Building Requirements for Roof Davit Systems

Whether inspecting HVAC systems, cleaning windows, or repairing facades, roof davit systems offer a stable structure to perform activities effectively. They ensure safe and efficient access to rooftops for repair work and maintenance. These versatile mechanisms provide a secure anchoring point for suspended platforms, allowing workers to carry out tasks at various heights. Since these […]

Difference Between Roof Coating and a Liquid Membrane Roof

When protecting your commercial building, the roof is crucial in keeping the elements at bay. Fortunately, several roofing solutions are available, including roof coatings and liquid membrane roofing. Choosing the right option for your needs is essential, as it can significantly impact your roofing system’s durability, performance, and overall cost. This blog compares roof coatings […]

Key Considerations in Steep Slope Roofing

Steep slope roofing is a crucial aspect of commercial and residential building construction. This roofing provides a strong barrier against external and internal elements, helping maintain the structural integrity of the building. Further, steep slope roofs increase energy efficiency and prolong a system’s life span. This blog will delve into the key considerations in selecting […]

Key Considerations in Roof Maintenance

Click to Expand Proper roof maintenance is a critical aspect of facility management for businesses. It ensures a commercial property’s safety, comfort, and longevity. It also provides significant financial benefits, as a sound roofing system protects against property damage that can lead to consequential losses. This blog examines the crucial aspects of maintaining commercial building […]

Key Considerations in Low Slope Roofing

Click to Expand Due to its practicality and cost-effectiveness, low slope roofing is a common choice for industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings. However, installing and maintaining it requires careful consideration of several critical factors to prevent water damage and ensure proper drainage. This article will cover the key considerations in choosing and installing a low […]

Sustainable Green Roofing

Click to Expand Green roofing incorporates live vegetation into the system design, providing a combination of aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits. These roofs are typically made up of several layers, including a waterproof membrane, a growing medium, and a layer of vegetation. Sustainable green roofing has become a popular trend in the construction industry. Primarily, […]

TPO vs. EPDM

Click to Expand When choosing a superior, energy-efficient solution for commercial roofing, most projects these days choose between thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). There are numerous similarities between these two types of single-ply roofing membranes. However, there are notable distinctions on which companies or businesses should base their decision. This article […]

When To Choose PVC Roofing

Click to Expand Your commercial building’s roof is as important as its foundation since it protects against inclement weather and other external factors. Thus, your roofing material will be essential for your facility’s functionality and security. However, with a wide range of roofing types available, it can be challenging to select the best. Polyvinyl chloride […]

EPDM Roofing Benefits

Click to Expand There are various roofing options for installation on commercial buildings and infrastructures. Nowadays, one of the most widely used types is ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) roofing. It is an exceptionally durable rubber roofing membrane utilized in low-slope applications, protecting commercial structures effectively. EPDM has several advantages over different types, as with […]

Green Roofing Systems

Click to Expand Green roofing is nothing new—the concept goes back centuries, and Germany started constructing modern green roofing systems in the 1960s—but it’s finally catching on in a more mainstream way. More and more companies and organizations are realizing the massive benefits that a green roof offers to not only their buildings, but the […]

What is Green Roofing?

Click to Expand Busy urban areas are starting to take advantage of a previously underutilized space: the roof. Instead of plain, dark roofs that contribute to the urban heat island effect, more and more buildings in Chicago and around the country are incorporating green roofing into their energy codes to reduce energy costs, create usable […]

Types of Liquid Membrane Roof Systems

Liquid membrane roofing is a monolithic, liquid-based coating that cures to form a rubber-like, elastomeric waterproof membrane. This lightweight roofing membrane has gained popularity with construction professionals, contractors and architects as an alternative to traditional roofing. Below we will discuss the three most common varieties of liquid membrane roofing systems to help readers identify the […]

Liquid Roof Coatings vs. Liquid Membrane Coatings

Knickerbocker Roofing & Paving Co., Inc. is a premier provider of industrial, commercial, and institutional roofing solutions. Equipped with over 130 years of industry experience, highly skilled employees, and a wide range of roofing materials, we have the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to accommodate all of our customer’s roofing needs. One of our core […]

