Frequently Asked Questions

Replacing a roof is a large investment. Most homeowners have many questions and concerns they want addressed before selecting a contractor. We have compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions and our answers to those questions. They are to alleviate any concerns you may have and assure you that Midwest Roofing and Siding, Inc. is committed to customer service and satisfaction. We feel an informed homeowner is the best customer.

  1. Does Midwest Roofing and Siding, Inc. offer a guarantee?
  2. How long will it take to complete the job?
  3. How can a complete tear-off and reroof be done in one day without sacrificing quality?
  4. How long will it take to get the job started after we select Midwest Roofing Enterprises, Inc. as our contractor?
  5. We only have one layer of shingles on our roof. Why do we need a tear-off when other contractors recommend putting another layer of shingles over the existing ones?
  6. What type of shingle should we select?
  7. We live in a high wind area, but we don't like the appearance of the dimensional shingles. What can we use?
  8. Why is the estimate I received from Midwest Roofing Enterprises, Inc. so much lower than those I have received from some companies and so much higher than the estimates of others? How can there possibly be such a large discrepancy in price for replacing the same roof on the same house?



1. Does Midwest Roofing and Siding, Inc. offer a guarantee?

Midwest Roofing and Siding, Inc. offers a 10-year guarantee on all workmanship.
There is 25, 30, or 40 year manufacturer's warranty on roofing materials, depending on your shingle selection.
A Limited Lifetime Warranty is offered with all siding and gutter materials.

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2. How long will it take to complete the job?

Our professional installers complete most jobs in one day!

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3. How can a complete tear-off and reroof be done in one day without sacrificing quality?

Midwest Roofing and Siding, Inc. professionals order the necessary supplies and disposal containers to be “on site” at the time they are needed. This eliminates waiting for these supplies. We understand time is money and neither the homeowner nor us want to waste it.

Midwest Roofing and Siding, Inc. has crews of 5 to 12 professional installers, depending on the size of the job. These crews work together--they are a very efficient team. Each installer has specific duties, so many parts of the job are being performed simultaneously. Quality is job #1, so you can be assured the highest care will be used during both the installation and clean up duties of the job.

Midwest Roofing and Siding, Inc. will designate a foreman that you will discuss your concerns toward placement of materials, disposal containers and parking. You may not know exactly what you want, but you know what you don't want and the foreman will be there to ensure your wishes are met.

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4. How long will it take to get the job started after we select Midwest Roofing Enterprises, Inc. as our contractor?

Midwest Roofing and Siding, Inc. will try to accommodate your first choice of installation date, however, an important factor is adverse weather conditions. We are dedicated to quality and safety, so we will schedule a tentative install date based on your request, and we will confirm or reschedule this date 1-2 days prior based on weather conditions.

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5. We only have one layer of shingles on our roof. Why do we need a tear-off when other contractors recommend putting another layer of shingles over the existing ones?

Removing your existing shingles allows us to inspect the wood underlayment for rotting or delamination, and to replace wood as necessary to comply with local building codes. If this inspection is not performed, wet and/or rotted wood could cause major structural and cosmetic damage to your home.

Removal of your existing shingles allows us to install an ice and water shield to prevent ice damage and wind-driven rain damage.

Shingles installed onto the wood underlayment typically lasts 25 years. Shingles installed over an existing roof typically only lasts 10-15 years and they exaggerate every imperfection of the original shingles. We replace 10-15 year old roofs weekly! Don't let this happen to you!


The manufacturers' specifications call for a smooth, clean surface for installation of new shingles. Compliance with these specifications is a prerequisite for a valid material warranty. Any contractor that ignores this basic manufacturers' requirement of proper installation is likely to ignore other proper basic installation procedures, which could lead to water damage in your home and additional costs to you.

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6. What type of shingle should we select?

Midwest Roofing and Siding, Inc. only uses the highest rated shingles, with a minimium of 25-year manufacturer's warranty. They come in tow styles: 3-tab and dimensional (architectural).

You probably have 3-tab shingles on your home now. Our standart 25-year 3-tab shingles have a manufacturer's wind rating of 60 m.p.h. This means 60 m.p.h. is the maximum wind speed in which the manufacturer will guarantee that the shingles will stay on your roof. If your home is reasonably sheltered from the wind, these shingles will be more than adequate.

If your home is in a high wind area, Midwest Roofing and Siding, Inc. recommends dimensional shingles. These shingles cost a little more, but our experience shows these shingles are more likely to stay on your roof in sustained high winds. Many homeowners choose these shingles because they believe it improves the appearance of their home.

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7. We live in a high wind area, but we don't like the appearance of the dimensional shingles. What can we use?

Midwest Roofing and Siding, Inc. suggests that you consider a 30-year 3-tab shingle. These shingles are available with a wind rating of up to 80 m.p.h.

They are designed to last longer and withstand the most extreme weather conditions.

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8. Why is the estimate I received from Midwest Roofing Enterprises, Inc. so much lower than those I have received from some companies and so much higher than the estimates of others? How can there possibly be such a large discrepancy in price for replacing the same roof on the same house?



Midwest Roofing and Siding, Inc.

  1. Licensed and bonded by the state of Illinois and over 30 Chicagoland suburbs.
  2. Will provide a presentation package that includes a written estimate with our address and phone number printed on it, and a copy of our State Roofing License.
  3. No deposit will be requested or accepted for residential roofing work.
  4. Fully insured over the State of Illinois minimum for your protection.
  5. We complete most roofs in one day. Our expert roofers have combined experience of over 30 years, and are trained in the latest roofing techniques and procedures.
  6. Over $2,000,000 in residential sales in 2007 and still growing in 2008.
  7. We discourage the technique of installing a new roof over an old roof system (see question #5 in the Q&A section), but we will accommodate your wishes as a homeowner.
  8. We use the highest rated materials and include ice & water shield and flashing on every job.
  9. Midwest Roofing strives to provide the most clear, straightforward, inclusive estimate possible. Everything necessary to replace a roof properly is included in the bottom line price.
  10. We rely heavily on our referral base for most of our new business. Our advertising is minimal to keep our overhead costs down and that means savings for our customers!


Lower Priced Companies

  1. Not licensed or bonded and has no roofing license.
  2. Hand written estimates and no permanent locations.
  3. Requires deposits on all jobs.
  4. Can take up to a week to complete one roof due to few workers.
  5. Underinsured or not insured at all. This leaves you liable!
  6. Very little experience.
  7. Will do anything to get paid, regardless of future problems it may cause.
  8. Will use cheapest material available.
  9. The estimate is usually lower than your final price. Surprise!
  10. Paper signs taped on telephone poles are source of advertising. Referrals are not used because nobody will them one.


Higher Priced Companies

  1. Probably licensed and bonded.
  2. Very elaborate overly technical estimate with exorbitant mark up prices for basic materials.
  3. Deposit will be negotiable.
  4. They have a “don't ask, don't tell” policy regarding the insurance coverage of their subcontractors.
  5. Will complete roof within a day or two but it will take 2 months before they begin because they are at the mercy of subcontractors.
  6. Sales dollars will be high because these companies are usually general contractors or big retail chains building in thousands of dollars in extra profit at your expense.
  7. Will refuse the business (they don't need it) if you do not agree to the repairs they say you need.
  8. They will use the cheapest material they think they can get away with.
  9. The estimate will be very elaborate and contain all kinds of technical information. Unfortunately, the bottom line will not be actual and you will be unpleasantly surprised at the final bill.
  10. They heavily rely on multi-million dollar advertising, or they will offer you a good deal on your roof if you let them do your interior remodeling or some other type of work. Is this what you want from a roofing company?