- 1525 Ogden Ave Downers Grove, IL 60515
- Email Us
Family-run in Downers Grove since 1973. Real full-roof inspections, premium materials, 10-year workmanship warranty.
If you’re seeing water stains on ceilings, curled shingles, or frequent leaks, it’s likely time for a full roof replacement. We realize that replacing a roof can be painful and inconvenient undertaking. Our seasoned roofing experts take great care to consult, advise and plan according to your needs to deliver beautifully restored roof that protects your home and makes your home the envy of the neighborhood.
At Royal Craft Home Remodelers, we help homeowners in Downers Grove, and the greater Chicagoland area, protect their property and boost home value with durable, energy-efficient roofing systems that last 25+ years.
A full roof replacement is one of the larger home projects most homeowners will take on. Royal Craft offers competitive financing available through the GreenSky® Program so you can move forward on the right roof rather than the cheapest one. Loans are provided by federally insured lenders participating in the program.
Review financing options on our financing page or call (630) 725-1000 with any questions.
We ensure all work complies with Illinois building codes and manufacturer specifications, so your warranties stay intact.
Not sure if you need a full replacement or just a repair? Here’s how to decide:
Faster and more affordable, best for small, contained issues.
Temporary fixes on aging roofs often cost more long-term.
“Our roofing advisors always recommend the most cost-effective and lasting solution. If a repair will do the job, we won’t push a replacement.”
| Feature | Roof Repair | Roof Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher (long-term value) |
| Time to Complete | Hours to 1 day | 1–2 days (full install) |
| Ideal For | Localized issues, recent roofs | Aging systems, widespread or structural damage |
| Warranty Coverage | Limited (if any) | Full material + workmanship warranties |
| Insurance Compatibility | Case-by-case | Often approved after storm damage |
Learn more about our Roof Repair Services in Downers Grove.
Not sure what you need? Get Roof Advice First and we’ll walk the roof with you.
We offer multiple roofing types to match your goals, whether it’s long-term performance, resale value, or design preference:
| Roofing Material | Avg Cost (Installed) | Best Use Case | Ideal For Climate | Lifespan | Maintenance Level | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slate Roofing | $$$$ | High-end historic or luxury homes | Cold, snowy, freeze-thaw cycles | 75–100+ years | Low | Fireproof, visually stunning, long lifespan | Heavy, expensive, needs reinforced framing |
| Metal Roofing (Standing Seam) | $$$ | Modern homes, snow-prone roofs | Cold, wet, hail-prone, snowy | 40–70 years | Low–Medium | Durable, recyclable, sheds snow easily | Noisy in rain, higher upfront cost |
| Clay Tile Roofing | $$$ | Spanish/Mediterranean style homes | Hot, dry, sun-intense climates | 50–100 years | Low | Doesn’t rot, fireproof, energy efficient | Very heavy, brittle, not for cold zones |
| Wood Shake/Shingle | $$–$$$ | Rustic and traditional homes | Mild to moderate climates | 25–40 years | Medium–High | Natural look, insulating | Fire risk unless treated, high maintenance |
| Architectural Asphalt Shingles | $$ | Most residential homes | Works in all seasons | 25–35 years | Low | Affordable, dimensional look, wind-resistant | Not as long-lasting as premium types |
| 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles | $ | Budget-conscious homeowners | Mild climates | 15–20 years | Low | Most affordable, easy to install | Flat appearance, lower wind resistance |
| Flat/Low-Slope Roofing (Mod-Bit, TPO) | $–$$ | Garages, porches, commercial roofs | Any flat or low-pitch setting | 10–30 years | Medium | Seamless membranes, energy efficient | Shorter lifespan, ponding risk |
Still deciding what’s right for your home? Use our free online tools to estimate your project budget, whether it’s asphalt shingles, luxury roofing tiles, or new siding installation for better curb appeal and energy efficiency.
Get a quick estimate based on your roof size, pitch, and material preferences.
Explore luxury roofing costs (synthetic slate, cedar shake, Spanish tile).
Estimate siding project costs based on wall area, material type, and trim details.
Try All Three & Compare the Options Side-by-Side
“Not just numbers, our estimators help translate those quotes into real product recommendations for your home, climate, and budget.”
We also offer roof inspections and roof repairs for Downers Grove homeowners. If a simple fix is all you need, we’ll tell you honestly.