Types of Single-Ply Roofing Systems

Types of Single-Ply Roofing Systems

All roofs feature some slope to allow for drainage. Low-slope—sometimes referred to as “flat”—roofs generally feature a very slight slope of less than 3:12. Slopes are represented as a ratio of how much the roof rises (vertical) over the distance (horizontal) between its lowest edge and its highest edge. A 3:12 slope indicates a rise […]

TPO vs. PVC Roofing

TPO vs. PVC Roofing

Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are two types of single-ply membranes utilized in low-slope and flat roofing systems. The two thermoplastic materials demonstrate similar physical characteristics—e.g., high strength, durability, and wind resistance. Despite these general similarities, when designing a roofing system, it’s important to consider the distinctive advantages and disadvantages of using each […]

Low Slope Roof Material Offerings from Knickerbocker

A Guide to Selecting the Right Low Slope Roofing Materials

Roof systems generally fall under two distinct categories —low slope and steep slope. Low slope roofs—sometimes referred to as flat—range from 0 inches per foot up to 4 inches in a foot of run. Low slope roof systems must provide the following: Weatherproofing Sturdiness Reinforcement Surface Weatherproofing is especially critical in low slope assemblies because […]

CRCA

Roofing Industry Expos Provide Opportunities for Growth

Many Knickerbocker Roofing & Paving Co., Inc. employees recently participated in the 35th annual Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) Trade Show in Oak Brook on January 18-19, 2018.  The Knickerbocker team took the opportunity to listen to industry leaders with expertise in design, building codes, construction law and more.  We networked with specifiers, suppliers and […]

Proud Recipient of the CRCA Gold Medal Safety Award

Proud Recipient of the CRCA Gold Medal Safety Award

The CRCA Gold Medal Safety Award Knickerbocker Roofing & Paving Co., Inc. is pleased to announce our receipt of the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association’s (CRCA) 2017 Gold Medal Safety Award. Presented at CRCA’s Annual Awards Dinner, our team couldn’t be more honored and humbled for the recognition. Annually, the award given by the CRCA recognizes […]

3 Tips to Keep Your Commercial Roof in Shape this Winter

3 Tips to Keep Your Commercial Roof in Shape this Winter

With the winter season closing in on the construction and roofing industries, commercial businesses should prepare to take a look at their current roofing systems’ longevity. Harsh weather conditions like the sleet, intense cold, and freezing drafts are here to expose all of your weaknesses. Instead of playing the waiting game take initiative on your […]

NMD-State-Participation

Knickerbocker Roofing Recognizes National Manufacturing Day!

This Friday, October 6th, National Manufacturing Day (NMD) will highlight our industry, recognizing the hardworking businesses and employees that keep roofing and manufacturing at the forefront of the U.S. economy. For those companies and community organizations interested in joining this national effort you can register on the official site where your event can be marked […]

Bline-Hall

What Roofing System Suits Your Needs?

There are five main types of steep roof systems: asphalt shingles, metal, slate, tile, and wood shake. The most common are asphalt shingles, which are found on many homes.   We would like to take a look at the other four today. Standing seam metal roofs are utilized on commercial, industrial and institutional structures as the […]

Ronald Mellott
River Center

Knickerbocker Roofing installed approximately 88,0000 square feet of Carlisle Roof on the 111 North Canal buildingvc. Knickerbocker did exactly what they had proposed to do. The work was done neatly and on time. There was very little punch list by Carlisle. If our company had to do this over again, Knickerbocker would be the company […]

Charles A. Reynolds
Chief Operating Officer – Roofing Inspection Services, Ltd.

I would like to take the opportunity to commend you on the dispatch with which this job was completed. Working around the constraints imposed by Evans need to use the freight elevator almost all day long, and the need to keep the area clear and quiet for the Schubert Theater, was not easy. Similarly, flashings […]

Neal A. Parlatore
– Morse Diesel Project Manager – One North State Street Project

With completion of the roofing work on the project near, this letter is to commend Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving Company for providing a high-quality roof under less-than-ideal conditions and within a tight budget. You will recall the roof was to be installed over an existing, difficult substrate, using Knickerbocker’s suggestions which were approved by the […]

Robert Finke
President – Phynyx Realty Services, Inc.

