Low Slope Roofing in Chicago:
Flat Roofs Built to Drain, Seal and Last
Horizon Restoration installs and restores low-slope roofs using durable membrane systems and protective roof coatings. Whether you need a full replacement or want to extend the life of a sound roof, we’ll recommend the most cost-effective solution for your property.
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What Makes a Low Slope Roof Different From a Standard Roof
Most houses in Chicago have steep roofs, so water flows off them quickly. A low slope roof works differently. A low slope roof usually has a pitch of 2:12 or less, so it rises 2 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run. Some are nearly flat. You typically see low slope roofing on garages and additions, but also on three-flats in Logan Square and back porches all over the city.
Why the Slope Changes Everything
Water runs off a steep roof fast. On a low slope roof, water lingers, and any small gap or opening can cause a leak. Standard asphalt shingles won’t work here. Shingles need a steeper pitch to shed water properly. If we’re called to fix a leaking low slope roof, it’s usually because someone used the wrong material.
The right materials for a low slope roof include:
- Modified bitumen rolled membrane
- TPO single-ply system
- PVC
- Built-up roofing
- Proper drainage to avoid ponding
Flashing details matter a lot on low slope roofs. Every seam, corner, and edge needs proper sealing. Water moves slowly, so there’s less margin for error. Work with a roofer who knows these materials and details. Not every roofer does. We handle low slope jobs weekly and know what different roof decks require before we ever step on the property.
Paul, thank you so much to you and your entire team for our beautiful new roof. We couldn't have made a better choice. Thank you for all your help with the insurance paperwork and for making the whole process so smooth. We highly recommend Chicago Horizon Restoration Roofing Company to anyone looking for quality work and outstanding service! Pamela & Steve
Horizon restoration did a great job in getting our roof claim approved by our insurance. They worked hard to make sure the insurance company covered the cost of the roof and gutters. AJ was always on top of things and kept us informed every step of the way. We recommended them to our family member who also signed with AJ and Horizon Restoration due to how well they managed our project. We would highly recommend them for their roofing expertise, knowledge with insurance companies and over all communication during the project. In addition to this the roof looks great and their team did a great job on the roof and the clean up.
Horizon Restoration did an amazing job on my roof! Paul was fantastic to work with. Super responsive, most important he was honest and really cared about making sure everything was done right. He made what could have been a stressful process feel easy. The crew was fast, clean and very professional. I’m really happy with the result and would definitely recommend them.
Absolutely. I’d make the review very positive but credible, because mentioning that there was an issue and Horizon immediately made it right actually says more about their integrity than pretending everything was perfect. I highly recommend Horizon Restorations. They replaced our roof in 2022, and our experience with them is exactly why they were the first company I called after the severe storms we had this past July. What stood out to me most from our first experience was their integrity. There were a few issues during the project, but Horizon never avoided responsibility or made excuses. They addressed the concerns immediately, made things right, and stood behind their work. That left a lasting impression on us and earned our trust. After the recent storm, we received countless calls and had contractors showing up wanting to inspect our home and provide estimates. But when it came time to decide who we trusted to work with again, the choice was easy. We went back to Horizon Restorations because we already knew the kind of company we were dealing with. They show up. They communicate. They do solid work. And most importantly to me, they stand behind that work and do the right thing when it matters. Trust is earned, especially when you're allowing someone to work on your home. Horizon earned ours in 2022, and that's why we're choosing them again in 2026. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for a restoration company that values quality, honesty, accountability, and long-term relationships with its customers.
Our contact at Horizon Restoration was Art. He worked with our insurance company for over a year and a half to have our roof and siding replaced. The other persons behind the scenes at the office who were instrumental in assisting Art were Paul-Manager, Ruby-who was in charge of all correspondence, Jack-Install Manager who coordinated the crews for both the siding and roof, Claudio-On Site Roofing Manager and Mike-On Site Siding Manager. They worked seamlessly as a team and were always available when we had any questions or concerns. It is so nice to have Horizon Restoration going to bat for us. Especially Art whose experience and knowledge was so key in getting our insurance company to approve the replacement of our roof and siding. Our roof and siding look so nice we highly recommend Art and Horizon Restoration to anyone in need of their services. Thank you Art and Horizon for everything.
Signs Your Low Slope Roof Needs Attention
Most people don’t think about their roof until something goes wrong inside, like a stained ceiling or a musty smell. By then, damage has often been building for a while. Low slope roofing systems hide problems longer than steep roofs. Water pools instead of running off, and once the membrane or flashing fails, the damage isn’t always visible from the ground. That’s why regular inspections matter for flat roof owners in Chicago.
- Standing or ponding water that stays on the roof more than 48 hours after rain
- Bubbling, blistering, or cracking in the membrane
- Visible seam separation where sections of roofing material overlap
- Soft or spongy spots when walking on the roof
- Water stains or dripping inside, or peeling paint on upper floors or the roof deck
⚠️ Soft spots are a serious warning sign
If the deck feels spongy underfoot, the structural substrate is already damaged, and you’re likely looking at a full replacement rather than a repair. What costs a few hundred dollars today can easily become a ten-thousand-dollar replacement after another Chicago winter.
