Residential roofing

Residential roofing

Has your roof finally reached the end of its life? Layover or replacement—it's an important decision. A tear-off requires excellent residential roofing skills.

Has your roof finally reached the end of its life? Layover or replacement—it's an important decision. A tear-off requires excellent residential roofing skills.

Residential shingle roofs

Blackhawk Roofing is a residential roofing contractor. We have specialized in residential roofing since 1995. Our experienced workforce and state-of-the-art equipment let us deliver quality, consistency, and efficiency on every roofing project. We've built new and replacement roofs for thousands of customers in Central Illinois. 


License: #104.016564
Insurance: RW Troxell

Shingle roof system

Asphalt shingles are currently the most popular type of residential roof material for a variety of reasons. They are relatively inexpensive, averaging around $3.20 per square foot installed*. Factors that affect the installation cost are the slope of the roof, the height of the building, ease of access to the premises, complexity of the project, the particular type of shingle. Asphalt shingles have achieved a class IV hail rating (the highest available) and can be easily repaired and maintained. For a Free Estimate, please send an email to Blackhawk Roofing, or call 217-741-6251.

* In 2021, the price for asphalt shingles and plywood underlayment has skyrocketed. We have adjusted our prices.

Residential roofing contractor -- shingle roof cutaway schematic

Asphalt shingles come in two basic types: glass fiber and organic. Organic shingles consist of organic felt material, generally paper saturated with asphalt to make it waterproof. A top coating of adhesive asphalt is then applied, and the ceramic granules are then embedded. Organic shingles contain around 40% more asphalt per square (100 sq. ft.) than their glass fiber counterpart, which makes them weigh more and gives them excellent durability and blow-off resistance.

Glass fiber shingles have a fiberglass reinforcing mat manufactured to the shape of the shingle. This mat is coated with asphalt, which contains mineral fillers. The glass fiber mat is not waterproof by itself. Its purpose is reinforcement. What makes the glass fiber shingle waterproof is the asphalt. However, the asphalt itself will not stick to the mat.

For this reason, fillers are used. The fillers in the asphalt cling to the glass fibers in the mat. The asphalt then encapsulates the glass fibers, fills all of the tiny holes and voids in the mat rendering it waterproof. After this cools, adhesive asphalt is used to cover the mat, and the ceramic granules are then embedded.

The ceramic granules are there for two reasons: protecting the shingles from the sun and aesthetics.Asphalt shingles are available in a wide variety of colors to match almost any facade or landscape. So which type is better? By far, the more popular shingles are the glass fiber ones. They are cheaper and easier to manufacture than organic shingles, making them more cost-effective to the homeowner. It may be that they are easier to work with, or they may simply be a personal preference of the roofing contractor.

Sloped Roofs

Low slope and steep slope describe how much a roof slants or the incline of a roof. In commercial downward slope roofing applications, the top has a pitch of fewer than 3 inches per foot. Steep slope means that the roof has a slope of more than 3-inches per foot. Sloped roofs need to have some hill for proper water run-off or drainage.When it rains, water has to go somewhere, and all sloped roofs require adequate drainage. In commercial low slope roofing, water is directed toward drains or downspouts, using small areas called crickets and saddles.

Flat Roofs

Blackhawk Roofing specializes in single-ply EPDM roofing systems fro residential flat roofs. We can also add slope to existing flat roofs, and we offer energy-efficient insulation systems. We have trained technicians for the installation and repair of all types of roofing systems. We can install single-ply roofs anywhere, anytime, and anyplace. We provide a Roofing System Warranty covering labor and materials for up to twenty years or longer (depending on the materials selected).

Roof removal

When is the removal or "tear-off" of an existing residential roof required? The answer is straightforward — or at least it should be. The common reasons for a roof tear-off are the advanced age of the existing roof, the build-up of too many roofing layers, and when it is necessary to remove any part of the roofing system that is wet below the roof surface. There are occasionally other reasons to remove a roof, including local building codes and the homeowner's personal preferences, but these reasons come into play much less frequently.