In pre-qualifying the bidders for this $535,000.00 project, I focused on well-established local firms with an in-house sheet metal shop and a strong base of repeat clients. Knickerbocker had excellent references and a wide range of experience in built-up coal tar systems and Sarnafil PVC membranes. Knickerbocker provided a competitive price and the work was […]

Heidi Neal
Manager – Thorndale Beach South Condominium

Knickerbocker Roofing & Paving Company installed a new rubber roof at Thorndale Beach South Condominium in August of 1985. The roofers were neat and clean and the workmanship was excellent. I certainly would recommend Knickerbocker Roofing to my fellow building managers.

Carl McDonal
Project Manager – Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.

I would like to compliment your firm for the professional manner in which you handled our recent roofing projects. Replacing over one million square feet of roofing materials was no easy task, yet the project was completed in a timely fashion. I was impressed with the professional approach you and your firm exhibited throughout the […]

Thomas W. Hutchinson
AIA, RRC

I would like to inform you that Deerfield School District 109 and this office think the workmanship on the project was excellent. Coordination efforts by Mac, as well as the quality of installation and concern for detail by your Foreman, Miles, is clearly evident. I only with that all projects went so well. On behalf […]

Richard R. Saulig
Property Manager

Although we can be quick to complain, we seldom take the time we should to say thank you for a job well done. This letter is to say just that. You and your employees have shown us that we made a wise decision in choosing Knickerbocker to replace our high-rise roof at 200 West Monroe. […]

Donald Hroma
District Chief – Director of Training – Quinn Fire Academy

The members of your construction team did an outstanding job performing work while we continued to train more than 250 firefighter candidates, 25 lieutenant candidates, 50 paramedic in charge. We also continued to run our daily operations for drivers training, rope rescue classes and training for fire department incumbent members. Mike Bafia, Superintendent from Knickerbocker […]

Wayne Garrity
Superintendent – Bulley & Andrews

I just wanted to take this opportunity to let you know how much it was a pleasure to work with Knickerbocker roofing. I am able to say this due to working with your Superintendent (Mike Bafia), your foreman and all your other workers who were on this job from sheet metal workers, roofers to the […]

James R Nieliak
President – Owner Maple Lane Properties – All Products

A big shout out to the roofer that did our job. He did a great job for quality, professionalism. He did it fast and complete. It was nice to get the pictures of the work completed. Feel free to use Maple Lane Properties / All Products as a “Highly Recommended” reference. Will keep your number […]

Dan Johnson
Chair Board of Trustees – First United Methodist Church

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, as well as the entire congregation of our church, we would like to extend to you our most sincere thank you for the excellent experience we’ve had with your company through the course of the roof replacement project. The quality of work and resulting visual improvement to our […]

In-House Sheet Metal Fabrication Drives Consumer and Company Success

In-House Sheet Metal Fabrication Drives Consumer and Company Success

As we all know, replacing or renovating a roof isn’t a stroll in the park. It’s fairly expensive and often time-consuming – especially if the fitting, detailing and the execution aren’t done right. In an industry that is challenged by the problem of low customer satisfaction ratings, Knickerbocker continues to be a luminary – taking […]

National Safety Month: Fall Safety and Prevention

National Safety Month: Fall Safety and Prevention

Since the day we were founded in 1886, Knickerbocker Roofing has strived to play an active role in our community, providing comprehensive safety training and education. Specializing in slip and fall safety, our expert team is committed to enhancing overall safety in the roofing and construction sectors. While we focus on safety year-round, there is […]

Spring-Maintenance-4.19.17

What You Need to Know in Roofing Now That Spring is Just Around the Corner

Here at Knickerbocker Roofing, we’re excited to be welcoming in spring! Not only is the green growing back, but longer days and warmer temperatures make the season that much more inviting. With the change in season also comes a good opportunity to check out any damage that may have been done to your roof during […]

Knickerbocker is Attending IRE March 1st-3rd!

Knickerbocker is Attending IRE March 1st-3rd!