Not sure what you’re dealing with? That’s normal. We offer a full inspection and written property report so you know the actual condition before making any decisions.
Choosing the Right Membrane for Chicago's Climate
Not every membrane holds up in Chicago’s weather. We’ve seen this firsthand in Lincoln Park, pulling off old roofing and finding the damage underneath. Choosing the right membrane for a low slope system here matters.
Freeze/Thaw Winters
Summer UV
Heavy Spring Rain
Year-Round Lake Wind
TPO
Reflects heat well and resists UV rays. A solid option for both commercial and residential flat roofs.
EPDM
A rubber-like membrane that performs well in cold Chicago winters.
Modified Bitumen
Uses multiple layers for extra protection. Common on Chicago two- and three-flats where durability is the priority. For a better understanding of its benefits, see the asphaltic low slope roofing guide.
PVC
Handles standing water, oils, and chemicals well. Often a good fit near rooftop restaurants or industrial areas.
The right system depends on your roof’s slope, drainage, foot traffic, and tree canopy. We also look at how the system attaches to the substrate. Depending on your roof decking, a mechanically attached or fully adhered system may be the better call to avoid uplift during a big windstorm. Our team at Horizon Restoration reviews these options during the initial inspection. We look at your current roof, how the building is used, and which membrane works best for your situation. Horizon Restoration holds CertainTeed’s Low-Slope Roofing Master credential, and we also handle commercial flat roofs; see all of our roofing services.
Low Slope Roof Replacement From Inspection to Completion
Inspection & Written Report
We walk the roof and document everything, including the membrane, flashing, drains, and deck condition. You get a written report with photos.
Scope & Material Selection
Based on what we find, we go through material and method options suited to your roof’s slope, drainage setup, and building use.
Insurance Coordination
Storm damage is common in Chicago. If you file a claim, we provide the photos, measurements and written report your insurer asks for and can meet the adjuster on site, for both residential and commercial properties. Your insurer decides what is covered.
Tear-Off & Deck Inspection
The entire roof comes off down to the deck. We inspect for rot, soft spots, and structural issues. Anything compromised gets repaired or replaced.
Installation
New material goes down with proper flashing at all penetrations, welded seams, correct slope, and drainage. Everything is sealed or welded to code.
Final Inspection & Sign-Off
We walk the finished roof with you before calling it done.
What to Know Before You Hire
Not all contractors can handle low slope roofs. We regularly hear from building owners who had a roof installed recently, only to deal with ponding and seam failures after one winter. The contractor was a shingle roofer with no experience in low slope systems. Before you request a bid, take these steps:
- Ask how many low slope roofs they've installed in the past 12 months
- Confirm they are certified for your specific material
- Verify active Illinois contractor license and liability insurance
- Get references from recent Chicago projects
- Ask how they handle insurance claims
Many building owners file a claim before anyone has documented the damage, then meet the adjuster without a record of their own. Get an inspection first. A proper inspection and documentation before you talk to the insurance company gives you a clear record of what is there.
Check online reviews, but look specifically for low slope roofing projects. A five-star review for shingle work tells you nothing about whether that contractor can handle your two-flat’s flat roof.
Why Horizon Restoration
- CertainTeed Low-Slope Roofing Master
- Licensed, Bonded & Insured
- 2,400+ Chicagoland Projects
- Low Slope Specialists
- Storm Damage Documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Many homeowners policies cover sudden damage from hail, wind, and severe storms, but coverage depends on your policy and your deductible, and your insurer makes that decision. Chicago weather is hard on flat roofs, and storm damage claims are common. We document the damage with photos and a written report and can meet your adjuster on site to show what we found. You stay in charge of your claim. Learn how insurance claim roof replacement works.
Most residential low slope roof replacements in Chicago take one to three days once work begins. The timeline depends on roof size, deck condition, and weather. If we find soft spots or rotted decking during tear-off, that adds time. We give you a written scope before we start so there are no surprises. If insurance is involved, the claim process usually takes one to three months before work begins.
Yes. Horizon Restoration holds Illinois roofing contractor license 104.017538 and is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We also hold CertainTeed’s Low-Slope Roofing Master credential, which means our team has met CertainTeed’s training and installation standards for low-slope systems. We invest in continuing education every year so our team stays current with the best industry practices. You can verify our credentials before booking.
Absolutely. Our Past Projects map pins completed jobs across Chicagoland, part of more than 2,400 projects we have finished since 2007. If you live in Logan Square, Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, or anywhere nearby, there’s a good chance we’ve worked on a roof in your neighborhood. You can also read reviews from past customers on Google, Yelp, Angi, and Facebook.
The clearest signs are standing water that stays more than 48 hours after rain, bubbling or cracking in the membrane, and water stains on your ceiling. Soft or spongy spots when walking the roof are serious. That usually means the deck below is already damaged. Many Chicago building owners in areas like Logan Square don’t notice a problem until a spring storm hits. Catching it early saves a lot of money.
Definitely. We are happy to connect you with past clients in your neighborhood. You can also find us on Google, Yelp, Angi, and Facebook to read firsthand accounts from homeowners and building owners we’ve worked with across Chicago.