Roofing Materials & Supplies
A strong roof is your home's first defense against Chicago's punishing weather, from lake-effect snow to summer storms. Partner suppliers in our network offer asphalt shingles in architectural and three-tab styles, along with the underlayment, ice and water shield, flashing, and ventilation products needed for a complete roofing system. Ask suppliers for products with the wind and fire ratings your project requires, and confirm City of Chicago requirements before you order. Whether you are a professional roofer or a homeowner tackling a re-roof, we will pass your request to suppliers who can help you spec the right materials.
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Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles protect more American homes than any other roofing material, and major manufacturers include GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning. Many Chicago roofs use architectural-grade shingles, which offer better wind resistance and a more dimensional appearance than flat three-tab shingles.
Algae resistance is worth looking for. Many architectural shingles include algae-resistant granules, an important consideration in Chicago's humid summer months when blue-green algae can cause unsightly black streaks on unprotected shingles.
Laminated construction gives architectural shingles their dimensional look on the roof. They come in a wide range of colors, so you can find a match for any home style, from classic Chicago bungalows to modern construction.
Fastening matters too. Some shingles have a reinforced nailing area that helps with holding power and consistent nail placement. This is useful in Chicago's high-wind environment, where proper fastening is critical to shingle performance during storms.
Underlayment & Ice and Water Shield
Beneath every quality shingle roof lies a secondary weather barrier that protects the roof deck from moisture intrusion. Partner suppliers can quote both synthetic and traditional felt underlayment products to meet a range of specifications and budgets. Synthetic underlayment is the modern standard, offering superior tear resistance, lighter weight, and better UV stability compared to asphalt-saturated felt.
Ice and water shield is a self-adhering, rubberized asphalt membrane that seals around nail penetrations to create a waterproof barrier. It is commonly installed at the eaves of roofs in cold climates like Chicago's, as well as in valleys, around skylights, at pipe penetrations, and along roof-to-wall intersections. Check whether code requires it on your project with your local building department. Grace Ice & Water Shield is a well-known example of this product type.
The combination of ice and water shield at the eaves and vulnerable areas with synthetic underlayment across the remainder of the roof deck creates a comprehensive secondary weather barrier that provides backup protection against wind-driven rain, ice dam leaks, and any shingle failures.
Flashing & Drip Edge
Proper flashing is what separates a leak-free roof from one that develops problems within the first few years. Partner suppliers can quote aluminum and galvanized steel flashing products including step flashing for roof-to-wall intersections, valley flashing for open valleys, pipe boot flashings for plumbing vents, and drip edge for eaves and rakes.
Step flashing is installed shingle-by-shingle where the roof meets a vertical wall, such as a dormer or second-story wall. Each piece overlaps the one below it, creating a cascading water-shedding system that directs water onto the shingles and off the roof. Pre-bent 4x4x8-inch aluminum step flashing is a common standard size used by Chicago roofing contractors.
Drip edge is a critical but often overlooked component. It provides a clean, finished edge along the eaves and rakes, directs water into the gutter system rather than allowing it to wick back under the sheathing, and provides a straight reference line for the first course of shingles. Drip edge is available in multiple colors and sizes to match most roof installations.
Roof Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation is essential to the longevity of any Chicago roof. In summer, an unventilated attic can get extremely hot, baking the shingles from below and shortening their lifespan. In winter, trapped warm, moist air from the living space below condenses on the cold underside of the roof deck, leading to mold growth, rotted sheathing, and ice dam formation.
The most effective ventilation strategy uses a balanced system of intake vents at the soffits and exhaust vents at the ridge. Ridge vent, commonly sold in 4-foot sections, runs along the peak of the roof and provides continuous, low-profile exhaust ventilation that is invisible from the ground. Combined with properly sized soffit vents, ridge vent creates a natural convective airflow that flushes heat and moisture from the attic space.
The amount of ventilation an attic needs is set by code, so check it with your local building department. Vent products list their net free area in the specifications, which helps you compare options when you request a quote.
Chicago Snow & Ice Dam Considerations
Roof framing has to carry the design snow load plus the weight of the roofing materials themselves. Heavy, wet snow events and drifting around dormers and parapets can concentrate loads on part of a roof. Design snow loads are set by code, so check them with your engineer or local building department.