“See new technology. Touch new products. Place orders. Revitalize your business.” The 130th IRE (the International Roofing Expo) is this week March 1st through the 3rd! Held annually, this year at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, this distinguished event hosts construction, maintenance, and roofing professionals throughout each industry. Here, attendees have the […]

Knickerbocker Kicks Off 2017

Knickerbocker Kicks Off 2017

Throughout 2016, we saw the industry continue to rebound, with growth in both commercial and residential construction. For us at Knickerbocker Roofing, this proved to be another successful year, as we proudly promoted workplace safety, responsible building techniques, and seasonal protection solutions. Now, our team is looking ahead as we gear up for what’s sure […]

CRCA Brings the Industry Together Under One Roof

CRCA Brings the Industry Together Under One Roof

What’s the benefit of belonging to a local trade organization? For us here at Knickerbocker, they are many. As a long-standing member of the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA), we can testify to the valuable services and resources the CRCA offers its members and the customers we serve. So, what is the CRCA? It’s a […]

End-of-the-Year Recap: A Look Back at 2016

End-of-the-Year Recap: A Look Back at 2016

With the holidays upon us, we at Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving Co., Inc. are taking the time to look back on the past year’s accomplishments. To recap some of our most important news, we’ve highlighted blog posts that detail recent achievements and outline our commitment to sustainable, environmentally friendly roofing solutions. Take a look below: […]

Local Roofing Firm Receives Distinguised Award for Excellence

Local Roofing Firm Receives Distinguised Award for Excellence

2015 Firestone Building Products Master Contractor Award. Knickerbocker Roofing & Paving Co., Wins the 2015 Firestone Building Products Master Contractor Award. This award recognizes the best contractor firms dedicated to installing roofing systems that help commercial building achieve long-term performance. Download PDF (748KB)

Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving Offers Waterproofing Capabilities

Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving Offers Waterproofing Capabilities

Knickerbocker Roofing has been in business for over 125 years offering industrial, commercial, and institutional roofing solutions, including inverted roof systems and vegetative roof systems. Inverted roof systems are designed to protect the roof from excessive weather conditions which are prevalent in some areas of the country, while vegetative roofing systems are designed to have […]

Prevent Leaks Before the End of Fall and Start of Winter

Prevent Leaks Before the End of Fall and Start of Winter

When you find water dripping into your kitchen, it’s too late – the leaks have already started. Here in Chicago, we start seeing heavy rains coming down in September, which of course leads us to the winter months and the snow that comes with it. Your best bet is to be proactive, and take a […]

Knickerbocker Keeps Kids Safe!

Knickerbocker Keeps Kids Safe!

Knickerbocker Roofing has served the Chicago area for over 125 years. Our family owned company offers roofing services for commercial and industrial markets, while specializing in architectural sheet metal fabrication, low slope, steep slope, green, and roof maintenance services. Although Knickerbocker’s 24-hour service hotline is dedicated to helping with any roofing issues day or night, […]

Natural Sunlight Enhances Interior Spaces

Natural Sunlight Enhances Interior Spaces

The art of roofing combines skill, experience, and insight into each building’s form and function. The skills required to install a high-quality and long lasting roof also include expert sheet metal fabrication and installation. At Knickerbocker, we are experts in all types of roofing installations including taking on the challenges of designers wishing to create […]

Knickerbocker Reviews Fall Safety this June

Worker safety is always at the forefront of what we do here at Knickerbocker Roofing. We want our employees to be aware and alert of the dangers they face on a regular basis and to work with us to reduce the possibility of an accident, minor or major. National Safety Month and OSHA Stand-Down Each […]

Befriend Your Roofing Contractor Before the Storms this Season

After the rough of winter, spring has finally started to blossom across the Midwest. Although the temperatures are growing nicer, damaging storms are still a relevant concern year round. A new report finds that heavy rainfall from storms are continually causing major flooding and tornado clusters are becoming much more frequent. Peak tornado season ranges […]

We Celebrate Responsible Building Practices in April!

