Updated February 2026

Top 10 Roofing Contractors in Chicago

Independently researched and ranked by BBB accreditation, years of experience, customer reviews, and service quality. No paid placements.

Quick Comparison

Rank Company Specialty Experience BBB Website
1 Conrad Roofing of Illinois Most Established Since 1947 A+ Accredited Visit
2 A-1 Roofing Company Best Commercial Since 1910 A+ Accredited Visit
3 Smart Roofing, Inc. GAF Master Elite Since 1993 A+ Visit
4 Horizon Restoration Corp. Best Dual-Certified Since 2007 A+ Accredited Visit
5 Second City Roofing Best City Expert Since 1979 A+ Accredited Visit
6 O’Danny Boy Builders Best Storm Response Since 2010 A+ Accredited Visit
7 ACA Roofing & Construction Most Licensed Since 1994 A+ Accredited Visit
8 Clem Davis Roofing Best Cedar Shake Since 1967 A+ Accredited Visit
9 JL Contractor Services Best Multi-Trade Since 2000 A+ Accredited Visit
10 PACC Solutions LLC Best Storm Specialist Since 2020 A+ Accredited Visit

Detailed Reviews

#2

A-1 Roofing Company

Best Commercial Flat Roofing
ExperienceSince 1910 (115+ Years)
BBB StatusA+ Accredited (Since 2010)
CertificationsCRCA, NRCA, IL License #104-000096
Service AreaGreater Chicago Metro

Established in 1910 and continuously family-owned for 115 years, A-1 Roofing Company is Chicago’s oldest roofing business still in operation. The company focuses exclusively on commercial, industrial, and multi-family flat roofing — bringing singular depth of expertise to Chicago’s enormous flat-roof building stock. Their dual membership in both the CRCA and NRCA, combined with an Illinois Unlimited Roofing Contractor License and over a century of continuous Chicago market presence, reflects a commitment to professional standards matched by almost no competitor in the city.

Commercial Roofing Flat Roofing EPDM TPO Modified Bitumen BUR Maintenance Programs
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#3

Smart Roofing, Inc.

GAF Master Elite — Top 2%
ExperienceSince 1993 (32+ Years)
BBB StatusA+
CertificationsGAF Master Elite, Ludowici Crown Roofer, Brava Excellence
Service AreaChicago & Northwest Suburbs

Founded in 1993, Smart Roofing has earned the rare GAF Master Elite designation — held by fewer than 2% of roofing contractors nationwide — alongside specialty certifications in Ludowici terra cotta tile and Brava composite roofing. The 2025 Brava Excellence Award confirms that their installation quality continues to meet the highest industry standards. Their dual competency in residential and commercial roofing, combined with their terra cotta and specialty tile expertise, gives them an unusually broad capability set for Chicago’s architecturally diverse housing stock.

Residential Roofing Commercial Roofing Flat Roofing Terra Cotta Tile Cedar Shake Metal Roofing Storm Damage
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#4

Horizon Restoration Corp.

Best Dual-Certified
ExperienceSince 2007 (18+ Years)
BBB StatusA+ Accredited
CertificationsOwens Corning Preferred, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster
Service AreaChicago & Northern Suburbs

Horizon Restoration Corp. has earned both Owens Corning Preferred and CertainTeed dual-certification status — a combination that signals verified installation quality and access to manufacturer-backed extended warranties from two of the industry’s top manufacturers simultaneously. Their 4.9-star Google rating across 245+ reviews and 4.8-star Yelp rating reflect consistent execution across a large service footprint. The company is particularly strong in storm damage documentation and insurance claim navigation, an important differentiator in Chicago’s active severe-weather market.

Residential Roofing Shingle Roofing Flat Roofing Storm Damage Siding Gutters Insurance Claims
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#5

Second City Roofing & Exteriors

Best Chicago City Expert
ExperienceSince 1979 (45+ Years)
BBB StatusA+ Accredited (Since 2006)
CertificationsIL Licensed, City of Chicago GC Licensed
Service AreaChicago city proper & Cook County

With more than 45 years serving Chicago homeowners, Second City Roofing has become one of the city’s most enduring residential roofing brands, particularly known for its expertise in Chicago’s prevalent flat-roof architecture. Their A+ BBB rating and accreditation since 2006, combined with decades of institutional knowledge about Chicago building codes and architectural styles, make them a reliable choice for flat-roof replacements on bungalows and two-flats. Their multi-trade capability — roofing, masonry, and exterior work — is well-suited to Chicago’s aging housing stock.

