Enhance Your Chicago Home with New and Improved Siding
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.
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.
Overall great experience! Julius was fantastic to work with. He was very attentive to all the details and always there to answer questions and get the job done right. Whenever he said he would take care of something, he took care of it. The crew did a fantastic job and the workmanship was top notch. I can not believe how quickly they did a full replacement of our sheathing and roof shingles and still did a high quality job. They left the worksite spotlessly clean. We are getting lots of compliments from our neighbors on how good our roof looks. If you want your roof done right, go with this company.
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 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.
Our sales specialist Ronny was awesome through the whole initial process and quoted me a very reasonable estimate to re-shingle garage roof and repair main roof shingles that blew off from heavy winds. The crew came and did an excellent job in one day and left the area clean as it was before. Will definitely use Horizon again and recommend them to everyone that needs any type of roofing work! -Ignacio
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 on it’s 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 is a manufacturer-certified installer.
Low Slope Roof Replacement From Inspection to Completion
01
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.
02
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.
03
Insurance Coordination
Storm damage is common in Chicago. If your replacement is covered, we help with documentation and work directly with insurance adjusters for both residential and commercial properties.
04
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.
05
Installation
New material goes down with proper flashing at all penetrations, welded seams, correct slope, and drainage. Everything is sealed or welded to code.
06
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 calling us. Then the adjuster undervalues the damage and they end up fighting for a fair settlement. Call the contractor first. Get a proper inspection and documentation before talking to the insurance company.
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
- Manufacturer-Certified Installer
- Licensed, Bonded & Insured
- 2,300+ Chicagoland Projects
- Low Slope Specialists
- Full Insurance Claim Support