelerates deterioration significantly.
The good news is that cedar responds well to treatment when it's caught before the wood has started to soften. A cleaning and re-treatment on a cedar roof in good structural condition can add years to its service life and restore a significant portion of its original appearance.
Cedar shake maintenance typically includes:
- Low-pressure washing or chemical cleaning to remove biological growth
- Inspection of individual shakes for cracking, cupping, splitting, or soft spots
- Replacement of failed individual shakes
- Application of a penetrating oil-based preservative or water repellent treatment
- Inspection and resealing of ridges, hips, and flashing zones
We generally recommend a cleaning and inspection every three to five years for cedar roofs in the Will County area, with treatment applied as needed based on the condition of the wood.
[Learn more about Cedar Shake Maintenance & Treatment →]
EPDM Rubber Roof Installation
EPDM — ethylene propylene diene monomer — is a synthetic rubber membrane used on flat and low-slope roof sections. If your home has a flat garage roof, a rear addition with a low slope, or a sunroom that ties into the main roofline at a minimal pitch, EPDM is one of the most reliable materials available for that application.
It handles freeze-thaw cycling well, resists UV degradation, and when properly installed and maintained, a quality EPDM membrane will last 20 to 30 years without major issues. It's not the flashiest product in roofing — it's a large black rubber sheet — but it works, and in this climate, that matters more than appearance on a section of roof most people never look at.
The most common failure point with EPDM isn't the membrane itself — it's the seams and termination points. Seams that weren't fully bonded, edge terminations that weren't properly secured and sealed, or penetrations that were flashed incorrectly. We take our time on the details that most people never see because that's where the problems happen.
EPDM installation options:
- Fully adhered systems — membrane bonded directly to the substrate for maximum wind resistance
- Mechanically fastened systems — appropriate for certain substrates and conditions
- Ballasted systems for commercial applications
- Single-ply or cover board overlay depending on existing conditions
Installation includes:
- Full inspection and preparation of existing substrate
- Tapered insulation board where slope correction is needed
- Seam and termination work with factory-supplied EPDM tape and bonding adhesive
- Metal edging and counterflashing at walls and parapets
[Learn more about EPDM Rubber Roof Installation →]
Slate Roof Repair
If you have a slate roof, you already know it's not a standard repair job. Slate is a natural stone product — every tile is different, replacement material has to be sourced carefully, and the fastening and flashing details matter in ways that are easy to get wrong if you're not experienced with the material.
Most slate roofing work in the Plainfield area is repair-focused. Genuine slate roofs installed in the early and mid-20th century are still standing on older homes throughout Will County, and the slate itself is often in serviceable condition even when individual tiles have slipped, cracked, or lost their copper nails. In many cases, a skilled repair extends a slate roof's service life by decades — which is exactly what you want from a material that was built to last 100 years or more.
The two most common issues we handle:
Slipped or displaced tiles — usually caused by nail failure rather than damage to the slate itself. The fasteners corrode over time and the tile slides out of position. This is repairable without replacing the slate.
Cracked or broken tiles — caused by foot traffic damage (someone walked on the roof without proper care), impact from falling branches, or tiles that had internal voids when originally quarried. Replacement requires sourcing a match in color, thickness, and texture.
We don't recommend removing a functional slate roof unless it's genuinely at end of life. The replacement cost for a slate roof is significant, but so is losing a roof that — if repaired correctly — has another 40 years in it.
[Learn more about Slate Roof Repair →]
Flat Roof Membrane Repair
Flat roofs don't fail the way pitched roofs fail. There's no wind-driven rain getting under lifted shingles. The failure mode on flat roofs is almost always standing water finding a path through a seam, a blister, a penetration, or a termination point that's started to pull away.
