
Common Roofing Materials Our Chicagoland
Customers Choose For Their Roof Replacements
Apex Exteriors Has Extensive Experience With Just
About Every Roofing System Under The Sun
Few companies have as much knowledge as we do about which roofing materials work well in the Chicagoland Area and just as importantly… which ones don’t. Sure we have our favorites, but we’ve never been tied to single brand, and we’ve installed (and repaired) nearly every type of roofing system hundreds of times… if not more.
Roofing materials matter! Each type provides unique benefits, accents, and design features that impact how much value you get for the investment. Rest easy. In addition to the basics below, our specialized exterior consultants stand at the ready to provide all the information you need to make a well informed decision for your property and for your budget.
Please contact us if you have questions about a particular roofing brand, material, style or system. Lean on our three-plus decades of industry experience. There are no high-pressure sales here. We strongly believe in a consultative approach that our customers really value.
The Most Common Roofing Materials That Look Great
& Perform In The Chicagoland Climate
We commonly install and even repair all of these roofing types throughout Chicagoland communities. This is not an exhaustive list, but it shows the breadth of choices we offer.

Architectural Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Apex Exteriors has been replacing roofs in the Chicagoland area for over three decades. We’ve worked with all the major (and niche) asphalt shingle brands like GAF, Owens Corning, Tamko, Atlas, IKO and Malarkey but our personal favorite is CertainTeed. Often referred to as a dimensional, laminated, or a composite shingle, these are far and away the most common asphalt shingles you will see atop homes in your area, replacing the old standard 3-tab shingles of yesteryear. With their much more pronounced multidimensional depth, substantial thickness and weight, texture, and expansive granule color options compared to the “flat” looking and 1-dimensional appearance of the old 3-tab shingles, it’s clear to see why local homeowners predominantly choose to have architectural asphalt shingles installed when it’s time for their home’s new roof.

Cedar Shake Roofing
We can tell you from direct experience that traditional cedar shake roofing is still a popular choice in the Chicagoland area, particulary on certain architectural styled homes. Is there any other roofing material that looks this good? It’s beautiful, natural, sustainable, and long-lasting. One of the most important variables is purchasing high quality cedar from the mills in B.C. Canada where this stock comes from. Most of the time when cedar shake roofs fail prematurely in our area it’s due to low grade cedar shakes. The “good stuff” have a 100% vertical or edge grain, are absent of any knots, are split and not sawn, have thick butt ends, and come from the clear heartwood…. meaning they are made from the inside core of the actual log. When properly installed and maintained, a new cedar shake roof can stand up to our climate quite well and look great doing it!

Slate & Tile Roofing
If you’re lost in the many kinds of slate and tile roofing options available today, don’t worry we’ve got answers! Our roofing consultants, who aren’t salespeople, but rather knowledgeable roofing material specialists, will show you a ‘Good, Better, Best’ range of options. We’ll help you pinpoint what works best for your particular home and budget.

Metal Roofing
We work with an exhaustive list of metal roofing manufacturers to give your property that specific look you’re going for while enjoying the numerous benefits that this strong and modern roofing material has to offer. Metal “slate”, standing seam metal, corrugated and even metal tile/shingle systems have in recent years, become very popular options for full roof replacements, and just as common, on smaller roof details like above bay windows, over porches, porticos and dormers.

Flat Roofing / Low-Slope Roofing
Our in-house roofing teams handle residential and commercial flat roof replacements and low-slope roofs across the Chicagoland area. We know everything there is to know about the options, features & benefits, such as TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin), EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), and modified bitumen from trusted brands like GAF, Elevate and Mule-Hide.

Exotic Roofing
Do you need something more exotic or unique for your home’s roof replacement project? How about concrete shingles, fired barrel tiles or synthetic composite options through brands like DaVinci or Brava? We can help work our extensive network within the industry to get the best deals on these more luxurious materials to deliver that high-impact custom look you desire for your distinctive home.
Handling All Your Chicagoland Roofing Needs
With Apex Exteriors, our highly trained & professional in-house teams will handle your roofing needs with the utmost professionalism. We do it all—roof replacements and roof repairs for Chicagoland homes and businesses alike.

Residential Roof Replacement
Apex Exteriors has earned a stellar reputation for residential roofing in the Chicagoland market for nearly 4 decades. Exceptional service, in-house highly skilled labor, (no subcontractors here), bona fide project management, and installation of only the highest quality roofing materials for our customers is how we’ve earned it!

