Roofing FAQs for Downers Grove and Chicago’s Western Suburbs

How do I know if I need a repair or a full roof replacement?

Start with an inspection. If damage is isolated to a small area, a repair usually solves it. Multiple leaks, widespread shingle wear, soft decking, or a roof near the end of its life usually points to replacement. We show you photos, explain the options, and price both when it makes sense.

Go deeper: how long a roof lasts in Illinois and repair versus replace.

What is the 25% rule for roofing?

It comes from building code. If more than 25 percent of a roof section is damaged or replaced within any 12-month period, the whole section has to be brought up to current code rather than patched. Below that threshold, a repair is allowed. Above it, the work becomes a replacement.

On an insurance claim this cuts two ways in your favor. It explains why scattered damage across several slopes can be approved for full replacement when one damaged slope would not be, and if your policy includes ordinance or law coverage, the insurer has to pay for the code-required work. Bring it up at the adjuster meeting, along with whether your shingles are still manufactured, since unavailable matching shingles are a separate argument for replacing a full slope.

What makes HomeHero Roofing different?

No deposits on standard jobs, same-day itemized estimates, Owens Corning materials, a 10-year transferable workmanship warranty, and a dedicated project manager on every job. Our founders live in the suburbs we work in. Full detail on our why us page.

How long does a roof replacement take?

Most single-family homes are finished in one day. Large or complex roofs take two. We protect landscaping, keep the site clean, and run a magnet sweep for nails before we leave.

Do you pull permits, or do I?

We pull every required roofing permit in your municipality and include it in the estimate. We also schedule the inspections. There is no homeowner paperwork. See our 12-step process.

What is the cheapest time of year to replace a roof?

Late winter and early spring, generally. Demand drops after the fall rush and before storm season, and crews have open calendar space, so scheduling is easier and pricing is at its softest. Summer and early fall are the busiest and priciest stretch, especially in a year with hail.

That said, waiting to save a few percent on a roof that is actively leaking costs more than it saves. Interior damage, wet insulation, and deck rot are all more expensive than the discount. If your roof can wait, book in the off season. If it cannot, do not let a calendar decide for you.

Can you replace a roof in winter?

Yes. We install year-round using cold-weather techniques and schedule around suitable weather windows. For leak emergencies we tarp immediately and complete the install on the next workable day. Spring through fall is still easier and avoids weather delays, so if the roof can wait, that is the better window.

What happens if it rains during my roof replacement?

We watch the forecast and work in contained sections rather than opening the whole roof at once. If rain arrives, we tarp and secure any open area and pause until it is dry. Your home is not left exposed.

Can you install new shingles over my existing roof?

We almost always recommend a full tear-off. It lets us inspect the decking, replace bad wood, and install the whole system correctly. Code allows up to two layers in some cases, but an overlay hides problems and limits your warranty options.

How many shingle layers are allowed?

Local code generally allows up to two layers of asphalt shingles. We remove existing layers on replacements so the new system starts on a sound, flat deck that we have actually seen.

How many quotes should I get?

Two or three written estimates. Compare scope, materials, ventilation, warranty, license and insurance, and cleanup, not just the bottom line. Our estimates are same-day and itemized specifically so they are easy to compare against someone else’s.

Do you provide free written estimates?

Yes. After your inspection you get a same-day written estimate with an itemized breakdown of labor, materials, and any add-ons. No obligation, no hidden fees. Our project gallery shows the work those estimates buy.

Do you require a deposit?

No. For most roof replacements and repairs there is no deposit. You pay after the work is done and you are satisfied. The one exception is very large projects, typically $30,000 and up, or special-order materials, where a modest deposit secures the order. Even then the bulk is not due until the roof is finished.

What payment methods do you accept, and do you offer financing?

Checks and major credit cards, with an official invoice and receipt for every payment. For your protection we do not accept large cash payments. Financing is available if you would rather spread payments out. You will never be asked to pay in full before the job is complete.

Will I receive a written contract?