The tricky part with flat roof repairs is finding the actual entry point. Water on a flat roof can travel horizontally across the membrane surface before it finds a low spot or a gap — which means the wet spot on your ceiling may not be directly below where the water entered. We use a combination of visual inspection, probing for soft spots in the membrane or insulation, and close examination of every penetration and edge detail to locate the true source before any repair work begins.
We work on EPDM, TPO, and modified bitumen flat roof systems — the three most common membrane types found on residential flat and low-slope sections in the Chicago area. Repair approach depends on the membrane type and the nature of the failure.
Common flat roof repair situations:
- Open or delaminated seams
- Blistering or bubbling membrane
- Failed pipe and penetration flashings
- Lifted or open edge terminations
- Ponding water areas requiring slope correction
- Membrane punctures or tears
[Learn more about Flat Roof Membrane Repair →]
Residential Re-Roofing
Re-roofing — sometimes called an overlay or recover — is the process of installing new shingles directly over an existing layer without tearing off the old material first. Illinois building code permits one layer of new shingles over one existing layer in most jurisdictions. That's the limit.
When does re-roofing make sense? Primarily when the existing shingle layer is flat and in reasonably good condition — not curled, not blistered, not buckled — and the decking underneath shows no signs of moisture damage. If those conditions are met, a properly executed overlay can extend the roof's service life at a lower cost than a full tear-off.
When does it not make sense? If there's any evidence of decking damage, active leaks, soft spots, or ventilation problems, a tear-off is the right approach. Covering a problem with a new layer of shingles doesn't fix the problem — it just makes it more expensive to address later. We inspect the existing roof before recommending an overlay and we'll tell you directly if a full replacement is the better option.
Re-roofing highlights:
- Visual and tactile inspection of existing shingle layer and substrate
- Honest recommendation on whether an overlay is appropriate
- Proper preparation of the existing surface before new material is applied
- Correct flashing integration — this is where many overlays are done poorly
[Learn more about Residential Re-Roofing →]
Wind Damage Shingle Repair
Wind is one of the most common causes of shingle damage in the Plainfield and Joliet corridor — and one of the most frequently misunderstood.
A lot of homeowners assume that if shingles blew off the roof, they have storm damage. That's true. But wind damage also shows up as lifted shingles that were caught mid-flight and came back down — except now the seal strips are broken and the shingle is sitting on the deck loosely. From the ground, it looks fine. On the roof, it's a flap waiting for the next windstorm to take it off completely.
After any significant wind event — and the southwest suburbs get their share of them during spring and fall storm season — a visual inspection of the roof from the ground isn't enough. We get on the roof, check the seal strip integrity on the shingles nearest the ridges and rakes (where wind uplift pressure is highest), and assess whether lifted courses need to be re-adhered or replaced.
Most wind damage claims are straightforward, but documentation matters. We photograph all damage areas before any repair begins so you have a record if you're filing an insurance claim.
Wind damage repairs include:
- Missing shingle replacement
- Re-adhering lifted shingles with roofing cement where the shingle is still intact
- Replacing full courses where shingles were creased or cracked during the lift
- Ridge cap replacement — one of the most common wind losses on residential roofs
[Learn more about Wind Damage Shingle Repair →]
Roof Leak Detection and Repair
Finding a roof leak sounds simple. It rarely is.
Water travels. It enters at one point, moves along sheathing or rafters or the inside of a wall cavity, and shows up somewhere else entirely. A ceiling stain in the center of a bedroom might trace back to a flashing failure at a dormer 12 feet upslope. We've found leaks that homeowners thought were plumbing problems, HVAC condensation issues, and even window failures — all of which turned out to be roof-related once we started tracing the water path back to its source.
We use a systematic approach: start at the most likely entry points — pipe boots, valleys, step flashing, chimney flashing, ridge caps, and any penetrations — and work outward from there. On older roofs, we also check for nail pops that have backed out through the shingles and created a direct water entry point.
If the leak source isn't visible during a dry inspection, we can coordinate a controlled water test on specific zones to help isolate the entry area without having to wait for the next rain event.
