Chicago, IL Metal Roofing: Lifetime Aluminum Slate Roof for Solar Panels, Energy Savings & Eco‑Friendly Home Upgrade

The investment we made in a new aluminum slate style shingle roof was much more than we wanted to spend, but when we analyzed the pros and cons, including the cost, it came out ahead. We wanted to upgrade our 100-year-old Chicago bungalow and, in particular, rejuvenate the attic and basement spaces. We also want to install a solar panel array on the roof while the current incentives with the IRS, the state and the utility net metering system are still in effect. We wanted to reduce the massive composite shingle tonnage that is covering the incredible sea of roofs across the land. This is undoubtedly a rather large carbon footprint and the short lifespan of many roofs (10-15 years) are causing us to fill and foul unsustainable dumpsites.

The weight of our aluminum roof is less than 850 lbs., compared to 3-4 tons of architectural composite shingles. The Interlock roof is a lifetime roof warrantied for 50 years. When/if it is ever replaced, it will be completely recycle-able.

Much of the heat captured by composite shingle roofs is reflected by the aluminum. Previously, our attic could reach temperatures near 130°F. We have seen a significant reduction in afternoon attic temps, 10-20 degrees.

The installers, Jesse, Sal and Ben were very professional, safe and kind to us. They took the extra time to do it right and solve problems rather than take an easier route. They maintained social distancing and wore masks when necessary. They screwed down OSB sheathing on the existing 100-year-old deck boards which are stamped Sterling Lumber and Supply Co. “The Yards with the Stock”. This company was located two blocks from our house in the early 1900s. Interlock continues a tradition from Sterling Lumber to build to last a lifetime. The original 1919 roof rafters were 2″x4″x16′ and held up under numerous Chicago blizzards and storms. Prior to the project, we augmented the rafters with 2″x6″x16′ #1 southern yellow pine. Hopefully, the roof will bear another century of Chicago climate change.

The Interlock Industries’ workers installed 95 snow guards to breakup snow slides off the roof. The roof is very attractive and my neighbors have complemented the looks of it. The siding on the dormers were also replaced with the aluminum shingles. We had a choice of several shingle <a class="wpil_keyword_link" title="colors" href="” data-wpil-keyword-link=”linked”>colors and chose one called gunflint. The shingles have a <a class="wpil_keyword_link" title="slate" href="” data-wpil-keyword-link=”linked”>slate-like surface that is embossed on the aluminum to give it a textured appearance and perhaps breakup wind and water flows. The Interlock installers removed and sheathed over the chimney and vent caps and added a ridge vent. They installed soffit vents which apparently were never a feature of the house. They removed the gutters and reinstalled them in order to fit the drip edge flashing and lock down the shingles. Everything is fastened with screws powered by cordless screw guns. They did not use air compressors. They had safety lanyards attached to the ridge and foot boards around the perimeter of the roof throughout the installation.

We are very satisfied with the look of our new roof and ready to install solar panels which won’t have to be removed to re-roof because the roof will probably last longer than the solar panels. We are not young anymore and the long-term value of this project will most likely benefit others and the neighborhood more than us, but for the time being, we are happy customers.