Yes. Every project includes a written contract with the scope, line-item pricing, materials, permits, payment terms, and warranty. We go through it with you before work starts and you keep a copy.

When is payment due, and do you take progress draws?

No progress draws on standard jobs. One payment, after the work is complete and you have signed off.

Will you review or match another written estimate?

Yes. Share a competitor’s written, apples-to-apples estimate and we will go through it with you. If the specs and coverage genuinely match, we aim to meet it. If they do not, we will show you exactly where the difference is, whether that is materials, ventilation, warranty, insurance, or cleanup.

How long do I have to cancel a contract I signed at my door?

Three business days under the Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act, even if work has already started, and up to 15 business days if you are over 65. Any home repair project over $1,000 also requires a written contract and a Home Repair Consumer Rights pamphlet before you sign. That applies to us and to anyone else who knocks.

What is the average cost of a new roof in Illinois?

For a typical western suburbs single-family home, a full asphalt shingle replacement generally runs $12,000 to $28,000. Storm-related repairs usually land between $400 and $2,500 depending on how much of the roof is involved.

The spread is wide because square footage, pitch, number of existing layers, material choice, decking condition after tear-off, and the number of penetrations all move the number. Anyone quoting you a price before getting on the roof is guessing. Our Chicago roof cost guide breaks the math down line by line.

What is the least expensive roof to put on a house?

Three-tab asphalt shingles are the cheapest option that is still a real roof, but the gap has narrowed to the point where we rarely recommend them. Architectural shingles cost modestly more, last meaningfully longer, carry better wind ratings, and look far better. Over a 25-year horizon the cheaper shingle is usually the more expensive decision.

If budget is the constraint, the better lever is usually scope and timing rather than downgrading the shingle.

How does HomeHero’s pricing compare to other roofers in Downers Grove?

Typically middle to lower against other established companies in the western suburbs. Lean overhead lets us pass that back without cutting materials or workmanship. We are not the cheapest bid you will get, and we will tell you why when we are not.

Why are your crews paid above market if your prices are competitive?

Good roofs come from people who are not rushing to the next job. We pay about 20 percent above market to keep experienced crews, which cuts turnover and callbacks. That cost comes out of overhead rather than materials.

Do you ever undercut competitors on price?

No. We aim for best value, not cheapest. Very low bids usually mean skipped insurance, off-brand materials, or a crew being pushed too fast. What you get here is an Owens Corning or IKO system, licensed and insured crews, and a 10-year transferable workmanship warranty.

Which organizations does HomeHero donate to?

A portion of every project goes to Naperville Responds for Veterans, Homes For Our Troops, DuPage and Chicago South Suburbs Habitat for Humanity, Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, and West Suburban Foundation for Disabled Veterans.

Which shingle brands do you install?

Primarily Owens Corning and IKO asphalt shingles with matching underlayment, vents, and flashing. We can source other brands on request. We pick products that hold up in Chicagoland freeze-thaw cycles.

Can you match my current shingle color?

Usually. We use color boards and recent project photos to get close. If your exact shingle is discontinued, we recommend the nearest color and profile. Worth knowing: an unavailable match is a legitimate argument for replacing a full slope on an insurance claim rather than patching it. See our guide to choosing shingle colors.

Do you offer ventilation or attic upgrades?

Yes. Proper intake and exhaust ventilation extends roof life and reduces ice dams, which is a real problem on these houses. We install ridge vents, box vents, or powered fans depending on the roof design, and we will tell you if your attic insulation is the actual problem.

How fast can you respond to a leak?

Same day to three days depending on season. Active leaks are prioritized and we tarp within 24 hours. Call the Downers Grove office at (630) 827-8732 during the day, or the La Grange line at (708) 412-7922 any hour.

Do you work with insurance for wind or hail damage?

Yes. We document the damage with photos before you file, meet your adjuster on the roof, and provide a clear scope. We will also tell you when a claim is not worth filing, which happens often. See storm damage repair for the full process.

How do I know if I have hail damage?

