Your Local Roofing Contractor

When you need reliable roofing services, Exterior Designers Inc. (EDI) is here to deliver quality work and personal attention you can count on. At EDI, we don’t employ sales staff—not because we dislike salespeople, but because we believe in offering a more personal and efficient experience. When you reach out, you’ll speak directly with the owner. No middlemen, no runaround—just clear, honest communication from the start. That’s where our personal attention begins.

As specialists in roofing and exterior remodeling, we offer all the high-quality materials and service options you’d expect from a professional roofing company. We install and repair:

Asphalt Shingles Roofs
Cedar Shake Shingle Roofs
Flat Roofs
Flashing
Ventilation
And more!

We like to say that there isn’t a roof that we cannot repair.

Our Work Ethic

As a locally owned and operated company, EDI brings a level of care and accountability you won’t always find elsewhere. We’re dedicated members of the community, and we take pride in helping our neighbors keep their homes safe, secure, and looking great. From honest estimates to expert craftsmanship, our work is built on trust.

Ready to get started? Contact us today and speak directly with Tim for a straightforward, no-pressure quote.

Asphalt Shingles

Among the most common common roofing choice for homeowners is the Asphalt shingle. Generally considered the most cost effective, Asphalt Shingles usually last much longer than other options and provide a variety of options. Exterior Designers, Inc. specializes in traditional asphalt shingles, architectural shingles, and reflective shingles.

Cedar Shake

Cedar Shake Roofing used to be the roofing product of choice, prior to asphalt shingles. While Cedar Shake can give your home an exclusive look, it is often considered a very high-end product and requires regular maintenance. It also does not provide the longevity of asphalt shingles.

Flat Roofs

One of the most difficult applications for the roofing business is that of the flat roof. Flat roofs are notorious for leaks. Extra attention and often higher cost are involved in order to protect a flat roof from leaks. If the proper roofing job is done, the homeowner can be more assured of no leaks for the life of the roof. Even the highest quality flat roofs only offer a 12 year warranty, however, because flat roofs tend to hold water and wear out faster than a roof with a pitch that would allow for water runoff.

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Based in Downers Grove, Exterior Designers Inc. provides exterior residential remodeling services, including roofing, siding, windows, and doors for Naperville, Lisle, Plainfield, Woodridge, Aurora and the surrounding areas.

1001 Ogden LL2 Downers Grove, IL 60515

Phone: 630-305-7909

Illinois Roofing License 104-020554

Aurora
Bolingbrook
Downers Grove
Glen Ellyn
Hinsdale
La Grange

Lisle
Lombard
Naperville
Oak Brook
Oswego
Plainfield

Romeoville
Warrenville
Western Springs
Wheaton
Winfield
Woodridge

1001 Ogden LL2 Downers Grove, IL 60515

Phone: 630-305-7909

Illinois Roofing License 104-020554

Service Areas

Site Design: Paul Gregory Media | Sitemap

Ventilation, Flashing, and Skylights

When it comes to a successful roofing project, there is much more to a roof than just the roofing product itself. When considering roof replacement, a homeowner must take into consideration the entire job which consists of proper ventilation, flashing, decking repair etc.

Ridge Vents

Electric Roof Fans

Roof Vents

Fans and Ventilation

For years, attic fans have been the mainstay in keeping the attics cooler in the summer, however they do not last very long and can run continuously, costing you electricity expense in addition to your air conditioning load. Static vents or mushroom vents were also widely used.

Much has been learned about ventilation over the years and although in some instances attic fans and static vents are the only way to ventilate due to the design of a roof; ridge vents and proper Soffit intake will provide much better ventilation year round. They look much better, birds cannot build nests in them and they offer much more ventilation without weakening the plywood roof deck cutting holes for vents.

Flashing

Flashing is another vital part of the roof. The biggest leak in a roof is either flashing related at a penetration point in roof to wall flashing or chimney flashing. We see many roofs with rusting flashing on a new roof. Eventually you will need to replace the flashing thus tearing up the shingles causing the new shingles to not match. We replace all flashing when doing a roof installation with a maintenance free aluminum in a color that will enhance the roof to insure no future problems and leaving your roof with a clean look. We also take extra steps as a backup to prevent leaks.

Skylights

If a home has a skylight, we usually recommend replacing them with the roof. New skylights have high performance glass and are not only more thermally efficient, but we can assure leak-free by using the newest products available. If you replace it later, the shingles used around it will not match the roof due to weathering and or different run numbers. We only use Velux — the leader in skylights. If installed properly these products will not leak. Solar tubes are another inexpensive way to get light into a hallway or bath that does not require major work like a skylight does. Each has its own place and are used for different needs for the home.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are still the predominant roofing choice for the residential consumer in our market place taking better than 75% of the market. There are so many different asphalt roofing designs available today that a customer’s choices are almost endless, especially when you consider all the colors.

Variations range from standard 3 tab shingles that have been on the market for over 100 years to the laminated shingle or what is commonly referred to as the architectural shingle.

Unlike the three-tab it has laminated pieces to the top of the shingle giving it depth and shadow lines that are very attractive on the home. In the past ten years architectural shingles have dominated the market and will continue to do so for many years to come.

In addition to styles, manufacturers are offering new reflective shingles that offer ways to cut attic temperatures and for a reasonable up-charge a homeowner can not only improve their look of roof, but will help out with energy costs as well.

3-Tab Shingle

The most commonly used shingle for a residential roof of 2/12 pitch or more is the standard three tab shingle. We carry a variety of different colors and blends that can compliment any home. Low pitch roofs, 4/12 or less tend to give you a cleaner look with a three tab shingle. These come with 20, 25, and 30 year warranties with special five year labor and material warranties.

Architectural Laminated Shingle

Recently, the laminated shingle has been becoming more popular. These shingles start with a three tab shingle and a separate tab of various shape is laminated to the top of the shingle giving it a more dimensional style. Although you can see more of the shingle on an 8/12 and higher pitch, many choose it for lower pitches as well. There is a wide variety of shingle styles and colors. They are no more reliable than three tab shingles, but do offer the opportunity to use the roof as more of a design statement. Warranties can be 30, 40, or Life-Time depending on the shingle.

Cedar Shake Roofing

Cedar Shake roofing has been available from the beginning and was very popular before asphalt came on the scene. Cedar Shake is available in various thicknesses and offers a distinguished look.

A cedar shake roof should be serviced every three to five years removing bad shakes and sealing the roof. Cedar Shake is offered as a very high end product line and is often used for new construction in exclusive subdivisions.

Even with regular maintenance most Cedar Shake roofs will have a life of less than 25 years. There are new composite shake roofs of fiberglass that are being installed for those that want to replace their cedar shake with a similar look.