Out in northwestern McHenry County, Harvard is covered by Martin Exteriors Roofing & Siding from our Roscoe office. We’ve fixed northern Illinois roofs since 2006. A limb through the shingles, a stain spreading on the ceiling, a roof that took a beating in last night’s storm: phone (815) 624-6278 around the clock.
Harvard’s Homes, Old and New
Census estimates put Harvard’s median home at 1980. About 18% of homes were built before 1940, about 32% between 1940 and 1979, and about 36% between 1990 and 2009. About a third of homes aren’t detached houses, and most of those are duplexes and small apartment buildings.
When Trees Come Down on Harvard Roofs
Falling trees are a real risk to Harvard roofs, and NOAA’s Storm Events Database shows it. Among about 14 wind reports for Harvard since 2010, several describe a tree or large branch landing on a house or garage.
A limb strike can do more than break shingles. Here’s what we check:
- Decking. A heavy limb can crack or punch through the boards, even when only a few shingles look damaged.
- Rafters. From the attic, we look for cracked or sagging framing before any patch goes on.
- Nearby flashing and vents. Impact can loosen pieces several feet from where the limb hit.
- Scuffed slopes. Branches dragged across a roof can scrape the grit off a wide area.
If something large is lying on the roof, don’t climb up. Call us, and we’ll get the opening covered.
Harvard’s Pre-1940 Two-Stories
Two-story houses from before 1940 commonly have tall gables, brick chimneys and two or more shingle layers. Repairs on those roofs center on step flashing along dormer walls, chimney flashing set into the mortar, and the boards under the shingles, which we replace wherever they’ve gone soft.
Duplexes and Shared Roofs
Since about a third of Harvard homes are duplexes, townhomes or small apartment buildings, many roofs in the city are shared. Townhome and association roofs are on our repair list. Our job on those is pinpointing the opening, documenting it, and writing up one price every co-owner can look at.
Storm Wear on the Newer Side of Town
Homes from the 1990s and 2000s, about 36% of the city, are reaching the age when seal strips weaken and boots crack. NOAA also lists hail in Harvard several times, twice with stones an inch or larger, and measured gusts strong enough to snap trees. On younger roofs, that usually shows up as creased tabs and bruised shingles rather than missing ones. Our hail damage repair and wind damage repair pages explain more.
Repair or Replace
A limb strike or a few failed parts on a sound roof is a repair. Worn shingles across whole slopes, several layers, or leaks that keep moving point toward roof replacement, and we’ll show you the photos behind that call. A new roof would carry two layers of coverage: our workmanship warranty plus the GAF warranty you choose.
Emergency Help in Harvard
A person picks up (815) 624-6278 at 2 in the afternoon or 2 in the morning. Emergency tarps can be on within 24 hours, which keeps the house dry until the real fix. See our emergency roof repair and storm damage repair pages.
More for Harvard
The Harvard roofing page has our full-roof and other services for the city, and Harvard siding handles walls. Illinois license 104.017824. GAF Master Elite, a tier fewer than 2% of roofers reach. Four appearances on the Inc. 5000. Our financing options start as low as $149/month for qualified buyers. West of town, we repair roofs in Capron and Poplar Grove too.
Ready when you are: book a free inspection or ring (815) 624-6278.
Harvard Roof Repair FAQ
A branch fell on my roof, but only a few shingles look broken. Should I worry?
It’s worth a look. A heavy branch can crack decking or a rafter under shingles that look mostly fine. We check from the roof and the attic and photograph what we find.
Can you repair a roof shared by both units of a duplex?
Yes, along with townhome and association roofs. Both owners get the same photos showing where the water enters, plus one written quote.
My older Harvard house leaks along a dormer. What causes that?
Usually the step flashing where the dormer wall meets the roof. On older houses it’s often rusted, short or buried under old patches. We replace it with new metal.
Can a storm damage my newer roof without tearing shingles off?
Yes. Wind can crease tabs and hail can bruise shingles without removing them. Those spots often leak later, so a free inspection after a big storm is worth it.
What should I do if a tree is lying on my roof?
Keep clear of the rooms under it, stay on the ground and phone (815) 624-6278, day or night. Once it’s safe to cover the opening, a tarp can go on within 24 hours.
