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What Is a Dormer Roof

An image of a house with green shutters and a well-maintained roof.

Dormer roofs, which are often utilized to enlarge the living space and let in more natural light, are an example of an architectural feature that ably integrates form and utility without sacrificing either. Because they can be found in a wide variety of types and styles, incorporating them into a structure is an excellent method for creating an unequaled appearance and atmosphere.

This article will explore the topic of dormer roofs, examining their function, many designs, and architectural advantages, so make sure you keep reading!

What Is a Dormer Roof?

Dormer roofs are unique architectural enhancements that incorporate vertical walls, the roof framework, and windows to increase natural light and expand available space. The word “dormer” originates from the French term “dormir,” meaning “to sleep,” as dormer roofs were initially intended to provide extra living or sleeping areas in the attic.

Why Should I Consider a Dormer Window?

Dormer windows, commonly found alongside dormer roofs, provide a range of advantages for homeowners. They offer two key benefits to the household: firstly, they allow ample natural light to reach the rooms, creating a more enjoyable and vibrant living space. Secondly, they minimize the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours, contributing to energy efficiency and cost savings.

In addition to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home, the panoramic vistas made possible by dormer windows are another perk. Hence, they improve the airflow, so more clean air can circulate inside the building.

Styles of Dormer Roofs

Some common types of dormers include gable, shed, hipped, eyebrow, and segmental arch dormers. Gable dormer is characterized by its triangular roof, and they add a touch of traditional elegance to a building’s exterior.

On the other hand, shed dormers feature a single-sloped roof, providing a modern and versatile design option. Hipped dormers have a roof that slopes on all sides, while eyebrow dormers feature a smooth, curved roofline. Segmental arch dormers, as the name suggests, have an arched roof design, adding a unique architectural element to the structure.

Functionality and Benefits of Dormer Roofs

Dormer roofs are installed for a variety of reasons, but the foremost among them is to maximize the living area. They serve as a great way to increase the usable space on the top floor or in the attic, and the residents are free to put this extra room to any use they see fit.

Additionally, dormer roofs improve a building’s ventilation and natural sunlight. The integration of windows into the dormer walls allows natural light to enter the interior, making it unnecessary to use artificial lighting during the day.

In addition to this, they alleviate the monotony of a simple roofline, which results in an increase in both aesthetic appeal and architectural personality. But that’s not all! They can be designed to match the style of the surrounding structures or create a unique focal point, blending harmoniously with the overall design theme.

How Do You Install a Dormer Roof?

A dormer roof can give your home a unique look, but its installation requires a little bit of effort. It can transform an attic from a dark, stuffy storage area into a bright, airy, and comfortable living space, so it’s not merely an ornamental addition.

They should be installed with great precision since they connect to the roof in two locations (at the dormer’s walls and on the dormer’s roof). Waterproofing the dormer and surrounding sections requires ice, water shielding, and step flashing.

Want to Install a Dormer Roof? Choose Revived Exteriors

As we addressed, dormer roofs improve a home’s livability by providing additional space, natural light, ventilation, and vistas. Hence, do yourself and your property a favor and hire a reliable roofing contractor like Revived Exteriors if you want to add a dormer to the house.

Therefore, if you want to install a dormer roof, our esteemed employee Cody Wolff will help you with the installation because of his extensive experience in residential roofing and exterior restorations.

Revived Exteriors is the best roofing contractor in Arlington Heights, IL, to hire if you want professional installation of a dormer roof on your home.

Feel free to reach out to us without delay and schedule a free estimate without any obligations.

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How Much Does a New Roof Cost in Chicago, IL, in 2023?

A woman is sitting at a desk with a calculator and a notebook, working for a roofing company.

It’s common knowledge that the roof provides a safe environment for your household or business and protects it from severe weather conditions. At some point in your life, you had to replace your roof; if you haven’t, you will. If the work was done poorly, you likely don’t want to hire the same roofing company. Moreover, you must repeat the steps repeatedly: research information, find a trustworthy company, calculate expenses, etc. Not to mention, it can be frustrating if you just bought a house and it’s the first time you’re doing such a major project. But don’t worry; if you’ve found this blog, you no longer have to search.

