Membrane Roofing for South Loop Lofts and Towers
Converted printing houses and high-rises with large membrane areas, where seams and drains decide the budget.
What goes wrong on roofs in South Loop
The South Loop is dominated by two building types: modern residential and mixed-use high-rises, and converted early 20th century industrial and printing house buildings turned into loft residential. Both carry large low-slope roof areas: fully adhered or mechanically attached single-ply on the newer towers, and a mix of newer membrane over original structural decks on the conversions. Rooftop amenity decks, pool decks and extensive mechanical equipment are common on both.
Amenity decks and rooftop mechanical are the defining issue. Pavers, planters, pool decks and equipment curbs all sit on top of the membrane and all create penetrations and traffic. Leaks here are usually traced to a termination or a penetration under a deck assembly rather than to open membrane. Access, tenant coordination and material handling on high-rise buildings require a different logistical plan than any other work in the city.
South Loop sits on the Central, covering 60605 and 60616 and 60607, so the roof detail above is specific to these blocks rather than to Chicago as a whole.
What gets called in around South Loop
Amenity decks and rooftop mechanical are the defining issue. Pavers, planters, pool decks and equipment curbs all sit on top of the membrane and all create penetrations and traffic.
Roofing questions from South Loop
Why do amenity decks cause so many roof leaks?
Pavers, planters, pool decks and equipment curbs all sit on top of the membrane, and they create penetrations and foot traffic. Leaks are usually traced to a termination or a penetration hidden under the amenity, which makes them hard to find and slow to reach.
How is a leak found under a paver or planter?
Often by lifting the pavers or moving the planter to expose the membrane beneath. Sometimes leak detection equipment narrows the area first. It is slower than on an open roof, so expect the search to take longer and to cost more.
Are the converted printing house lofts roofed like the high-rises?
Both carry large low-slope roofs, but the lofts are older conversions with original structure, while the high-rises are modern. Each has its own detailing. In both, the amenity and mechanical equipment on the roof drive most of the problems. Expect leaks to trace back to something sitting on the roof.
Who is responsible for the roof under a building’s amenity deck?
Usually the building owner or the association, since the roof and amenity deck are common areas. If you see a leak in your unit, report it to the building management with photos and the date. They arrange the roofer. Ask them to tell you what was found and when it will be fixed.
Adjacent neighborhoods
- West LoopCentral
- BridgeportSouth Side
- PilsenLower West Side
- BronzevilleSouth Side
Roofing estimate in South Loop
Give us the address and what the roof is doing. 60605 and 60616 and 60607 and the rest of the Central are covered, and the estimate is free.