Whether it’s aging materials or storm damage, we’ve seen, and fixed, it all. Below are real examples from homeowners we’ve helped, showcasing our diagnostic process, craftsmanship, and commitment to getting it right the first time.
| Situation: | A walkable garage roof had subtle leaks and signs of insulation damage. |
| Inspection Findings: | Core samples revealed saturated insulation and screw heads pushing through the membrane, signs of hidden structural moisture. |
| Our Solution: | We performed a full tear-off, replaced compromised insulation, and installed a new CertainTeed modified bitumen torch-down system. Upgraded copper gutters completed the drainage overhaul. |
| Situation: | The home’s original roof needed a full replacement. |
| Inspection Findings: | Aging shingles and outdated flashing posed long-term risk. |
| Our Solution: | We completed a full GAF architectural system install, re-flashed all critical points, and executed precision ridge venting for attic airflow. |
| Situation: | Detached garage roof was aging, and aesthetics clashed with the main home. |
| Inspection Findings: | Structural framing was intact but shingles were failing. |
| Our Solution: | We rebuilt the roof using new decking and installed shingles that matched the house. |
| Situation: | Homeowner believed shingles were lifting and feared wind damage. |
| Inspection Findings: | Our crew found the real issue: a large tree limb was pushing gutters upward, creating tension on the lower shingles. |
| Our Solution: | Trimmed the tree limb, reset the affected gutter run, and resealed the shingles. No replacement needed. |
| Situation: | High energy bills and uneven room temperatures persisted even after patch jobs. |
| Inspection Findings: | Inadequate ventilation and warped plywood under old shingles, issues missed by previous roofers. |
| Our Solution: | Full roof replacement with upgraded ventilation channels, new sheathing, and a GAF Lifetime roofing system. |
| Situation: | The homeowner had previous work done (siding) and returned for roof/gutter service but had mid-project concerns. |
| Inspection Findings: | No structural issue, just a misalignment in material expectation during install. |
| Our Solution: | Our crew paused work, walked the homeowner through every step, made corrections, and confirmed satisfaction before continuing. |
Think you have one of these problems? Book a FREE roof inspection, and let’s take a look together.
Royal Craft Remodelers partners with top U.S. roofing manufacturers to give you flexible options, reliable protection, and strong warranties, without locking you into a single brand.
We work with trusted names like:
Depending on your project, budget, and style preferences, our experts recommend the best system for:
Every home is different. We specify the best system, not just the most popular brand. Book a FREE consultation to see side-by-side roofing system options for your home.
GAF certification requires ongoing training, insurance verification, and adherence to GAF installation specifications. As GAF Certified contractors, we install the full GAF roofing system so your roof qualifies for the manufacturer’s System Plus limited warranty.
Fully licensed and insured for every project, protecting your home and investment from start to finish.
Proudly serving Illinois’ western suburbs with trusted, neighborhood-focused roofing services.
Recognized for exceptional customer satisfaction and accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
Providing personalized roofing solutions across 20+ Illinois locations, tailored to each community’s needs.
The roof replacement process typically includes a full inspection, tear-off of existing shingles, underlayment installation, flashing upgrades, and application of new roofing materials like architectural asphalt shingles or metal roofing systems. At Royal Craft, we follow a clean, efficient process that minimizes disruption while ensuring code-compliant roof installation across Downers Grove and surrounding areas.
The average roof replacement cost in Illinois ranges from $8,000 to $18,000 depending on factors like roof size, pitch, and material (e.g., GAF shingles or metal roofing). For a 2,000 sq ft home using architectural shingles, pricing typically falls between $10,000–$13,000. You can get a tailored estimate using our roof cost calculator.
Most roof replacement projects are completed in 1–2 days for average-size homes. Larger or more complex roofs, such as those with multiple valleys or steep slopes, may take up to 3 days. We schedule our roofing installations based on weather patterns to ensure fast, dry installation windows.
The best time of year to replace a roof in Illinois is typically late spring through early fall. Temperatures between 45°F and 85°F help roofing materials like asphalt shingles seal properly. However, Royal Craft performs emergency roof replacements year-round using cold-weather installation protocols.
Yes, in most municipalities across Illinois, you do need a permit for roof replacement. Royal Craft handles all required permitting and code inspections on your behalf. Working with a licensed roofing contractor ensures your project is both compliant and covered by warranties.
Whether you’re seeing leaks, missing shingles, or just know it’s been 20+ years, don’t guess. Let our licensed experts inspect your roof and provide a clear, honest report. Schedule your FREE roof evaluation. We serve homeowners in Downers Grove and surrounding cities.
✅ No sales pressure
✅ Detailed photo documentation
✅ Tailored options that fit your home, roof type, and budget
“We show you what we’d do if it were our home, because your trust means everything.”
If you have been burned by a bad contractor before, these are the questions that separate the real ones from the storm chasers. Ours are always yes.
“It was a pleasure working with you guys. You really know what you’re doing and kept us informed the whole way. You made it super easy for us to understand everything.”
We hear versions of this constantly. Cleanliness, patience, and attention to detail come up more than anything else. See more on our Reviews page, or read verified neighborhood recommendations on our Nextdoor page.
A Royal Craft roof replacement in Downers Grove is a full-system replacement, not just a shingle swap. Before we begin, Mauricio walks the roof, inspects the attic for airflow and moisture, and photographs everything so you see what we see. If any of the underlying structure is compromised, we address it before the new roof goes on.
The full scope of every residential roof replacement includes:
Every job is photographed from start to finish. You receive the photos, the completed paid invoice, and every warranty document at the end of the project. Warranties are transferable if you sell your home.
