Asphalt Shingle Roofing for Homes Across the Chicago Area.
Asphalt shingles are the most widely used residential roofing material in the country, and around here they sit on the majority of homes for good reason. With the right product, installed correctly, a quality asphalt roof is a durable, long-lasting investment.
01 / Why Asphalt Shingles
The Most Common Roof in the Chicago Area, and for Good Reason.
Asphalt shingles offer a broad range of performance levels and price points, they work well in the Midwest climate, and when you choose the right product and have it installed correctly, a quality asphalt roof holds up for decades. That mix of value, durability, and design choice is why they top the majority of homes in our market.
RX Roofing & Construction installs asphalt shingle roofing for homeowners throughout the Chicago area. We work with products from GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, IKO, and Malarkey, all manufacturers who back their products with substantial warranty coverage, and we install them with the attention to detail those warranties require.
02 / Types of Asphalt Shingles
Not All Asphalt Shingles Are the Same.
There are three main categories you’ll run into. Here’s how they compare so you can see where your project fits.
Three-Tab Shingles
The thinnest and most basic asphalt shingle. Three-tab is a flat, single-layer product with cutouts that give the look of three separate shingles per strip. It’s the lowest-cost option, but it offers less wind resistance and a shorter warranty term than architectural shingles. We see fewer three-tab installs in the Chicago market because the performance difference is meaningful.
Architectural Shingles
Also called dimensional shingles, these are the standard choice for most residential roofing projects in this market.
They’re multi-layer and thicker than three-tab, with a dimensional look that adds depth and texture to the roof. They carry much better wind ratings, longer warranty terms, and better granule retention. For most homeowners replacing an aging roof, architectural shingles are the right baseline.
Premium Architectural Shingles
Thicker, heavier shingles with more pronounced profiles that replicate the look of slate or wood shake.
Premium lines from GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed carry the longest warranty terms and the best performance ratings available in asphalt. A strong option for homeowners who want asphalt performance and longevity with an elevated look.
03 / Impact-Resistant Shingles
Built to Take a Hail Hit, and Maybe Lower Your Premium.
The Chicago area sits in a region that sees regular hail. Impact-resistant shingles, rated Class 3 or Class 4 under UL 2218 testing, are built to take hail impact without the cracking and granule loss that standard shingles can sustain.
Class 4 impact-resistant shingles from our manufacturer partners carry the highest rating available, and many homeowners policies offer premium discounts for homes with a Class 4 rated roof installed. If your current roof was damaged in a hail event, impact-resistant shingles are worth considering as a longer-term investment in your replacement. We can walk you through whether impact resistance makes sense for your specific situation when we discuss your project.
- Class 3 and Class 4 UL 2218 rated
- Resists cracking and granule loss from hail
- May qualify for an insurance premium discount
04 / Our Manufacturer Partners
The Brands We Install and Stand Behind.
We’ll help you compare products, warranty tiers, and cost for your specific roof. Here’s a quick look at the manufacturers we work with most.
GAF
North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, with a product line spanning entry-level through premium architectural shingles. GAF’s Timberline series is one of the most installed residential shingle lines in the country.
Owens Corning
Known for the Duration series and TruDefinition line. Owens Corning shingles carry strong wind ratings and come with warranty options that protect against both manufacturing defects and installation issues when installed by certified contractors.
CertainTeed
A strong option across the architectural and premium tiers, with a broad color palette and a well-regarded warranty program through their Shingle Master certification.
IKO
A manufacturer with a wide product range including impact-resistant options and strong performance in cold-climate markets like the Chicago area.
Malarkey
Known for their rubberized asphalt formulation and impact-resistant products. Malarkey shingles also use polymer content that reduces granule runoff into storm drains, which matters for homeowners in communities with environmental standards.
05 / How Long Does an Asphalt Roof Last?
The Honest Answer Depends on a Few Things.
Lifespan comes down to the quality of the shingles, the quality of the installation, the pitch and complexity of the roof, attic ventilation, and how many weather events the roof absorbs over its life. A quality architectural shingle roof on a well-ventilated, properly installed system in this climate can reasonably be expected to perform well for 25 to 30 years. Premium products with thicker profiles can push that range further.
Roofs on the low end of performance, whether from lower-tier materials or installation shortcuts, often show heavy wear and need more repairs earlier. We don’t cut corners on installation, because the warranty protections and the long-term performance both depend on it.
- 25 to 30 years from a quality architectural roof
- Proper attic ventilation extends roof life
- Careful installation backs the manufacturer warranty
06 / Is Asphalt Right for Your Home?
For Most Homes Here, Asphalt Is the Best Fit.
For most homes in the Chicago area, asphalt shingles offer the best combination of performance, value, and design flexibility. If your home calls for a different look, we also install cedar shake and DaVinci composite. For a home with a standard architectural shingle roof that has reached the end of its life, a quality asphalt replacement is almost always the most cost-effective path forward.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
The most common, cost-effective choice for homes in this market. Modern architectural shingles come in a wide range of profiles and colors, with impact-resistant options for better protection in hail-prone areas.
Cedar Shake Roofing
Real cedar has a natural variation in color and texture that synthetic materials don’t fully replicate. It suits a wood-shake look and works well in the Midwest climate when installed properly. A factual note: cedar often fits larger or more detailed homes.
DaVinci Composite Roofing
DaVinci composite shingles replicate the look of cedar shake or slate using engineered synthetic materials. Longer warranty terms, Class 4 impact resistance, and a finish that holds up without the periodic treatment real wood needs.
07 / Recent Work
Recent Asphalt Roofs Around the Chicago Area.
A look at recent asphalt shingle work on homes across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
08 / Common Questions
Asphalt Shingle Questions, Answered Straight.
Three-tab is a flat, single-layer shingle. It’s the lowest-cost option, but it has less wind resistance and a shorter warranty than architectural shingles. Architectural shingles are multi-layer and thicker, with a dimensional look, better wind ratings, longer warranties, and better granule retention. For most homeowners replacing an aging roof, architectural is the right baseline.
This region sees regular hail, so they’re often worth a look. Class 3 and Class 4 shingles, rated under UL 2218 testing, are built to take hail without the cracking and granule loss standard shingles can sustain. Many homeowners policies also offer a premium discount for a Class 4 rated roof. We can walk you through whether impact resistance makes sense for your situation.
A quality architectural shingle roof on a well-ventilated, properly installed system in this climate can reasonably be expected to perform well for 25 to 30 years. Premium products with thicker profiles can push that further. Lifespan depends on the shingle quality, the installation, the roof’s pitch and complexity, attic ventilation, and how many weather events the roof absorbs.
We work with GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, IKO, and Malarkey, all manufacturers who back their products with substantial warranty coverage. We’ll help you compare products, warranty tiers, and cost for your specific roof and pick the right fit.
If the damage is limited to specific areas, a targeted repair often does the job. Replacement is the right call when a roof is at or near the end of its useful life, or when storm damage is too widespread for a repair to make financial sense. We’ll inspect it and tell you honestly which one fits.
09 / Get Started
Get a Roof Estimate.
Use our instant estimate tool to get a quick ballpark on your project, then contact us to schedule a free consultation and inspection. You can also call or text us at (224) 518-0278. We’re available Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm and Saturday 7am to 5pm. See our residential roofing page for the full range of roofing services we provide.