Almost every roofing system manufacturer specifies that their system should not be installed over an existing roofing substrate that is wet. Installing a layover roof on top of a wet roof is a poor construction practice. Leaving wet building components in place compromises the structural aspects of any roof. There are several ways to determine whether there are wet areas of a roof. Thermal imaging is somewhat high-tech and more expensive but is a highly effective method of locating wet areas. Taking core samples in the regions likely to be wet is a quick, easy, and very low-cost way to know whether a roof is wet, merely damp, or dry below the surface.

The best way for homeowners to know whether their roof needs a partial or complete tear-off is to work with a professional roofing contractor like Blackhawk Roofing. Choosing a trustworthy roofing contractor to do the work is the best place to start. 

Roof installation

With a new roof installation or roof replacement, getting it right the first time is critical. Surprises are the last thing you want when installing a new roofing system. We use only full-time employees, to maintain superb quality. Our foremen and installers have received extensive training in the latest roof installation techniques

From project managers to clean-up crews, every employee plays a vital role in the overall installation of your project. While many roofing contractors rely on subcontractors, we don't. Everyone you see on your project works for BlackhawkRoofing. Our employees share our philosophy of always going the extra mile to deliver on our promise of doing more. Our people are the reason why our clients recommend us again and again.

Beautiful white house with architectural shingle roof.

What's included in a residential roof replacement?

A residential roof combines roofing materials and components that form a complete roof system. Every part of this roof system has a crucial role in keeping occupants protected from the elements.

Tear-Off
We tear off the existing roof layers (shingles, felt paper, and nails) down to the deck.

Roof decking 
We replace damaged decking material with new plywood and then install synthetic felt on the roof. Decking is the wooden boards or sheets of plywood that make up the wooden surface of your roof. These boards are what your shingles and other components are attached to. We won't know if any decking is damaged until tear-off of the old roof. Rotten boards are replaced before installing new roofing components.

Roof flashing
New flashing is installed. Roof flashing is metal placed anywhere your shingles butt up against something like a wall, chimney, or in open valleys. If your flashing isn't rusted and the integrity of the metal is still strong, then it won't need to be replaced. If it's damaged, deteriorated, or if you're upgrading from a 3-tab to a dimensional asphalt shingle, your roof flashing will be replaced.

Underlayment
We install new synthetic felt underlayment on the roof. Underlayment is material used over your decking to provide additional protection. It is your roof's last line of defense.

Drip edge
We install Rollex Drip Edge along the eaves and gables of the roof. Drip edge is the metal flashing that's installed at the edges of the roof to help control the flow of water away from your fascia and other roofing components.

Ice and water shield
We install weather and ice shield along the eaves of the roof and in valleys. Roof valleys are crucial to keeping water flowing in the right direction down your roof. They need something to protect them from the constant flow of water when it rains. Ice and water shield is the waterproof membrane protecting your roof's valleys from ice and water damage.

Roof vents
We install new roof vents. Without proper attic ventilation, the life of your roof will be drastically reduced due to the continual expansion and contraction of trapped hot and cold air. Your roof vents stop this from happening by allowing your attic to breathe correctly.

Pipe boots
We replace all pipe boots. Your roof pipes need to be covered, so water doesn't run down them into your home. A pipe boot is a synthetic rubber boot that goes around your roof penetrations (like sewer pipes) to prevent leaks.

Asphalt shingles
We install your choice of shingles using the manufacturer's specifications of four to five roofing nails per shingle. Six roofing nails per shingle are used on steep sections and in high wind areas.

Ridge cap
Matching ridge cap is installed according to the manufacturer's specifications. Ridge capping is the finishing trim installed at the peak where the two slopes of a roof meet. They're thicker than regular shingles and pre-bent so that they can form to the ridges on your roof. Ridge capping will be replaced during a roof replacement.

Warranty
The Manufacturer Warranty will be transferred to the owner for all materials. A five-year warranty is provided to the owner for installation labor.

Roofing service reviews

We are thrilled when our customers take a few minutes to give us feedback on the job we just completed. If you weren't satisfied with any aspect of your project, let us know right away, so we can make the necessary adjustments.