Flat Roofing Shingle Roofing Siding Masonry Gutters Windows Storm Damage
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#6

O’Danny Boy Builders, Inc.

Best Storm Damage Response
ExperienceSince 2010 (15+ Years)
BBB StatusA+ Accredited (Since 2015)
CertificationsGAF Master Elite, Multi-State Licensed
Service AreaChicagoland & Multi-State

Founded in 2010 and now with over 10,000 completed projects, O’Danny Boy Builders has earned the GAF Master Elite designation and pairs it with an A+ BBB rating built over 15 years. The company excels in both residential and commercial roofing with particular strength in storm damage restoration — a critical capability in Chicago’s severe-weather corridor. Their multi-state expansion into Wisconsin, Ohio, North Carolina, and Texas reflects operational depth that has moved them well beyond a local contractor into a regional roofing leader.

Residential Roofing Commercial Roofing Storm Damage Insurance Claims Metal Roofing Emergency Repairs Siding
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#7

ACA Roofing & Construction, Inc.

Most Extensively Licensed
ExperienceSince 1994 (31+ Years)
BBB StatusA+ Accredited (Since 2025)
Certifications15 Chicago Municipal Licenses, IL Licensed
Service AreaChicago & Cook County

In business since 1994, ACA Roofing & Construction has built a strong Chicago reputation by combining broad material expertise — from standard asphalt shingles to EPDM commercial systems — with an unusually extensive municipal licensing portfolio covering 15 City of Chicago license categories, including a Class E General Contractor designation. Led by President Pawel Buch, the company holds a 4.8-star overall rating across review platforms and serves both residential and commercial clients across the city.

Residential Roofing Commercial Roofing Flat Roofing Shingle Roofing Metal Roofing Storm Damage Siding & Windows
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#8

Clem Davis Roofing Company, Inc.

Best Cedar Shake Specialist
ExperienceSince 1967 (58+ Years)
BBB StatusA+ Accredited (Since 2020)
CertificationsGAF Master Certified
Service AreaHinsdale, Oak Brook, Western Suburbs

A family-owned business operating since 1967, Clem Davis Roofing has earned a singular reputation in Chicago’s western suburbs as the region’s preeminent cedar shake roofing specialist — a specialty that demands exacting craftsmanship well beyond standard shingle work. Their 58-year continuous operation, GAF Master Certified status, and A+ BBB rating reflect an unwavering commitment to quality over volume. Homeowners in Hinsdale, Oak Brook, and the surrounding affluent western suburbs consistently reference Clem Davis as the benchmark for premium residential roofing.

Cedar Shake Residential Roofing Copper Roofing Slate Commercial Roofing Gutters New Construction
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#9

JL Contractor Services, Ltd.

Best Multi-Trade Exterior
ExperienceSince 2000 (25+ Years)
BBB StatusA+ Accredited (Since 2008)
CertificationsAngie’s List Super Service Award
Service AreaChicago & Chicagoland

Founded in 2000 by Jack Lekarczyk, JL Contractor Services has grown into one of Chicago’s highest-reviewed multi-trade exterior contractors, holding a 4.8+ star Yelp rating across 100+ reviews. Their simultaneous BBB accreditation and Angie’s List Super Service Awards confirm consistent satisfaction over more than two decades. The company’s combination of roofing, masonry, concrete, and tuckpointing in a single crew-based operation is especially valuable for Chicago’s aging brick bungalows and two-flats that frequently require coordinated exterior repairs.

Residential Roofing Commercial Roofing Masonry Tuckpointing Concrete Siding Gutters
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#10

PACC Solutions LLC

Best Storm Damage Specialist
ExperienceBBB Accredited Since 2022
BBB StatusA+ Accredited
CertificationsBrava Preferred Contractor, Angi Super Service 2023
Service AreaGreater Chicago Metro

PACC Solutions has built a credible Chicago-market reputation by combining comprehensive exterior restoration capabilities with a specialized focus on storm damage insurance claim management — a high-demand service in Illinois, which experiences over 100 hail events annually. Their Brava Roof Tile Preferred Contractor certification gives them a differentiating specialty in high-performance composite roofing systems, and their 2023 Angi Super Service Award confirms strong homeowner satisfaction. Their full exterior service offering covers roofing, siding, solar, windows, and emergency repair.