Ice dams are one of the most common roofing problems in Chicago. They form when heat escaping from the living space warms the roof deck unevenly, melting snow on the upper portions of the roof while the eaves remain frozen. The meltwater runs down the roof, refreezes at the cold eave edge, and builds up into a dam that traps water behind it. That trapped water can back up under shingles and leak into the home, causing damage to ceilings, walls, and insulation.
The best defense against ice dams is a three-part system: adequate attic insulation to minimize heat loss through the roof deck, balanced soffit-to-ridge ventilation to remove any residual heat, and ice and water shield membrane at the eaves to provide a waterproof barrier where dams are most likely to form. Partner suppliers can quote all three components for your home.
Popular Roofing Products
Algae-Resistant Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles with algae-resistant granules; confirm wind ratings for your roof.
Dual-Layer Architectural Shingles
Dual-layered architectural shingles with a random tab design that creates a natural, dimensional appearance.
Reinforced-Nail-Zone Shingles
Architectural shingles with a reinforced nailing area for strong nail holding in high winds.
Synthetic Roofing Underlayment
Lightweight, durable synthetic underlayment that resists tearing and adds weather protection during installation.
Ice and Water Shield Membrane
Self-adhering waterproofing membrane for eaves, valleys, skylights, and other vulnerable roof areas.
Aluminum Step Flashing 4x4x8
Pre-bent aluminum step flashing for sealing the intersection of roof shingles and vertical walls.
Ridge Vent 4-Foot Section
Low-profile ridge ventilation that allows hot, moist air to escape from the attic while blocking rain and snow.
Galvanized Drip Edge 2x3
Metal drip edge flashing installed along eaves and rakes to direct water into the gutter system.
Roofing Nail Coil 1-1/4"
Galvanized coil nails for pneumatic nailers, sized for standard asphalt shingle installation.
Pipe Boot Flashing 2"
EPDM rubber pipe boot for waterproofing plumbing vent penetrations through the roof.
Available Through Partner Suppliers
- ✓Architectural and three-tab asphalt shingles
- ✓Algae-resistant shingle options
- ✓Laminated shingles in a wide range of colors
- ✓Synthetic and felt roofing underlayment
- ✓Ice and water shield membrane for eaves, valleys, and penetrations
- ✓Aluminum and galvanized step, valley, and pipe flashing
- ✓Ridge vent, soffit vent, and attic ventilation systems
- ✓Roofing nails, coil nails, and cap nails
- ✓Drip edge in multiple sizes and colors
- ✓Wind- and fire-rated products available (confirm Chicago requirements for your roof)
Ice Dam Prevention in Chicago
Ice dams are among the most damaging and costly roofing problems Chicago homeowners face. They occur when heat escaping from the attic warms the roof deck unevenly. Snow on the upper, warmer sections melts, runs down the roof as water, and refreezes when it reaches the colder eave overhang. This ice accumulates into a ridge — the dam — that traps meltwater behind it. That pooled water backs up under shingles and can leak into the home, damaging ceilings, insulation, walls, and even structural framing.
Chicago is especially prone to ice dams because of its combination of heavy snowfall, extended below-freezing temperatures, and aging housing stock with inadequate attic insulation. Older homes with balloon-framed walls, recessed lights penetrating the attic floor, and bathroom exhaust fans venting into the attic rather than outdoors all contribute to excessive attic heat gain.
The Three-Part Defense System
1. Insulation
Bring attic floor insulation up to the level your local energy code calls for; check the value with your local building department. This keeps heated air in the living space and out of the attic, so the roof deck stays uniformly cold. Seal all penetrations (pipes, wiring, ductwork, recessed lights) with expanding foam before adding insulation.
2. Ventilation
A balanced system of soffit intake vents and ridge exhaust vents flushes any residual warm air from the attic. Ensure soffit vents are not blocked by insulation — install baffles at each rafter bay.
3. Ice & Water Shield
Self-adhering membrane installed on the roof deck at eaves, valleys, and penetrations. It seals around nail penetrations, creating a waterproof barrier even if water backs up under the shingles. Check the required coverage with your local building department.