"The performance of Blackhawk Roofing has consistently been above and beyond our normal expectations. The company is responsive, their work is value-priced, project completions have been timely, and follow-up is excellent."

Commercial Roof Replacement
Springfield, IL

"We recently completed a roof restoration project with Blackhawk Roofing, and we are delighted with the results. From the initial estimate to project completion, working with your supervisor and roofing installers has been a very positive experience."

Residential Restoration
Springfield, IL

"We would like to express our appreciation to you and your company for the excellent roofing work performed to repair the roof at FitClub West. The crew was efficient, and the job was completed promptly with outstanding craft. From the initial site visit to the conclusion of the project, Blackhawk Roofing acted with professionalism. FitClub West will certainly consider BlackhawkRoofing for any future projects."

Commercial Roof Replacement
Springfield, IL

"Blackhawk Roofing is a great company to do business with. We needed our roof replaced, and we were very impressed with the service. All the people we dealt with at Blackhawk Roofing were very professional and courteous to us, from the first phone call to the completion of our project. We recommend them."

Residential Tear-off
Springfield, IL

"When we bought our new house, the existing roof had a lot of wear and was replaced. After calling around town, we were quoted over $11,000 by two other contractors. Blackhawk Roofing saved us $2,500! We were very impressed with their approach and found them to be highly professional. We love our new roof."

Residential Tear-Off
Springfield, IL

"I want to thank you for the excellent job of installing a new roof for our house. When the job was completed, it looked like a brand-new house. We couldn't be more pleased. Please feel free to use us as a reference."

Residential Roof Replacement
Springfield, IL

"It's great to find a company like Blackhawk Roofing these days. We had our roof installed by them two years ago, and we just called them back to do the roof on our detached garage. We couldn't be more pleased. Quality craftsmanship at its best."

Residential Repair
Springfield, IL

"We are delighted with the quality of work and professionalism that Blackhawk Roofing provided for our roof repair. Dan Schnell and his team are well-qualified to deal with the variety of waterproofing challenges we have experienced over the years. Dan has been a tremendous resource for us when due diligence is required."

Commercial Repair
Williamsville, IL

"Recently I needed some work done on the exterior of my house. I needed a new roof, new gutters, and new soffit and facia, plus carpentry work to replace rotted wood around the top and front porch. The side over the patio also needed repair. I was nervous about getting involved with a contractor, especially for this enormous job, but I hit the jackpot when I hired Blackhawk Roofing and owner Dan Schnell."

Residential Repair
Springfield, IL

"I highly recommend the services of Blackhawk Roofing. When owner Dan Schnell arrived at our home, he took several measurements and inspected our roof for underlying problems. He explained options for roofing materials and roof warranty with us. Then he emailed us an Estimate. In less than an hour, we knew the cost of our roofing repair and had our questions answered."

Residential Repair
Springfield, IL

"Excessive rain from a recent storm caused ponding and leaks on our company's rooftop. Blackhawk Roofing's fast response kept the damage to the interior of our building to a minimum. Fast, dependable service is what we have come to know with Blackhawk Roofing. We highly recommend them."

Commercial Repair
Springfield, IL

Need a roof inspection?

Regular roof inspections can help identify issues before they become major problems. It's likely easier to fix these issues now, saving you time and money in the long run. Your roof should be inspected at least once a year. Always hire a professional to inspect and maintain your roof. When Blackhawk Roofing inspects your residential or commercial roof, we'll also do the following tasks:

  • Check the flashings. Flashings are metal pieces that cover curves and edges of your roof around chimneys, vents, skylights, and intersections with other surfaces. Water can easily leak in and around them if they are damaged.
  • Look in the gutters. For asphalt shingle roofs, we will look in the gutters for pieces or grains of shingle. This is usually a sign that your shingles are deteriorating, and need to be replaced.
  • Inspect droops. If part of your roof looks like it's sagging, we'll examine it for moisture or rotting that may indicate it needs to be replaced.

A professional roof inspection will identify potential problems with your roof. Repairing these issues can prevent bigger problems, and keep your home or business safe.

Schedule a roof inspection

Proud to be the best roofing contractor in Springfield