What leak detection and repair covers:
- Full roof inspection with priority on penetrations, flashings, and transitions
- Interior inspection when necessary to trace water path
- Photo documentation of every identified failure point
- Repair of the identified source — not just surface patching over the symptom
[Learn more about Roof Leak Detection and Repair →]
Attic Ventilation Installation
Attic ventilation is one of the most overlooked parts of residential roofing — and one of the most consequential.
A properly ventilated attic does two important things. In summer, it exhausts heat that would otherwise bake the underside of your shingles and accelerate deterioration. Excessive attic heat is a real shingle killer and it's almost never reflected in a warranty claim because it's hard to prove. In winter, proper ventilation keeps the attic cold — which prevents the heat loss pattern that creates ice dams.
Most of the ice dam problems we see in homes throughout Will County and DuPage County come down to two causes: inadequate attic insulation and blocked or insufficient soffit vents. When soffit vents are clogged with insulation that was pushed too far to the perimeter of the attic floor, outside air can't enter the system. The ridge vent at the top can't work if there's no intake air at the bottom.
A properly balanced passive ventilation system — 1 square foot of net free vent area per 150 square feet of attic floor, split roughly equally between intake and exhaust — moves air continuously through the attic space without any powered equipment. When it's set up correctly, it works silently every day of the year.
Attic ventilation services include:
- Attic inspection to assess current ventilation area and airflow balance
- Soffit vent installation or clearing of blocked existing vents
- Installation of baffles to maintain airflow channels from soffit to ridge
- Additional gable vent installation where applicable
- Coordination with insulation work when both are needed
[Learn more about Attic Ventilation Installation →]
Ridge Vent Replacement
The ridge vent is the exhaust point for your attic ventilation system. It runs along the peak of the roof and allows warm, moist air to escape continuously as fresh air enters through the soffit vents below.
Ridge vents fail in a few different ways. The most common issue we see is animal entry — squirrels and raccoons that have worked open sections of older aluminum ridge vent. We also see ridge vent caps that have cracked or weathered to the point where they're letting in wind-driven rain, and ridge vents that were installed without a proper shingle nail line and have started to lift.
There's also an installation quality issue worth mentioning. Ridge vents only work if the ridge board below them is actually cut open. We've inspected roofs in Plainfield where a ridge vent was visually present but the slot beneath it had never been cut — the vent was doing nothing. This is more common than it should be.
When we replace a ridge vent, we verify that the exhaust slot is properly cut, sized correctly for the vent product being installed, and that the cap shingles above it are properly secured and sealed at the ridge.
Ridge vent replacement includes:
- Removal of existing failed or deteriorated ridge vent
- Inspection and correction of the exhaust slot opening
- Installation of a high-flow ridge vent product
- Cap shingle reinstallation over the vent
[Learn more about Ridge Vent Replacement →]
Roof Coating and Sealing
Roof coatings aren't a fix for a failing roof — and we won't position them as one. If your shingles are brittle, granule-depleted, and cracking, a coating is a short-term cosmetic fix that doesn't address the underlying problem.
Where roof coatings do make sense is on flat and low-slope membrane roofs — particularly EPDM and modified bitumen systems — where an elastomeric coating can restore the membrane's reflectivity, seal minor surface cracks and pinholes, and add a protective layer that extends service life before a full replacement becomes necessary.
We also apply quality sealants to flashings, pipe boots, ridge caps, and other penetration points as part of routine maintenance or as a standalone service for homeowners who want to extend the life of a roof that's in otherwise good condition but showing early signs of wear at vulnerable points.
