Find a roofer in Chicago, IL
A roofer repairs and replaces roofs and the flashing, gutters and vents that keep water out. People need one for leaks, storm damage, missing shingles, or an old roof near the end of its life. A good roofer inspects the roof, explains repair versus replacement honestly, and pulls permits where they are required.
How many roofers are in Chicago?
The Census Bureau counted 73 roofers with employees in Chicago, IL ZIP codes in 2023.
Countywide, Cook County has 354, or 6.8 per 100,000 residents: about the same as the US rate of 7.3, and 113th of 164 large US cities per resident.
Another 3,062 self-employed businesses in foundation, structure and exterior contractors (roofing, concrete and similar) are based in Cook County, the kind of one-person operation the employer count leaves out.
The ZIP codes with the most: 60641 (10), 60629 (9), 60634 (8), 60630 (6).
Half of Chicago's homes were built before 1952, and 54% of households rent, which shapes the kind of work local pros see most.
| Businesses with employees (city ZIP codes) | 73 Census ZBP 2023 |
|---|---|
| Per 100,000 residents, Cook County | 6.8 US: 7.3 |
| Rank among large US cities | 113 of 164 county count per resident |
| Small businesses (under 5 staff) | 78% |
| Self-employed, Cook County | 3,062 Census NES 2023: foundation, structure and exterior contractors (roofing, concrete and similar) |
| Median year homes were built | 1952 ACS 2023 |
| Households that rent | 54% ACS 2023 |
| Population | 2,707,648 ACS 2023 |
What do roofers in Chicago help with?
- Leak repair
- Full roof replacement
- Storm and hail damage repair
- Shingle repair
- Flat and low-slope roofing
- Metal roofing
- Flashing and chimney flashing repair
- Gutter install and repair
- Roof inspections
- Skylight install and repair
How do you choose a good roofer in Chicago?
- Get at least three written estimates that list materials, tear-off, underlayment and cleanup.
- Check the roofer's license where required and ask for proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance.
- Ask for both the manufacturer warranty and the roofer's own workmanship warranty in writing.
- Ask who pulls the permit. It should be the roofer, not you.
- Choose an established local company with a real address. After storms, out-of-town crews may be hard to reach later.
- Ask how they protect your yard, plants and gutters, and how they collect nails.
- Do not sign an insurance assignment or contract the same day a door-to-door roofer knocks.
Many states and cities license roofing contractors or require general contractor registration; ask for a license number where one is required and check it.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you licensed and insured? Can I see the certificates?
- Will you pull the permit?
- Will you tear off the old roof or roof over it?
- What warranty covers labor, and for how long?
- Who will be on the roof, your crew or subcontractors?
- How do you handle rotten decking you find during the job?
- How do you clean up nails and debris?
Red flags to watch for
- Door-to-door roofers showing up right after a storm.
- Asking for full payment up front.
- Offering to cover or waive your insurance deductible.
- No written contract or a contract with no detail.
- Pressure to sign today.
What changes the price?
- Roof size and pitch
- Roofing material
- Number of old layers to tear off
- Damaged decking that needs replacing
- Chimneys, skylights and valleys
- Access and permit costs
Get two or three written quotes for the same scope of work; prices vary a lot between businesses.
Questions people ask
How many roofers are there in Chicago?
The Census counted 73 roofers with employees in Chicago, IL in 2023, plus 3,062 self-employed businesses in Cook County.
Should I repair or replace my roof?
A small leak or a few lost shingles can be repaired. Widespread curling, granule loss, sagging or repeated leaks often mean it is time to replace. Ask for photos of the problem.
Will my insurance pay for a new roof?
It depends on your policy and the cause. Sudden storm damage is often covered. Wear and age usually are not. Call your insurer and have the adjuster inspect before work starts.
Can new shingles go over old ones?
Sometimes, if local code allows and there is only one existing layer. Tearing off lets the roofer check the decking and usually lasts longer.
Roofers in nearby cities
Roofers in other cities
Sources: US Census Bureau ZIP and County Business Patterns 2023, Nonemployer Statistics 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates. Census industry groups can include closely related businesses. Expert Helper is a free matching service, not a roofer.