Residential · NW Chicago Suburbs

Roof Inspection in Arlington Heights, IL

Know the real condition of your roof before it becomes an emergency. We check every component — and give you an honest written report.

Schedule an Estimate

About This Service

See Everything.
Know Everything.
Decide.

Mike Bartkovjaks has worked in roofing since 2000 and founded Black Square Roofing in 2007. Every project gets direct owner oversight — not a subcontract crew you’ve never met.

01

We go into the attic on every inspection.

The attic is where moisture damage shows up first — and where a leak source can often be traced before it reaches your ceiling. Most contractors skip this step.

02

You get a written report with photos.

Every noted area documented. Clear finding: good condition / needs attention / urgent. No verbal-only assessments that leave you guessing.

03

Owner Mike Bartkovjaks performs or oversees every inspection.

18+ years of Illinois roof failures behind every call. Not a sales rep with a checklist — an experienced roofer who knows what to look for.

What We Inspect — Every Single Time

7 Components · Written Report · Photos

01

Shingles

Granule loss, curling, cracking, blistering, or missing tabs. We note age and estimated remaining service life.

02

All Flashing Points

Chimney, dormers, skylights, pipe boots, valleys, and all wall-to-roof junctions. Flashing failures cause most residential leaks.

03

Ridge, Hips & Valleys

Ridge cap condition, hip shingles, and valley sealing. High-exposure areas that deteriorate first and are common water entry points.

04

Gutters & Drainage

Condition, fasteners, slope, downspout discharge, and granule accumulation — which signals shingle breakdown above.

05

Attic Interior

Moisture staining on sheathing, insulation condition, signs of active or historical water intrusion. We trace moisture paths back toward the entry point. This is the step most contractors skip — and the one that changes every diagnosis.

06

Ventilation

Soffit vent blockage, ridge vent condition, intake vs. exhaust balance. Poor ventilation halves shingle life and causes Illinois ice dams.

07

Deck Integrity

Soft spots, spongy areas, or visible sagging that indicate rot or structural compromise beneath the shingles. Found during the attic walkthrough.

Six Reasons to Schedule an Inspection Now

You don’t need to see a problem to benefit from an inspection. These are the moments where a professional look at your roof pays for itself.

1

After a hail or wind storm

Damage isn’t always visible from the ground. Documentation now protects your insurance filing window.

2

Every spring after winter

Freeze-thaw cycles, ice dams, and heavy snow loads take a toll. Catch winter damage before rainy season turns it into a leak.

3

When your roof is 12–15 years old

Shingles begin measurable wear here. Know how much life remains — and whether maintenance can extend it.

4

You noticed a water stain

A stain means water has been entering long enough to reach your drywall. The sooner we look, the smaller the repair.

5

Before buying or selling a home

A general home inspection is not a roof inspection. Know what you’re actually getting — before you’re obligated.

6

For insurance renewal

Some Illinois insurers require a roof inspection at renewal. Our written report with photos satisfies most insurer requirements.

What We Tell You. What Comes Next.

After the inspection you get a clear verbal summary and written report. Every finding falls into one of three categories — and we’re direct about which is which.

01

Inspection & Estimate

Deck, attic, ventilation, and all flashing points assessed. Written estimate with material options and pricing — before anything is scheduled.

02

A repair is needed

We identify the specific issue, explain what caused it, and provide a written estimate. No pressure, no expiration dates on quotes.

03

Replacement makes more sense

Deck, attic, ventilation, and all flashing points assessed. Written estimate with material options and pricing — before anything is scheduled.

Ready to schedule?

Call directly or fill out the form at the top of this page. After storm events we prioritize same-day or next-day response.

What Clients Say

Real homeowners. Real completed projects. No paid ratings.

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Ed Taleysnik profile picture
Ed Taleysnik
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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!
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Daniela Cwajbaum profile picture
Daniela Cwajbaum
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A great job, on time and reasonable price. Highly recommend!
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anton madalli profile picture
anton madalli
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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!
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Gene V profile picture
Gene V
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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)
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Robert Marshal profile picture
Robert Marshal
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Really good work appreciate your work!!!
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Stepan Kobzey profile picture
Stepan Kobzey
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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.
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Eugene Fox profile picture
Eugene Fox
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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.

Inspection FAQ

What homeowners ask before scheduling.

What does a roof inspection include?

A thorough inspection checks shingles or tiles, flashing, valleys, gutters, vents, and the roof deck for damage, wear, and leak risk. Many inspectors also review attic ventilation and interior signs of water intrusion, then provide a written report with photos.

Schedule after any significant hail or wind event, in spring after winter, when you notice water stains or ceiling discoloration, and when your roof approaches 12–15 years of age. Annual inspections after 15 years are a good investment in catching issues before they become expensive emergency repairs.

A standard residential roof inspection usually takes 45 minutes to 2 hours. The exact time depends on your roof’s size, steepness, and complexity, plus whether the inspector walks the roof or uses drone imaging. Larger homes and steep or multi-level roofs sit at the longer end of that range.

A standard home inspection includes a basic roof observation but is not a substitute for a dedicated roof inspection by a roofing contractor. We regularly perform pre-purchase inspections for buyers who want a detailed professional assessment before closing — it’s one of the best due diligence steps you can take on an Illinois home purchase.

Have your roof professionally inspected at least once a year, and again after any major storm, hail, or high winds. In the Chicago area, a fall inspection is especially valuable so any issues are fixed before winter’s freeze-thaw cycles set in.

Don't Wait for a Leak to Tell You There's a
Problem.

An inspection takes 45–90 minutes and gives you clarity on your roof’s actual condition.

Contact Us

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