Residential Roofing · NW Chicago Suburbs

Residential Roof Repair in Arlington Heights, IL

A roof leak isn’t always where you think it is. We find the actual source — not just the ceiling stain — and fix it properly so it doesn’t come back next season.

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18+

Years Serving NW
Chicago Suburbs

5.0★

Google Rating from
Verified Customers

10Yr

Labor & Material
Warranty Included

100%

Licensed, Bonded
& Insured in Illinois

Residential Roof Repair

We Fix the Actual Problem — Not Just the Stain on Your Ceiling

Roof leaks are deceptive. Water enters at one point and travels — along rafters, through insulation, across sheathing — before it appears as a stain on your ceiling, often several feet from where it entered. Most patch jobs fail because they treat the symptom, not the source.

Every repair we do starts with a real diagnosis. We get into the attic, trace the moisture path, and find the actual entry point before any work begins. That might be a failed pipe boot, a cracked step flashing along a dormer, or ice-and-water shield that was never installed at the eaves. We find it — and we fix it properly.

Owner Mike Bartkovjaks has been diagnosing residential roof problems across Arlington Heights and the NW suburbs since 2000. He has seen every failure mode an Illinois roof can develop, and he brings that experience to every inspection personally.

Years of Experience

What We Repair

Common Residential Roof Repairs We Handle in Arlington Heights

These are the most frequent repair calls we get from homeowners across the NW Chicago suburbs — along with what we actually look for during diagnosis, because the visible symptom is almost never the full story.

Flashing Failures

Flashing — the metal that seals roof-to-wall, roof-to-chimney, and roof-to-skylight junctions — is the number one source of residential roof leaks in Illinois. It corrodes, separates, or was never correctly installed in the first place. We fabricate our own custom flashing in-house for a precise, lasting seal.

Homeowner symptom:

Water stain on ceiling near chimney, dormer, or skylight, especially after heavy rain or wind-driven rain from a specific direction.

Roof Leaks & Water Intrusion

Active leaks need immediate attention — every rain event adds moisture to your insulation, framing, and drywall. We locate the entry point through a combination of attic inspection, visual exterior survey, and weather pattern analysis to make sure the repair addresses the real source.

Homeowner symptom:

Wet ceiling, peeling paint, water dripping from light fixtures, or damp insulation in attic after rain.

Ice Dam Damage Repair

Ice dams form when heat escapes through the attic and melts snow at the ridge — which refreezes at the cold eave and backs water under the shingles. The repair isn’t just removing ice. It’s replacing the damaged underlayment, installing proper ice-and-water shield, and assessing whether the root cause is an insulation or ventilation problem.

Homeowner symptom:

Water stains on exterior walls near roofline, ceiling leaks at exterior walls in winter, or visible icicles and ice buildup at eaves.

Missing & Damaged Shingles

Wind-blown or brittle shingles leave the roof deck exposed. Beyond water infiltration, exposed deck in an Illinois winter leads to freeze-thaw deterioration of the sheathing itself. We match replacement shingles as closely as possible to existing material and properly seal every tab and course.

Homeowner symptom:

Shingles visible in yard after wind, bare patches visible on roof from ground, granules washing out of downspouts.

Chimney & Skylight Leaks

Chimney leaks are almost always a flashing issue — not a chimney issue. Skylight leaks are usually the same. Before any work is done, we identify whether the leak is from the flashing seal, the curb, the glass seal, or a valley routing problem — because each requires a different fix.

Homeowner symptom:

Water stain directly below or near chimney or skylight, especially present after rain but not snow — which can indicate condensation vs. intrusion.

Pipe Boots & Vent Seals

Rubber pipe boots around plumbing vents crack and deteriorate — typically within 10–15 years — and become a common leak source on roofs that otherwise look fine. We replace failed boots with quality rubber or custom metal pipe flashings fabricated in-house for a longer-lasting seal.

Homeowner symptom:

Unexplained ceiling stain in a bathroom or near an interior plumbing stack with no other obvious cause.

Our Approach

Why the Repair Holds This Time

Most failed repairs fail for the same reason: the contractor fixed what they could see from the roof and moved on. We don’t do that.

We start in the attic, not on the roof

Water rarely enters and exits in the same spot. Before we get on the roof, we go into the attic with a light and trace moisture damage back toward the source. This is the step most contractors skip — and it’s the one that makes the difference between a repair that lasts and one that doesn’t.

We fabricate our own metal details

Custom flashings, pipe boots, and counter flashings made in-house to fit your roof exactly. Generic off-the-shelf flashing is one of the most common reasons roof repairs fail prematurely. When we replace a flashing, it’s cut and formed for your specific roof geometry — not bent to approximate it.

