Luxury Residential · NW Chicago Suburbs

Custom & Metal Roofing

Standing seam. Copper. In-house fabricated. For homes in
Winnetka, Lake Forest, Barrington, Hinsdale, and across the
North Shore where the roof is part of the architecture.

Schedule an Estimate

About This Service

Not Every Contractor Can Fabricate What They Install.

25+

Year lifespan on quality installs

Year labor & material warranty

5★

Google rating every review

Most roofing contractors order pre-formed metal components and bend them to approximate your roof geometry. We cut and form every piece in-house — panels, flashings, parapets, valleys, scupper boxes — for your exact building.

The difference shows in 10 years. Generic off-the-shelf metal pieces fail at joints and seams because they were never cut for the building they’re on. Custom fabrication eliminates that failure mode.

We work primarily with luxury homes on the North Shore — Winnetka, Lake Forest, Barrington, Hinsdale, Glencoe, Kenilworth — where the roof is an architectural statement, not just weatherproofing.

All metalwork fabricated in-house

We own our fabrication equipment. Nothing is outsourced to a sheet metal shop we don’t control.

Measured and cut for your roof geometry

Every run of standing seam, every flashing, every valley — custom to the inch.

Owner on every project

Mike Bartkovjaks oversees all metalwork personally. This is the specialty that built Black Square’s reputation.

Five Metals.
Every One Fabricated Here.

We recommend based on your building’s architecture, climate exposure, and the aesthetic you’re after — not based on margin.

Most Requested

Standing Seam Steel

Concealed fastener system. Panels float on clips — allows full thermal movement in Illinois winters. 50+ year lifespan when properly installed.

Our Signature

Copper

Bay windows, turrets, dormers, and accent sections. Hand-fabricated. Develops a living patina over time. Architecturally irreplaceable.

Lightweight

Aluminum

Zero rust risk. Lighter than steel — better for homes with structural constraints.

Modern

Zinc

Self-healing surface — minor scratches seal over time. Develops a distinctive matte grey patina. Premium European architectural aesthetic.

Any Metal

Custom Details

Flashings, valleys, parapets, scupper boxes, collector boxes — fabricated to your exact geometry in any metal. No approximation.

The Workshop

Everything Cut & Formed Here. On Site.

We don’t order pre-made components from a sheet metal distributor and bend them on your roof. Every piece is cut, formed, and checked in our shop — then installed to a measured fit on your building.

That’s not common. Most local contractors don’t own fabrication equipment. When they need custom metal, they outsource it — and lose quality control at the most critical step.

Standing seam panels

Roll-formed on-site to exact length. No field seams, no waste, no off-the-shelf compromises.

All flashings and valleys

Cut to your exact roof geometry — chimney, dormer, skylight, wall-to-roof junctions. Custom bends, not adjustable stock.

Parapet caps and scupper boxes

Commercial and residential parapets require precisely fitted caps. We fabricate to the inch — no gaps, no exposed edges.

Copper soldering and jointing

Bay window roofs, turrets, and all copper work hand-soldered on site. No adhesive patches, no sealant substitutes.

Built for Illinois

Why Metal Outperforms in Illinois Winters.

Freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, and hail events are the three things that separate an adequate roofing system from a great one. Metal wins on all three.

No ice dam formation

Metal roofs shed snow continuously. There’s no granule-covered surface for ice to grip and build. Ice dam damage — the #1 winter failure mode for shingles — essentially disappears.

Freeze-thaw cycling

Metal expands and contracts — that’s expected and designed for. Concealed clip fasteners let panels move without opening seams or cracking welds. Shingles crack and lose granules under the same stress.

Hail resistance

Steel and aluminum roofs carry Class 4 impact ratings — the highest available. Hail that would devastate an asphalt shingle roof leaves a metal roof functionally undamaged.

The lifespan math

Asphalt shingles: 20–30 years at lower initial cost, replaced 2–3 times in a building’s life. Standing seam metal: 50+ years, replaced once. The total lifetime cost often favors metal on a luxury home.

Questions

Metal Roofing FAQ

What clients ask before their metal roofing estimate.

How long does a standing seam metal roof last?

A properly installed standing seam metal roof typically lasts 50+ years. Metal expands and contracts with temperature changes — proper panel design with concealed fasteners is critical for Illinois freeze-thaw conditions. We fabricate all panels and details in-house for a precise fit that off-the-shelf systems can’t match.