Each property is different, right? With that in mind, the price of each project will vary depending on several factors, as you probably suspected. So, the first thing you must consider is the material roofing contractors will use and its quality. Long story short, if you choose a high-quality material, your roof will last longer. Okay, you’ve decided which materials you want to use, so the second thing you might ask yourself is; what if there’s something else that I have to replace or install so that my roof is functional?

Well, if that’s the case, there might be some indirect overhead patiently waiting for you to address them. As the name suggests, these are not part of manufacturing overhead, e.g., heating, electricity, etc. Lastly, you want to hire a reputable roofing company that will get the job done, and therefore, you will pay for their labor. This final step is crucial because these experts will ensure your roof lasts long.

As a homeowner or business owner, knowing a rough price is always better than wondering. Thus, we can provide you with an average price, but in the end, if you want to know the exact price, you’ll have to contact a knowledgeable and experienced roofing company.

So, let’s explore the average prices of a new roof in Chicago, IL!

Choose Suitable Materials for Your Area

In Chicago, there are often short fluctuations in temperature, humidity, cloudiness, and wind direction, typical of continental climates with cold winters and warm summers. So, as we said, the first thing you want to research is the roof material that best suits your area, needs, and preferences. There are many material options on the market you can choose from for your roof in Chicago, so let’s see what options you have.

For your residential roof, you can choose between the following:

  • Asphalt shingles (Fiber glass & Organic),
  • Cedar Wood,
  • Metal, Chopper, Rubber,
  • Tar & Gravel,
  • Spray Foam,
  • Clay or Concrete Tile,

Each of these materials has advantages and disadvantages, but no matter which material you choose, make sure it’s high-quality and not some cheap material that won’t last long.

Types of commercial roofing systems:

  • Single-ply roofing,
  • TPO, EPDM, PVC roofing,
  • Flat roofing
  • Metal roofs.

In the following lines, we will break down the residential and commercial materials costs, so make sure you keep reading!

Cost of a New Roof for Residential Roofing

Many factors will affect the final cost of a new roof, but first, let’s explain the main components of a residential roof so that you know what your roofing contractors are talking about when the project starts.

Most Important Parts of a Residential Roof

  • Decking (or sheathing) – Material made from plywood that aims to provide a foundation for roofing, siding, or flooring. This helps to strengthen a system internally and externally.
  • Underlayment – The main task of underlayments is to provide extra protection in case roofing material leaks.
  • Flashing – Pieces of metal used to prevent water infiltration around vent pipes, chimneys, walls, dormers, or valleys. Furthermore, with the installation of flashing, water is directed away from the roof’s interior.
  • Ventilation – With proper ventilation, air can freely float, so it’s good to have a system to reduce the humidity and condensation that might build in the attic.
  • Insulation – The primary purpose is to retain heat during winter and cool during summer, thus reducing heating and cooling costs.
  • Materials – Shingles, metal roofs, etc.

Average Cost of Residential Roof Materials

Asphalt shingles are known as the most affordable roofing materials, and they are vastly used throughout the U.S. If your neighbor has installed them and you’ve discussed the price with them, it doesn’t mean you’ll pay the same as they did. So even though we will cover some costs of a new roof, it doesn’t mean you will strictly pay that price.

On average, materials for residential roofs will cost between $5,000 and $11,000 for the material alone. This is not a fixed price; other factors will affect the final price. For example, many manufacturers are on the market, and each has its price.

Furthermore, as we said, this price is just for roofing material, and you have to remember that the installation cost will also be added to the total cost. Therefore, the roofing contractor will give you an estimate and decide how complex the job is. Also, if your roofing contractor has lots of knowledge and experience, the price will increase, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing the job is done right!

Cost of a New Roof for Commercial Roofing

Comparing residential and commercial roofs, they are more complex to install because they require a different approach to ensure durability and longevity.

Most Important Parts of Commercial Roofs

  • Decking – The story regarding decking is the same as with residential roofs; it’s a base layer that will provide a stable foundation for the rest of the roof components.
  • Insulation – Insulation aims to regulate the temperature inside the building to improve energy efficiency.
  • Membrane – The membrane is a layer that provides waterproofing and protects the roof from severe weather damage. A commercial roof membrane is commonly made from EPDM, TPO, or PVC materials.
  • Drainage systems and ventilation – The drainage system helps prevent water buildup and damage. In addition, proper ventilation will allow air to circulate and prevent moisture from occurring.
  • Flashing – Waterproof material used to seal joints and seams in roof systems, and it’s primarily used in areas around vents, chimneys, and other roof penetrations to prevent water from seeping in.