Roof coating and sealing applications:
- Elastomeric coating on flat and low-slope membrane roofs
- Flashing sealant application at penetrations, walls, and transitions
- Pipe boot and collar sealing
- Ridge cap resealing on aging asphalt roofs
- EPDM lap sealant refreshing at seams
[Learn more about Roof Coating and Sealing →]
What to Expect When You Work With Us
The process is simple. You call or submit a request online. We schedule an inspection — usually within a few days for non-emergency work, faster if there's an active leak. We get on the roof, document what we find with photos, and give you a clear written estimate that breaks down material and labor costs separately.
We don't do high-pressure same-day sales calls. You'll have the information you need to make a decision on your own timeline.
Most residential repairs are completed within one to two days of scheduling once materials are confirmed. Full replacements are typically one day for standard-size homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accordion 1
The two biggest factors are the age of the roof and the extent of the damage. A roof under 15 years old with isolated damage is almost always a repair candidate. A roof over 20 years old with widespread granule loss, curling shingles, or multiple areas showing wear is usually better served by a full replacement. We'll give you a straight answer after the inspection — not a sales pitch.
Can you match my existing shingles for a repair?
We do our best, but an exact match isn't always possible. Shingle colors are updated periodically by manufacturers, and a roof that's been weathering for 10 years will look different from new material regardless. We'll find the closest available match and show you options before ordering materials.
Is a permit required for roof replacement in Plainfield, IL?
Permit requirements vary by municipality. In the City of Plainfield and surrounding Will County communities, permits are commonly required for full roof replacements and new installations. We handle permit pulls for any project that requires one — it's included in the scope of work, not an add-on fee.
What's the difference between architectural shingles and 3-tab shingles?
Architectural shingles are thicker, heavier, and have a dimensional profile that mimics the look of wood shake or slate. They typically carry longer warranties — 30 years and up from major manufacturers — and have better wind resistance ratings than 3-tab products. Three-tab shingles are thinner, flatter, and less expensive, but they're not a product we typically recommend for new installations given how close the price difference is.
How long should an asphalt shingle roof last in Illinois?
Architectural shingles installed correctly on a well-ventilated roof should last 25 to 30 years in the Chicago metro climate. Class 4 impact-resistant products often carry longer warranties. What shortens that lifespan most consistently: poor attic ventilation, installation shortcuts, and repeated severe hail events.
Do you offer any warranties on your work?
Yes. Our installations include manufacturer warranty coverage on materials — terms vary by product and manufacturer — and our own workmanship warranty covering installation-related failures. If something fails because of how it was installed, we come back and make it right.
What causes a flat roof to leak?
Flat roof leaks almost always originate at a seam, a penetration, or an edge termination — not in the middle of the membrane field. The most common failure points are lap seams that were under-bonded during installation, pipe and drain flashings that have pulled away from the membrane, and edge metal that has lifted or separated from the wall. Age and UV exposure also cause surface cracking on older modified bitumen systems that eventually allows water infiltration.
My cedar roof is turning gray and has moss growing on it. Is it ruined?
Not necessarily. Graying is normal weathering for cedar and doesn't indicate structural failure. Moss and algae growth is more concerning because it holds moisture against the wood. If the shake itself is still firm — not soft or spongy when you press on it — and the tabs aren't splitting or curling badly, cleaning and treatment can restore the roof's function and improve its appearance. We inspect cedar roofs and give you an honest assessment of what's worth treating versus what needs replacement.
What is step flashing and why does it matter?
Step flashing is the L-shaped metal installed in courses alongside dormers, walls, and any vertical surface that meets a sloped roof. Each piece of step flashing overlaps the one below it and sheds water out and away from the wall. When step flashing fails — corrodes, shifts, or was never installed correctly — water runs directly into the wall assembly. It's one of the most common sources of persistent leaks we find on older homes in Plainfield and the surrounding area.
Can you add ventilation to my existing roof without a full replacement?
In most cases, yes. Soffit vent additions, baffle installation in the attic, and ridge vent upgrades can all be done independently of a full re-roof. If the current ridge cap and vent are in good condition, we can often improve the attic's ventilation balance without touching the rest of the roof.