Storm Damage Residential Roofing Commercial Roofing Composite Tile Insurance Claims Siding Emergency Repairs
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Chicago Roofing Guide

Flat Roofs: Chicago’s Dominant Roof Type

Chicago has one of the highest concentrations of flat and low-slope residential roofing in the United States. The city’s characteristic housing forms — the Chicago bungalow, two-flat, three-flat, greystone, and courtyard apartment — were designed with flat or very low-slope roofs requiring fundamentally different materials than the pitched shingle roofs common elsewhere. The primary systems used are modified bitumen (torch-down or cold-applied), EPDM rubber, TPO single-ply, PVC, and traditional built-up roofing (BUR). Any contractor working in Chicago must have demonstrated competency in flat roofing.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Chicago experiences 30–40 freeze-thaw cycles per year, stressing roofing membranes, flashings, and penetration seals as materials expand and contract. This is why flat roofing membranes in Chicago typically have a 15–25 year effective service life depending on system and maintenance. On pitched roofs, freeze-thaw cycling drives ice dam formation: snow melts from heat loss, runs to cold eaves, refreezes, and backs up water under shingles. Current code requires Ice and Water Shield (IWS) underlayment to extend at least 24 inches past the warm-wall interior line at all eaves.

Illinois Licensing Requirements

All roofing contractors in Illinois must hold a valid IDFPR license — either Limited (residential 8 units or fewer) or Unlimited (all project types). The license requires a $10,000 surety bond and a minimum of $500,000 general liability insurance per occurrence. Contractors performing work within Chicago city limits must additionally hold a City of Chicago General Contractor license. Verify both at idfpr.illinois.gov and ipi.cityofchicago.org.

Chicago Building Permits

A building permit from the Chicago Department of Buildings is required for most re-roofing work. Flat/low-slope roof work always requires a permit. Exception: pitched residential roofs (2:12 or steeper) on buildings four stories or fewer with no structural repair may qualify for a streamlined Express Permit. Apply through Chicago’s IPL portal at ipi.cityofchicago.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to replace my flat roof in Chicago?

Yes. All flat and low-slope roof replacements in Chicago require a building permit from the Chicago Department of Buildings, without exception. Your contractor should obtain the permit before work begins. A contractor who says no permit is needed for flat-roof work is a serious red flag. Unpermitted work can affect your homeowner’s insurance and create title complications when selling.

How long does a flat roof last in Chicago?

Typical service life by system: modified bitumen 15–20 years; EPDM rubber 20–25 years; TPO/PVC 20–30 years. Chicago’s 30–40 annual freeze-thaw cycles are the primary lifespan reducer. If membrane blistering, delamination, or widespread pooling water are present, full replacement is usually more economical than repeated patching. Have a licensed contractor perform a condition assessment before deciding.

What roofing materials perform best in Chicago?

For flat roofing, TPO and PVC single-ply membranes with heat-welded seams perform best through Chicago’s freeze-thaw cycling. EPDM remains a cost-effective option with a strong Chicago track record. For pitched roofing, Class F wind-rated architectural shingles (110 mph minimum) are standard. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles provide superior hail protection and may qualify for 15–30% homeowner’s insurance discounts.

My home was damaged in a hailstorm. How do I file an insurance claim?

Document all damage immediately with dated photographs, then contact your insurer promptly. You have the right to have your own contractor present during the adjuster’s inspection. Illinois sees over 100 hail events annually. If 8–10 hail strikes are found per 100 sq ft, most adjusters recommend full replacement. Never work with contractors who offer to “waive your deductible” — this is insurance fraud under Illinois law.

What are the differences between roofing manufacturer certifications?

GAF Master Elite (top 2% of US roofers) unlocks the Golden Pledge 50-year warranty. Owens Corning Platinum Preferred unlocks the 50-year non-prorated System Protection Warranty. CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster enables SureStart PLUS extended coverage. Standard warranties are void if installed by uncertified contractors. For Chicago work, ask for the specific warranty document and confirm the contractor’s certification status directly with the manufacturer if needed.

How do I verify a Chicago roofing contractor’s license?

Verify the Illinois state license at idfpr.illinois.gov (search by company name or license number). For city work, verify the Chicago General Contractor license at ipi.cityofchicago.org. A legitimate contractor provides both numbers without hesitation. Also request a certificate of insurance naming you as additional insured for the project duration, and check their BBB profile for complaint history.