A complete roof replacement includes eight things: tear-off, deck inspection and repair, ice-and-water shield, underlayment, new flashing and drip edge, ventilation, the shingle system itself, and cleanup. If a quote is missing any of these, it is not a complete roof — it is a shortcut you will pay for later.
The full checklist, layer by layer
| Item | What it is | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Tear-off | Removing all old shingles to bare wood | Hides nothing; overlays void warranties and trap problems |
| 2. Deck repair | Replacing soft or rotted sheathing | Shingles cannot fasten to rotten wood |
| 3. Ice & water shield | Self-sealing membrane at eaves and valleys | The defense against Illinois ice dams |
| 4. Underlayment | Synthetic layer across the whole deck | Second water barrier under the shingles |
| 5. Flashing & drip edge | Metal at chimneys, walls, valleys, edges | Where most leaks actually start |
| 6. Ventilation | Ridge or box vents sized to the attic | Required for the shingle warranty; extends life |
| 7. Shingle system | Starter strips, field shingles, ridge caps | Matched components from one manufacturer |
| 8. Cleanup | Debris haul-off, magnetic nail sweep | Your yard, driveway and pets afterward |
What is usually extra
- Plywood replacement — priced per sheet, because rot is invisible until tear-off. Insist on the per-sheet price in writing.
- Gutters — a separate item, but the smartest time to replace aging gutters is with the roof, so drip edge and flashing integrate correctly.
- Skylight replacement — recommended during a re-roof; a 15-year-old skylight in a new roof is the next leak.
- Permits — most suburbs require them; a legitimate contractor pulls them, not you.
What a proper contract shows
The manufacturer and shingle line by name, the underlayment and ice-and-water brands, the ventilation plan, the per-sheet decking price, the warranty terms (manufacturer and workmanship separately), and proof of the contractor’s license and insurance. Our 6-step process walks through exactly how this looks at State Restoration Services.
If a storm is the reason you need a roof
Hail and wind damage change the process: the scope must be documented for your insurance carrier with photos and a code-compliant estimate. We prepare that documentation as the contractor; for the claim itself, our affiliated licensed Illinois public adjuster, State Adjusting Services, can represent you directly with the insurer.
Not sure where your roof stands? State Restoration Services provides free, no-obligation roof inspections across the north and northwest Chicago suburbs — real photos, an honest written report, and a clear answer. Call (866) 992-2982.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in a full roof replacement?
A full replacement includes tear-off of the old roof, inspection and repair of the wood deck, ice-and-water shield, synthetic underlayment, new drip edge and flashing, ventilation components, the new shingles, ridge caps, and complete cleanup with a magnetic nail sweep.
Does a roof replacement include plywood?
Deck inspection is included, but new plywood is usually a per-sheet line item — nobody can see rot until the old roof is off. A good contract states the price per replaced sheet up front so there are no surprise numbers later.
Are gutters included in a roof replacement?
Usually not — gutters are a separate line item. But replacing them at the same time is smart if they are older: the drip edge, flashing and gutters integrate correctly, and you save on mobilization.
How long does a roof replacement take?
Most single-family homes in the Chicago suburbs are torn off and re-shingled in one to two days, weather permitting. Large or complex roofs can take three to four.