What Type Of Roofs Does Happy Roofing Work On?

If you've started looking into roof replacement, you've probably noticed just how many options are out there. Not every roofing contractor installs every system, and it's not always clear who does what. That can leave homeowners wondering: "Does this company even handle my type of roof?"

After working on homes throughout Naperville and the surrounding communities, we know how confusing it can feel to sort through all the roofing contractors out there and what types of roofs they work on. Every material has its pros and cons, and not every contractor installs every system. What homeowners really need is straightforward guidance.

At Happy Roofing, we believe clear, upfront answers take the stress out of the process and give you the confidence to make the right decision for your home. In this article, we'll walk you through the roofing systems we install most often, the materials we trust, and where we draw the line on projects we don't take on.

Table of Contents

• Types of Roofs Happy Roofing Will Work On
• Material Brands Happy Roofing Works With
• Roof Types Happy Roofing Doesn't Work On
• Is Happy Roofing the Right Contractor for You?

What Type of Roofs Does Happy Roofing Work On?

Happy Roofing specializes in residential roof replacement and installation. We work with a range of roofing materials commonly used in homes in and around Naperville, like asphalt shingles. Our team is trained to recommend and install materials that match your home's structure, local climate, and long-term performance needs.

Below are the main types of roof systems we work on:

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Asphalt shingles are the most common residential roofing system in the U.S. Produced by many manufacturers like Atlas, GAF, and Malarkey, they're cost-effective, easy to maintain, and come in a wide range of colors and styles.

At Happy Roofing, we primarily install architectural and designer shingles, which offer better durability and improved aesthetics over basic 3-tab shingles.

Here's a look at the differences between these two types of asphalt shingles:

• Architectural Shingles (also called dimensional shingles): These are a step up from traditional 3-tab shingles; they offer enhanced thickness, wind resistance, and a more textured, dimensional look. With proper installation and ventilation, architectural shingles typically last 20 to 30 years. They're a common choice for homeowners wanting a balance of performance and curb appeal.
• Designer Shingles: High-end asphalt shingles engineered with extra layers, weight, and detail. Designer (or luxury) lines are crafted to provide a more distinctive appearance, with deeper shadow lines and premium color blends. These offer enhanced durability, distinct aesthetics, and often come with extended warranties. Many luxury shingles last 25 to 40 years or more, making them ideal for homeowners prioritizing long-term value and a distinctive, high-end appearance.

While there are many roofing materials available today, asphalt shingles remain the most common roof system we install. They strike the right balance of cost, reliability, and style, making them a trusted choice for the majority of homeowners we work with.

We've put Malarkey's architectural and designer asphalt shingle options side by side:

Synthetic Roofing Systems

Synthetic roofing materials like DaVinci, Brava, and EuroShield are designed to give homeowners the high-end look of slate, tile, or cedar shake without the added weight, cost, or maintenance that often come with these natural products.

At Happy Roofing, we work with synthetic options like these to help homeowners achieve the premium style they want with durability and peace of mind.

These systems come at a higher upfront cost compared to asphalt shingles, but they offer superior longevity, durability, and enhanced curb appeal for homeowners who want the very best.

Here are some reasons homeowners may consider synthetic roofing:

• Authentic Appearance: Modern synthetic shingles are crafted to closely mimic natural slate or cedar shake, providing a high-end look that enhances curb appeal.
• Durability & Longevity: Depending on the brand and product, synthetic roofs can last 40–50+ years with minimal upkeep, far outlasting traditional wood shakes or asphalt roofs.
• Weather Resistance: Many synthetic materials are Class 4 impact-rated, meaning they're built to withstand hail, high winds, and severe weather conditions. While some asphalt shingles also carry Class 3-4 ratings, synthetic products are generally thicker and denser, giving them an edge in long-term durability and performance under extreme weather.

While synthetic roofing comes with a higher upfront investment compared to asphalt, it's an excellent option for homeowners who want the beauty of natural materials with modern performance and low maintenance.

Below is an example of synthetic slate tiles from Brava Roof Tile:

Metal Roofing Systems

Metal roofing has grown in popularity thanks to its exceptional longevity, energy efficiency, and modern appearance. Some popular brands that produce metal roofing are ATAS International, McElroy Metal, and PAC-CLAD.

The two most common types of metal roofing are exposed fastener and standing seam systems.

We exclusively install standing seam roofing systems, as exposed fastener systems require more regular maintenance (occasionally replacing fastener grommets) over time to keep them as weatherproof as possible.

Here's why standing seam systems are typically a better fit than exposed fastener in residential applications:

• Exceptional Durability: A properly installed standing seam metal roof can last 40 to 70 years, depending on the environment, making it one of the longest-lasting options available. Because the fasteners aren't exposed, there's less of a risk for water intrusion at these points.
• Sleek, Modern Appearance: With concealed fasteners and crisp vertical seams, standing seam panels offer a polished, high-end look that complements many home styles.
• Energy Efficiency: The reflective surface of metal roofing can help reduce cooling costs in warmer months, making it an energy-conscious choice.