What metals do you work with?

We fabricate in steel (Galvalume and painted), aluminum, copper, and zinc. Copper is our most requested specialty — particularly for bay window roofs, accent sections, dormers, and turrets on luxury homes in Winnetka, Lake Forest, Barrington, and Hinsdale. Each metal has specific properties for Illinois winters and we’ll recommend the right material for your application.

Can you match custom architectural details on an existing home?

Yes — this is exactly where in-house fabrication matters. We measure and custom-cut every flashing, valley, parapet cap, scupper box, and architectural accent to your exact roof geometry. Off-the-shelf components are bent to approximate; ours are made for your specific building, measured on-site.

Is metal roofing a good choice for Illinois winters?

Standing seam metal is arguably the best-performing roofing system for Illinois winters. Metal sheds snow naturally, doesn’t develop ice dams the way shingles do, and handles freeze-thaw cycling without granule loss or seal failure. It costs more upfront than asphalt, but the 50+ year lifespan and virtually zero long-term maintenance changes the total cost calculation significantly on a luxury home.

What Clients Say

Real homeowners. Real completed projects. No paid ratings.

      
   Black Square Roofing & Exterior, Inc
   9 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Ed Taleysnik 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t recommend enough working with **Black Square Roofing & Exterior, Inc.** and especially Mark. From start to finish, the experience was outstanding. The quality of work speaks for itself — every detail was handled with incredible care, precision, and professionalism.

What truly sets Mark apart is his passion for perfection. He treats every project like it’s his own and never cuts corners. His attention to detail, communication, and commitment to doing things the right way made the entire process stress-free and enjoyable.

Beyond being a true professional, Mark has also been a great friend and trusted partner to **Bravo Theater**. It’s rare to find someone who combines craftsmanship, integrity, and genuine care for their clients the way he does.

If you’re looking for a company that delivers exceptional results and stands behind their work, Black Square Roofing & Exterior, Inc. is the one to call. Highly recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Daniela Cwajbaum 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A great job, on time and reasonable price. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   anton madalli 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We just had our roof done last week, and Mark managed the entire project. He even helped us with the design, which turned out great. On top of that, his guys noticed that our backyard sliding door wasn’t working properly and helped fix it on the spot. Way to go, guys — we will definitely recommend your business!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gene V 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mark was recommended to me by a contractor about 12 years ago. He replaced my room and gutters, ant the time I didn't know much about "good or bad" roof, but when I was selling my house few years later, I heart one of the realtors (he told me later that he used to be a roofer) tell his clients that rood on that house is done so well that it will outleave that house (and it was a brick ranch that wasn'tgoing anywherewith the next storm). When I purchased a new house, it had a "new" roof that was done by the company recommended by insurance adjuster. About a year after moving in I started heaving problems with it (my chimney was leaking, piece of plywood on my garage roof rotted out...) he was always there for me as soon as I called, and everything was done the right way. ( Saving money now for the new roof in siding, so Mark can get it done and I can forget about it forever)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Robert Marshal 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really good work appreciate your work!!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Stepan Kobzey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mark and his team did a great job fixing my roof after issues left by a previous contractor. They repaired problems with the stucco wall, properly installed flashing where it had been done incorrectly before by a different contractor, and removed and replaced rotten wood siding, custom-cut to the correct length and width. They also resolved a long-running issue with the balconies where water was getting into the house, replacing the rotten flooring with composite material. Communication was clear, they explained everything along the way, and were very professional. Highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Eugene Fox 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Have used them on several occasions - from regular house repairs (roofing and exterior) to dealing with major hail storm consequences.
Can't say enough good things. The owner and his crews work with highest quality and unparalleled attention to detail. Owner has decades of experience in this area and is able to help with making right decisions without upsell.
Cannot recommend this business high enough.

Winnetka · Lake Forest · Barrington · Hinsdale · Glencoe

Custom Metal. Fabricated Here. Built to Last.

Whether it’s a complete standing seam replacement or a single copper bay window — we measure, fabricate, and install. No outsourcing. Owner on every project.

Phone

(877) 850-5292

mark@blacksquareroofing.com

Address

221 W University Dr
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Hours

Mon–Fri 8am–5pm

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