From the ground, look for granules collecting at downspout exits, dents in gutters, downspouts, and metal vents, and shingles on the lawn. Dented soft metals almost always mean the shingles above took the same hits. Hail bruising itself is usually invisible from the driveway and has to be found by hand.

How often should I have my roof inspected?

Once a year, and after any major storm. Small problems found early are cheap. The same problem found by a ceiling stain is not.

Should I try to repair a roof myself?

We would rather you did not. Roofing falls are serious, and an incorrect patch often hides a leak instead of stopping it. Our crews are licensed and insured and we stand behind the repair.

Do you install seamless gutters and guards?

Yes. Five-inch and six-inch seamless K-style gutters, downspouts, and premium gutter guards. Most homeowners bundle gutters with a roof replacement, which saves a second mobilization. Details on our gutter services page.

What is your workmanship warranty?

Every full roof replacement includes our 10-year transferable workmanship warranty. All ten years cover labor and materials on workmanship issues. There is no step-down in year six. Manufacturer warranties apply on top of that for the products themselves. Full terms on our warranty and guarantee page.

Is the warranty transferable if I sell my home?

Yes, one time within the original 10-year term. Request the transfer in writing within 60 days of closing and we will handle it, including help transferring the manufacturer warranty.

Are you licensed and insured, and why does it matter?

Yes. Illinois roofing contractor licenses #104.019924 and #105.010799, plus general liability, workers’ compensation, and a roofing bond. Certificates available on request.

It matters because an uninsured crew makes you the liable party if someone is hurt on your property, and because unlicensed work can fail inspection and stall your closing later. Do not take our word for it: verify our license on IDFPR, and check anyone else who knocks.

Which areas do you serve?

We work from Downers Grove and downtown La Grange, covering DuPage County and western Cook County. Towns with a dedicated page are linked.

• Downers Grove, 60515, 60516, 60517
• Hinsdale, 60521, 60523
• Clarendon Hills, 60514
• Western Springs, 60558
• La Grange, 60525
• Oak Brook, 60523
• Willowbrook, 60527
• Darien, 60561
• Westmont, 60559
• Woodridge, 60517
• Lisle, 60532
• Naperville, 60540, 60563, 60564, 60565
• Burr Ridge, 60527
• Glen Ellyn, 60137
• Villa Park, 60181
• Elmhurst, 60126
• Lombard, 60148
• La Grange Park, 60526
• Indian Head Park, 60525
• Countryside, 60525
• La Grange Highlands, 60525
• Brookfield, 60513
• Wheaton, 60187, 60189
• Bolingbrook, 60440, 60490

Full list on our service areas page.

When was HomeHero Roofing founded?

June 2023, in Downers Grove. Since then we have completed 390+ projects and earned 5.0 stars from 380+ reviews across 8 platforms. Our founders bring nearly 40 combined years of home service experience.

Who owns HomeHero Roofing?

Matt Balducci and Andre Kazimierski, both western suburbs locals. Matt is in Downers Grove. Andre grew up in the La Grange area, went to Riverside Brookfield, and lives there today.

Where is HomeHero Roofing located?

Two offices. Downers Grove HQ at 2333 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 5, Downers Grove, IL 60515, open Mon-Sun 6 am to 9 pm. La Grange office at 14 W Burlington Ave, Ste 5, La Grange, IL 60525, open 24 hours. You are welcome at either, or we will come to you.

What industry and community memberships do you hold?

Chicago Roofing Contractors Association member, plus chamber memberships in Westmont, Darien, and Willowbrook and Burr Ridge. We donate a portion of revenue every year to veterans’ organizations.

Where can I find reviews for HomeHero Roofing?

5.0 stars from 380+ reviews across 8 platforms: Google, BBB where we hold an A+ rating, Yelp, Thumbtack, Angi and HomeAdvisor, Zillow, Nextdoor, and Facebook.

What services does HomeHero Roofing specialize in?

Roof replacement, roof repair, roof inspections, storm and wind damage repair, emergency leak response, attic ventilation, skylight installation and repair, seamless gutter installation, gutter repair, and gutter guards. Start at residential roofing.