We tell you if repair isn't the right answer

Some roofs are past the point where repair is cost-effective — recurring leaks, widespread shingle failure, or a compromised deck. We’ll tell you honestly if that’s the case, explain why, and give you options. We don’t take repair jobs that are just going to send us back in 18 months.

The owner is on every job

Mike Bartkovjaks has been diagnosing residential roof problems since 2000. He doesn’t schedule the work and hand it off — he’s on-site, performing or directly overseeing every repair. The person who diagnosed your leak is the person fixing it.

The Process

How a Roof Repair Works With Us

Clear at every step. You know what we found, what we’re fixing, and why — before any work starts.

Inspection

Attic, exterior, and all penetrations checked. We trace the moisture path from interior stain to exterior entry point — not just a visual scan from the ground.

Written Diagnosis

You get a clear explanation of what we found, where the water is entering, and what needs to be done — with a written estimate before any work begins.

Targeted Repair

We fix the actual source — not just the surface symptoms. Custom metal components fabricated on-site where needed. Owner present throughout.

Final Walk & Warranty

We walk you through exactly what was done, show you the completed work, and provide documentation. Repairs are warranted against the same failure recurring.

Repair or Replace?

We'll Tell You Honestly Which One You Need

We don’t push replacements when a repair is the right answer — and we don’t take repair jobs that are just going to send us back in 18 months. Here’s how we think about it.

Your Roof Is Repairable

Roof is under 15 years old with isolated damage
Damage is confined to one area — one valley, one chimney, one section of shingles
The deck underneath is structurally sound
The rest of the roof surface is in good condition
This is the first or second leak — not a recurring pattern
Shingles are still granular and adhered across most of the roof

A good repair on a sound roof can buy you 5–10 more years of service life at a fraction of replacement cost.

The Math Doesn't Work

Roof is 20+ years old with widespread shingle deterioration
Multiple leak locations — not isolated to one area
Deck has soft spots, rot, or structural compromise
You've repaired the same area more than once in the past 3 years
Repair cost is approaching 30–40% of full replacement cost
Insurance claim is approved for full replacement

We’ll show you the numbers and let you make the call — but we’ll tell you honestly when repair is just delaying an inevitable replacement.

FAQ

Common Questions

Quick answers to what homeowners ask most before scheduling a roofing estimate.

How do I know if my roof is leaking or just condensation?

Roof leaks typically appear as water stains that worsen during or after rain. Condensation usually appears on cold surfaces in winter without correlation to rain events. The definitive answer comes from an attic inspection — we look for moisture patterns on the sheathing and insulation to confirm the source. Our inspection is free and we’ll tell you honestly what you have.

How much does roof repair cost in Illinois?

Most residential roof repairs in the Chicago area range from $350–$1,500 depending on scope. A simple pipe boot replacement or small flashing repair is significantly less than addressing ice dam damage or a failed valley section. We inspect first, give you a written estimate, and no work starts until you’ve approved the scope and cost.

Can a roof leak cause mold inside my home?

Yes. Even a slow, minor leak introduces moisture into attic insulation, sheathing, and framing. In Illinois conditions, mold can establish within 24–48 hours in warm months. Addressing the leak early is substantially less expensive than mold remediation in the attic and ceiling — which often isn’t covered by homeowners insurance if the leak was known and unaddressed.

Should I repair or replace my roof?

If your roof is under 15 years old with isolated damage, repair is almost always the right call. If it’s 20+ years old with widespread shingle failure, recurring leaks in multiple areas, or a compromised deck, replacement typically makes better financial sense. We’ll give you an honest assessment — we don’t push replacements when a repair will do the job, and we don’t take repair jobs that are just delaying the inevitable.

Why does my roof only leak in certain weather conditions?

Intermittent leaks that only appear in specific wind directions, heavy rain, or freezing temperatures often point to flashing failures, cracked pipe boots, or inadequate ice-and-water shield at eave areas. These conditions-dependent leaks are diagnostic — they narrow down the entry point significantly. We trace the water path during inspection to find the actual source, which is rarely directly above the interior stain.

Areas we Serve

Serving the NW Chicago Suburbs & Beyond

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.

Arlington Heights, IL & NW Chicago Suburbs

Got a Leak? Let's Find Out Where It's Actually Coming From.

Inspection. Honest diagnosis. Written estimate before any work starts. We’ve been doing this in the NW suburbs since 2000 — we’ll tell you exactly what your roof needs.

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