Because Chicago-area roofs are almost universally undervented, we make attic ventilation part of the standard scope, not an upsell. If your attic is trapping heat, we solve it: ridge vents, soffit vents, powered ventilation, sun tunnels, or Velux skylight upgrades, depending on what your specific roof needs.
We do not present pre-made contracts on the same visit. You will always have time to compare, ask questions, and make the call on your terms.
Most residential roof replacements in Downers Grove are completed in one to three days, depending on the size of the home, the pitch, and how many valleys or dormers the roof has. A simple ranch with a single roof plane can be finished in a day. A larger two-story with multiple pitches, a garage, and a low-slope section over an addition usually takes two to three days.
Weather is the biggest variable in the Chicago area. Asphalt shingles require temperatures above 45°F to seal properly, which means the ideal roofing window in Downers Grove runs late April through mid-October. We do install in colder months when it makes sense, especially for storm damage or emergency repairs, but the shingles’ self-seal strips need warm weather to fully activate. On cold-weather installs we hand-seal every field shingle with roofing cement to compensate.
A typical replacement timeline looks like this:
If your roof involves both low-slope and steep-slope sections, which is common in Downers Grove homes with additions or garages, we handle both in a single project. Not every roofer will take on mixed-slope jobs. We take them regularly.
We do not leave a job open overnight during rain. If we cannot complete the day’s scope, the roof is tarped fully before we leave.
The Chicago western suburbs are a crowded market for roofing contractors. Some are legitimate. Many are storm chasers who follow bad weather, take deposits, and disappear. Bill Cantalupo has been in Downers Grove since the early 1980s, and Royal Craft has been complaint-free with the BBB since 2010. That is a different kind of company than one you have never heard of that knocked on your door after last week’s storm.
Here are the questions you should ask every roofer you talk to. If they will not answer directly, or if the answer changes when you push, that tells you what you need to know.
One more thing that matters in Downers Grove specifically: permit requirements. The village of Downers Grove requires a roofing permit for full replacements. Some surrounding villages do not, which is one reason storm chasers prefer to operate outside village limits. A local contractor knows every village’s permit process. We handle the permit on your behalf.
Chicago-area weather is hard on roofs. Freeze-thaw cycles, wind, ice dams, hail, and 90-degree summer heat all attack the same materials. What works in mild climates does not always work here. Here is what we install in Downers Grove and why.
Asphalt shingles: GAF Timberline HDZ and Owens Corning Duration. These are the two systems we install most often. GAF Timberline HDZ uses a StainGuard algae-resistant granule and a wider nailing zone that speeds installation and cuts down on nail placement errors. Owens Corning Duration uses SureNail technology that gives the shingle a fabric strip to nail through, which improves wind resistance to 130 mph. Both come with lifetime limited warranties when installed by a certified contractor. We are certified for both.
Ice-and-water shield. Chicago building code requires ice-and-water shield at eaves, valleys, and around penetrations. We install it universally, not just to the minimum. On homes prone to ice dams, we extend the shield further up the roof plane than code requires. This one detail prevents most winter leaks.
Synthetic underlayment. We use synthetic underlayment on every job. Traditional felt tears in wind, absorbs moisture, and does not last. Synthetic underlayment is stronger, lighter, walkable, and manufacturer-approved for warranty compliance.
Metal roofing. For homes that want a 50-year system, we install standing seam metal in gauges appropriate for Chicago snow load. Metal handles freeze-thaw better than any asphalt shingle and reflects summer heat, reducing attic temperatures dramatically.
Attic ventilation matters more than the shingle brand. No shingle system will last if the attic underneath is trapping heat and moisture. We check ventilation on every replacement estimate. If the attic is undervented, which is common in older Downers Grove homes, we correct it as part of the roof scope. Ridge vents, soffit vents, powered fans, or Velux skylights, depending on what the specific roof needs.
Downers Grove is not one type of housing. It is a Victorian core, a mid-century ring, and a set of newer subdivisions layered on top, and each era has different roof characteristics. What works on a Denburn Woods Victorian will not work on a Fairview Pointe contemporary. We know these neighborhoods because we have been working in them for decades.
The oldest housing in Downers Grove sits north of Ogden Avenue near the Main Street corridor. Steep pitches, complex valleys, dormers, and cedar-shingle-style architecture are standard here. These roofs typically need replacement every 20 to 25 years and often include restoration details like copper flashing and step flashing at masonry chimneys.
Ranches, split-levels, and colonials with moderate 6-in-12 to 8-in-12 pitch. This is the largest single housing bucket in Downers Grove. Asphalt shingles here typically run 20 to 25 years, and the biggest hidden problem we find is undervented attics, since 1950s and 1960s homes were not built with modern ridge-and-soffit ventilation.
Contemporary two-story homes on 4-in-12 to 6-in-12 pitches. Original shingles from these decades are approaching or past their replacement cycle now. Modern architecture also means more low-slope sections over garages and additions, which is where we see the mixed low-slope and steep-slope work we specialize in.
If your neighborhood is not on this list, we still serve it. Downers Grove has a lot of subdivisions and we work all of them. Call (630) 725-1000 and we will schedule a free inspection.
