Northern Illinois and the surrounding region experience a humid continental climate, which features hot summers, cold winters, and significant precipitation year-round. For buildings with flat roofs, choosing the right roofing material is the best way to stay protected against extreme temperature fluctuations, water damage, and high winds.
H.C. Anderson has completed hundreds of commercial roof replacements across all types and sizes. Our experience over the past 25 years has given us an expert perspective on which materials hold up best in the Illinois weather. Here are the best flat roof materials we recommend for Illinois businesses:
1. PVC Roofing Membranes
Why It’s Ideal for Illinois:
- Weather Resistance: Handles extreme temperature fluctuations, heavy rain, and snow without cracking.
- Energy Efficiency: White reflective surfaces reduce heat absorption, lowering cooling costs in summer.
- Leak-Resistant: Custom fabrication and heat-welded seams create a superior watertight barrier.
- Long Lifespan: Can last 20-30 years with proper maintenance.
Our Speciality: Duro-Last PVC Roofing
Duro-Last PVC roofing systems are superior in almost every way to other roofing membranes. While the material is somewhat more expensive, the cost of installation labor is often lower than the alternatives. When you factor in the extended lifespan and industry-leading warranties, Duro-Last is one of the best choices for flat roof buildings in our regional climate.
2. TPO Roofing Membranes
Why It’s Ideal for Illinois:
- Affordable Alternative to PVC: Offers similar benefits at a lower material cost.
- UV & Heat Reflection: A reflective surface keeps buildings cooler during hot summers.
- Flexible in Cold Weather: Resists cracking and splitting in freezing temperatures.
- Vs. PVC: More seam points can increase labor costs and penatrability. Shorter projected lifespan.
TPO is a solid choice for businesses looking for an economical and durable roofing solution. However, its lifespan is typically shorter than PVC, and depending on the installation requirements, labor costs could exceed those of PVC installations.
3. EPDM Roofing
Why It’s Ideal for Illinois:
- Excellent Cold Weather Performance: Flexible even in freezing temperatures.
- Long Lifespan: Can last 30+ years with proper maintenance.
- Resistant to UV, Hail, and Heavy Rain: Great for unpredictable Midwest weather.
EPDM (also known as rubber roofing) is a good choice for buildings in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin when heavy snow is a top concern. However, it also absorbs heat, making it much less energy-efficient in the summer. It also requires a lot of seams, which can cause problems down the road as the seams begin to dry out. EPDM can also experience shrinkage over time from excessive heat and sun exposure.
4. Acrylic and Silicone Roof Coatings
For older roofs that don’t need full replacement, roof coatings can be a good way to extend the lifespan of your existing roof materials. We typically recommend Duro-Shield Silicone and Acrylic Roof Coatings in these cases to provide enhanced protection against leaks and UV rays.
Benefits of Roof Coatings:
- Extends Roof Lifespan: Adds years to an aging PVC, EPDM, Metal and TPO roofs.
- Improves Energy Efficiency: Reflective coatings reduce cooling costs, especially when the existing roof was black.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Avoids costly full replacements.
If you have maintained your flat roof over the years, you might be able to avoid the costs of a new roof installation by opting for a fresh roof coating. The key with roof coatings is to apply them proactively whenever possible. While minor leaks and seam issues can be addressed before application, your roof needs to be structurally sound with good surface drainage in order to benefit from a new roof coating.
Choosing the Best Roof for Your Building
For flat roof buildings in Illinois and other areas with a humid continental climate, PVC and TPO offer the best balance of durability, energy efficiency, and weather resistance. EPDM is ideal for extreme cold and heavy snow, and roof coatings are great for extending the lifespan of existing roofs that have been well maintained.
H.C. Anderson is Your Expert Flat Roofing Contractor
We specialize in commercial roofing solutions tailored to the unique climate challenges of our area. From Rockford to Elgin in Illinois and extending to Beloit and Madison in Wisconsin, we are ready to serve your business. Contact us today for a free roof inspection and expert recommendations.