Average Cost of Flat, Metal, and Single-Ply Roofs

Flat roofs range between $4 and $30 per square foot, while metal roofs can range between $4 and $40, depending on the material. Furthermore, TPO, EPDM, and PVC roofs can cost between $4 and $12 per square foot.

These are some prices for these types of roofs, but as mentioned, it can all depend on several factors. In addition, make sure you hire a knowledgeable commercial roofing company because, after all, they are experts in this field.

Get a New Roof With the Help of Revived Exteriors

Whether you need residential or commercial roofing, Revived Exteriors will gladly help you with any problems and needs. We can boast over 30 years of experience, many satisfied customers, and the best quality materials on the market so that you can rest assured your roof will last. In addition, we also offer a gutter replacement, solar roofs, siding services, windows installation, and so much more.

If you need any roofing repairs or replacements, don’t hesitate to contact the best roofing contractors in Chicago, IL, Revived Exteriors!

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The benefits of hiring a professional roofing contractor in Illinois

A yellow hard hat and tools on a table in a roofing company's office.

As you probably know by now, being a homeowner brings many responsibilities, one of which is taking care of your roof. We should also note that the roof of your home is probably the most demanding part of the house you have to pay attention to since a leaking roof, for example, can destroy the whole house and bring unimaginable financial costs and losses.

However, when the time comes and the roof starts showing issues, some homeowners decide to play roofing contractors themselves, or even they decide to put their trust in some jack-of-all-trades contractor instead of calling a professional roofing contractor. In the following lines, we will explain why this is a mistake and why you should always hire a professional roofing contractor when you notice your roof is not performing well.

Let’s Highlight the Word Professional

This subheadline may sound unclear, but the point is to emphasize that professional roofing contractors are experts. They are fully committed to roofing, follow all safety guidelines, and are thoroughly trained, experienced, and knowledgeable.

Furthermore, professional roofing contractors take responsibility for their work since they know how important the recommendations and praises of former customers are. Without them, their work wouldn’t be recognized or rewarded with new customers.

Roofing Services of Professional Roofing Contractors

Professional roofers are skilled in offering a variety of roofing services, such as roof inspection, roof repair, roof replacement, roof maintenance, roof installation, and similar roofing services that can only be provided by a professional. This is in contrast to some home improvement craftsmen you planned to hire. The most beneficial service a qualified roofer can offer is probably a roof inspection. An expert will know where to check for any problems during the inspection, how to properly identify them, and how harmful they are to your roof. Nobody else except a qualified roofing contractor can handle it.

Licensed, Bond, and Insured

You, not the professional roofer, should place greater value on the fact that they carry the appropriate licensing and insurance. This ensures that the work you’ve contracted the roofer to undertake will be completed in accordance with industry standards and to your satisfaction. In addition, you are totally protected from any liability in the case of an accident occurring on your property during work on your roof since you will not be held responsible.

Warranty and Exclusive Roofing Materials

Not one, but two more benefits of hiring a professional roofing contractor are warranty and high-quality roofing materials that can be provided only by a roofer that has a special deal with manufacturers. There is no need to emphasize how beneficial it is to have a warranty on roofing work for which you have paid a significant amount of money, are we right?

Specialized Roofing Services

In addition to the general roofing services we have just mentioned, a professional roofing contractor may also provide special roofing services like hail and wind damage evaluation reports, storm damage restoration services, and insurance claims. Only a professional roofing business can offer these services, which will get you back on your feet quickly.

Revived Exteriors, Your Go-to Professional Roofing Contractor in Illinois

If, after reading this text, you wonder where you could find a professional roofer who will provide you with the benefits listed above, the answer is right in front of you.

Revived Exteriors, a roofing Chicago IL company with over several decades of experience in the roofing and home improvement industry, is your definite choice if you are looking for a professional roofing contractor who is fully certified, qualified, and specialized in all kinds of roofing services. Besides standard roofing services like roof replacement and roof repair for residential and commercial subjects, Revived Exteriors offers storm damage restoration services, along with storm damage insurance claims, hail and wind damage restorations, plus solar, windows, siding, and other home renovation services.

Therefore, if your roof in Illinois needs attention, don’t hesitate to contact Revived Exteriors, a leading exterior home improvement company that cares for all Illinois residents.

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