Residential Roof Repair
If your roof is damaged and needs fast, reliable, bonded, licensed, and insured roof repair, trust Apex Exteriors. We’re here to help and our team has performed literally thousands of roofing repair jobs in our company’s history.

Commercial Roof Replacement
We have extensive experience executing small and large commercial roofing, low-slope and flat roof projects, including installing brand new roof systems and servicing/repairs.
A Sample Of Our Chicagoland Roof Replacements
Over the years, we’ve replaced and repaired thousands of roofs across the region. Explore a small handful to better understand our high-caliber workmanship. If you’re interested, we also have a Commercial Project Gallery.
What Local Chicagoans Say About Our Roofing Teams
Looking for Apex Exteriors reviews from fellow Chicagoan home and business owners? Great news – we’ve got hundreds. The three most common attributes our customers rave about are our fantastic team, our customer-centric process, and our unwavering meticulous attention to detail. Browse a few!
This is my 3rd time using Apex and each time…
I asked for someone to give me an estimate on just the front gutter of my 3 car garage and another for the entire house. A person came and looked over everything and got a quote back to me in two days. I decided on only the garage gutter for this year. No pressure from the company at all. They came out, did the work and it looks great. This is my 3rd time using Apex and each time I have been pleased.
The project managers and reps kept me abreast of the…
Installers were on time, fast and efficient. The project managers and reps kept me abreast of the entire process step by step with checking on the progress. Very satisfied!
I would definitely call them first if I need anything…
Apex has done two projects for me, and both have been impeccable. A lot of companies just ghost you because they don’t want your business, but Apex has responded to every voicemail or email I’ve sent them. Their work is great. I would definitely call them first if I need anything done again.
Important Chicagoland Roof Replacement FAQs
How Long Have You Been Roofing?
As professionals, we started our roofing journey and working in the exterior remodeling industry in 1987 as Topside Roofing. So, it’s been a while. Our founder, Ken Girard, was there from the beginning before evolving to Apex Exteriors in 2008. When you combine our team’s experience, it equals centuries.
Am I In Your Service Area?
We’re based in South Elgin, but serve a large area that includes Northern Illinois (Chicagoland), and Southern Wisconsin’s Lake Geneva area. Please visit our Service Areas page for more information. If you’re still unsure, just call us, and we’ll fill you in.
Can I Finance My Roofing Project?
Absolutely. If you’re interested in different payment plans and options, please visit our Financing page for more information. During your initial meeting with one of our project consultants, let them know as well, and they’ll walk you through the finer details.
How Much Will My Roofing Project Cost?
We could put a generalized number here if we only worked with one or two brands or types of roofing systems. However, we can install and repair just about any kind of roofing. So, the cost for your project will depend on the material/system you choose and the size and complexity of your roof. The good news is that there will be ZERO pricing surprises with Apex.
How Quickly Will You Finish My Roof Replacement?
Our teams are skilled, specialized, well-equipped, experienced, and fully supported, so they’re efficient. Most residential roofing projects (replacements) take us a couple of days. Commercial projects can take longer. The answer to this question depends on the size and complexity of your project. Your Apex project consultant will ensure you understand everything.
Will I Have Plenty Of Warranty Protection?
You bet! You’ll get a rock-solid five-year workmanship warranty from Apex on roof and siding replacements. And we’re a well-established, well-known, trusted roofer. In addition, we ensure that you get access to the best extended warranty protection your chosen manufacturer offers through certifications and specialized training.
What Other Exterior Remodeling Services Can You Offer?
On the residential side, in addition to roof replacements and repairs, we also do siding installation and siding repair, window replacements and entry door replacements, gutter installation, gutter repair, and more.
Similarly, on the commercial side, in addition to roofing services, we do siding installation and siding repair, handle multi-family roofing and exterior remodeling, as well as commercial new construction roofing and soffit, fascia, and gutters. Then there’s HOA exterior replacements, and more!
Start Your Exterior Project With Chicago’s Finest!
Meet the Chicagoland exterior team that can handle your project with the expert finesse that ONLY ample training and experience can provide. Schedule a discovery meeting with one of our seasoned Exterior Consultants today. We’re happy to give you all the information you need and explain the value we bring. Talk soon!