While metal roofs aren't the type of roofs we install most often, metal roofing continues to grow in popularity among homeowners who want lasting performance with a modern style.

Cedar Shake Roofing

For homeowners who love a timeless, rustic look, cedar shake roofing offers a natural beauty that's hard to replicate. Each shingle is made from real wood, giving the roof a textured, one-of-a-kind appearance that weathers gracefully over time.

Here's what to know about cedar shake roofs:

• Natural Beauty: Cedar shake offers a warm, organic look with unique grain patterns and textures that give each roof a distinctive character. Over time, the wood weathers into a soft silver-gray, adding a classic, natural charm.
• Durability & Lifespan: With proper installation and upkeep, cedar shake roofs typically last 30 to 50 years. However, they do require more maintenance than asphalt or synthetic alternatives to keep them performing at their best.
• Maintenance Needs: Because they are natural wood, cedar shakes can be vulnerable to moisture, moss, and insect activity if not maintained. Maintenance typically includes routine inspections, cleaning to remove moss or debris, and treatments to protect against moisture and insects. Without this care, cedar shakes are more prone to premature rot, warping, or pest damage, which can cut their lifespan significantly.
• Premium Cost: Cedar shake roofing comes at a higher upfront cost compared to asphalt. Still, many homeowners choose it for its beauty and traditional appeal.

We install cedar shake for homeowners who want the genuine, natural look that only real wood can provide. For those who want the appearance of cedar without the maintenance, we often recommend exploring synthetic alternatives like DaVinci or Brava.

Roof Replacements and New Construction

While we occasionally install roofs on new construction projects, our strength is helping homeowners with aging or damaged roofs repair or replace them with long-lasting, performance-focused systems. We specialize in roof replacements, which means tearing off old roofing systems and installing new ones that meet modern building codes and performance standards.

For this reason, we don't offer roof overlays (installing new shingles directly over old ones), because while it may seem like a cheaper solution, it often shortens the new roof's lifespan, hides underlying issues, and can void manufacturer warranties. Focusing only on full replacements ensures every roof we install is built to last.

What Roofing Material Brands Does Happy Roofing Use?

At Happy Roofing, we only install materials we trust to last. We prioritize products with proven performance, solid warranties, and the quality we'd want installed on our own homes.

Who Are Happy Roofing's Preferred Material Brands?

Since we work with asphalt shingles the most, we primarily use Malarkey Roofing Products because of their durability, sustainability features, and strong warranties. If a homeowner prefers a color or style Malarkey doesn't offer, we're happy to install other reputable brands as long as they meet the quality standards we stand behind.

For materials like metal, cedar, or synthetics, we take the same approach of prioritizing quality and durability. We source from manufacturers known for producing long-lasting products, ensuring every roof system we install meets the same high standards.

With metal roofing, we work with PAC-CLAD the most, due to their reliable residential panels and their proximity to us. Brava Roof Tile is our go-to choice for synthetic roofing materials, like composite slate or shake. When installing cedar shake roofs, we look for suppliers who can provide premium or No. 1 Grade Western Red Cedar.

What Roof Types Doesn't Happy Roofing Work On?

While Happy Roofing installs a wide range of roofing systems, there are some materials and project types, like natural slate roofs, that we don't have experience with and therefore don't take on.

Slate and Tile Roofs

Natural slate and clay tile are beautiful and long-lasting, but they're also extremely heavy, expensive, and require a very specialized skill set to install properly. Because these systems aren't common in our region, we don't offer them.

For homeowners who like the look of slate or tile, we often recommend synthetic alternatives that deliver a similar aesthetic with less weight, lower cost, and easier maintenance.

Commercial Roofs

Happy Roofing focuses on residential roof replacement and installation. We don't take on large-scale commercial projects. However, we do work on certain low-slope or flat sections often found on residential homes, such as porches, garages, or additions.

Historic Roof Restorations or Custom Architectural Systems

We don't frequently take on historic roof restorations or highly custom architectural roofing systems, since they often require unique materials and methods outside our regular scope. That said, we are open to discussing these projects on a case-by-case basis. If it's a good fit for our team and the homeowner's needs, we're happy to explore options, but we want to be upfront that it's not a core focus of our work.

Is Happy Roofing the Right Roofing Contractor for You?

By now, you have a clearer picture of the roof types and projects we work on, and just as importantly, the ones we don't. Knowing what a contractor offers is only part of the decision, and the quality of the installation matters far more than the materials that make up your roof.

If one of the roofing systems we service aligns with what you'd like for your next roofing project, the next step is figuring out if Happy Roofing is the right fit to partner with for your home, your goals, and whether our approach to roofing aligns with your expectations.

If that's the question on your mind, we've written an in-depth article that covers exactly that: Is Happy Roofing the Right Roofer for Me? It's designed to help you decide with confidence whether we're the right team to trust with your roof, or if you should explore other options.

If you'd like to get a professional opinion on what materials may be a good fit for your home, we offer non-commitment inspections to evaluate your roof. Our goal is to give you tailored recommendations based on the health of your entire roof, without pushing you to schedule anything.