Drip Edge: Metal drip edge at the eaves directs snowmelt into the gutter rather than allowing it to wick back under the sheathing by capillary action. Check whether code requires it on your project with your local building department. Partner suppliers can quote drip edge in multiple colors and profiles.
How Roofing Materials Handle Snow
Asphalt shingles have a textured surface that holds snow in place until it gradually melts, which distributes the load evenly and prevents dangerous sliding. Metal roofing sheds snow quickly, which reduces long-term load but often needs snow guards at eaves to prevent sudden avalanches onto walkways and entry areas. Flat and low-slope roofs used on Chicago's many two- and three-flat buildings are most vulnerable to ponding and drift accumulation; confirm structural requirements with your engineer or local building department.
When to Worry About Snow Removal: Residential roofs in good condition generally handle Chicago's normal snowfall. After extreme events with heavy, wet snow on a flat or low-slope roof, monitor for signs of stress: sagging ceilings, cracking drywall, sticking doors, or visible deflection. Professional snow removal may be needed. Never use metal shovels on an asphalt roof.
Shingle Comparison: 3-Tab vs. Architectural vs. Designer
Asphalt shingles come in three performance tiers, each offering different levels of durability, wind resistance, and aesthetics. Here is a general side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right shingle tier for your Chicago roof. Ratings and pricing vary by manufacturer, product line, supplier, and market, so treat this as a rough guide.
| Feature | 3-Tab | Architectural | Designer / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relative Material Cost | Lowest | Moderate | Highest |
| Wind Rating | Lower | Higher | Highest (varies by line) |
| Weight per Square | Lightest | Heavier | Heaviest |
| Appearance | Flat, uniform tabs | Dimensional, multi-layer | Thick, slate/shake-like |
| Algae Resistance | Optional | Standard (most brands) | Standard |
Bottom Line: Architectural shingles are a common choice for Chicago homeowners because of their wind resistance and appearance. They usually cost more than 3-tab; pricing is by quote from partner suppliers and depends on the product, quantity, and market. For lakefront homes and high-exposure roofs, ask about designer shingles with higher wind and impact ratings.
Roof Ventilation Guide
Proper attic ventilation extends shingle life, prevents ice dams, and controls moisture that can rot sheathing and grow mold. A balanced ventilation system moves air from intake vents at the soffits through the attic space and out through exhaust vents at or near the ridge. Here are common ventilation products.
Vent Types
Ridge Vents
Continuous exhaust ventilation running along the roof peak. Low-profile design is virtually invisible from the ground. Check the product's NFA (net free area) per linear foot. Often the most effective exhaust vent type because it ventilates uniformly across the entire attic. A strong choice for many Chicago roofs.
Soffit Vents
Intake vents installed in the eave overhang. Available in continuous strip vents (best airflow) and individual round or rectangular vents. Must not be blocked by insulation — install polystyrene baffles at each rafter bay to maintain a clear air channel from the soffit to the attic. Critical partner to ridge vents.
Gable Vents
Louvered vents installed in the gable-end walls. Provide cross-ventilation driven by wind. Less effective than soffit-to-ridge systems because they only move air horizontally through the upper attic. Adequate for simple gable roofs but should not be mixed with ridge vents, as they can short-circuit the intake-to-exhaust airflow pattern.
Turbine Vents
Wind-driven rotating exhaust vents. Airflow depends on turbine size and wind speed; check the manufacturer's ratings. Effective in Chicago's windy conditions but creates visible rooftop profile. Best for homes where ridge vent is not feasible, such as hip roofs with short ridgelines. The number needed depends on attic size and the product's rating.
Net Free Area
NFA (Net Free Area) is the actual open area available for airflow after accounting for screens and louvers. Most vent products list their NFA in the specifications. The amount of ventilation an attic needs is set by code, so check it with your local building department.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing
Planning a Roofing Project?
Tell us about your roof and we'll pass your request to partner suppliers in the Chicago area for shingles, underlayment, and accessories. Ask the supplier that quotes your project about availability, lead time, and delivery.