In our last post we gave you the ins and outs of Earth Day and how it is a reminder to consider the environment in all decisions we make throughout our daily lives – sound familiar? Since it is finally April and Earth Day is fast approaching we are seizing the opportunity to tell you […]

Earth Day Prompts Us to Save Energy

April 22nd is the worldwide celebration of Earth Day which reminds us all of the importance of taking actions that save energy, the climate, and the Earth. This year marks the 46th anniversary of the movement that spurred us into action to tackle environmental issues in all parts of our lives. A basic campaign of […]

Knickerbocker Attended the International Roofing Expo This Month

The International Roofing Expo (IRE) is a premier roofing construction and maintenance event for roofing professionals that took place February 17th-19th at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Annually, this industry event is where professionals get to network with other industry experts, see and learn about new products and innovations, and attend conference […]

Looking Forward to the Year Ahead

The 2015 season is officially over, and now that the first of the year has passed we’re gearing up for what will develop in 2016. Our industry has been rebounding nicely from the recession and 2016 is expected to continue this trend with growth in both commercial and residential construction. According to the Associated Builders […]

Avoid Adding Roofing Problems and Repairs to Your List of Winter Woes

Here in the Midwest, we’re accustomed to the cold winter temperatures, howling winds, snow, and ice, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we like them! Our list of winter woes can be long and we certainly don’t need to add more problems to the list. Hence the reason it is so important to properly maintain and […]

Celebrating 129 Years of History in the Roofing Industry

Today we are taking a look at history, going back 129 years to 1886*. What was happening in both the U.S. and roofing industry in Chicago? Knickerbocker is here to tell all: The Statue of Liberty, “a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States,” was dedicated here in […]

Prevent This Year’s Roofing Leaks from Rain and Snow

October is here and we’re on the brink of some hefty wet weather this fall in the Midwest. The last thing we all want to talk about is the rain, sleet, and snow that will be forecasted as we’ve spent precious moments in the beautiful summer weather these past several months. Still, the roofing industry […]

Low-slope roofs

Low-Slope vs. Steep-Slope Roof: What are the Differences?

At Knickerbocker Roofing & Paving Co. we install both! They call us “the experts” because we know roofing like the back of our hands. You might be wondering how we got so seasoned in roofing systems, styles, and selections… With 129 years of experience (yes, since 1886!) we’ve been installing, fabricating, repairing, replacing and maintaining […]

Common Myths About Roofing & The Facts That Dispel Them

President Abraham Lincoln once said, “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon… The great point is to bring them the real facts.” Lincoln’s theory holds true in regards to most circumstances, including roofs and roofing services. Facts can help to dispel common myths and concrete […]

Honored By the Recognition We Have Received as a Leading Contractor in the Roofing, Sheet Metal and Waterproofing Industries

Here at Knickerbocker our progress reflects our birth in 1886. The awards that we have received over the years ultimately recognize us as a leading contractor in the roofing, sheet metal and waterproofing industries. Many industries, including our own, have changed throughout the years, but our company’s mission remains strong: to provide outstanding solutions to […]

Look Up! You’ll Find Examples of Our Work All Around the Chicago Area

It would take us hours, days, weeks, to tell you about all of the projects Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving has completed over the past 125+ years. So, for today’s blog we decided to save you the time and carefully selected a few of our favorite projects from recent years. Mind that if you’re ever in […]

On the Sunny Side of the Roof: Solar Energy is Reaching New Heights

What is greater and more beneficial than the power of the sun? The effects of the sun provide needed warmth, boost productivity, and brighten moods; however, one of the most beneficial characteristics is the technological harvesting that can provide enough electricity to power entire homes and buildings. It’s truly remarkable. Up until recently, the full […]

Creating the Rooftop Garden of Your Dreams

There is currently a major trend that is taking place, not only nationally, but internationally, that is giving traditional landscaping a run for its money: rooftop gardens. From office buildings to senior living facilities, hotels to apartment complexes, and schools to sports stadiums, rooftop gardens are “sprouting” everywhere, and they are making outdoor living the latest […]

How, Why, and When to Make Safety a Priority

June means a lot of things to a lot of people: Father’s Day, baseball games, rising temperatures, and the beginning of backyard barbecue season, to name a few. Yet there’s one thing that we can all universally celebrate this June, and it’s something that affects everyone. June is National Safety Month, and it’s an important […]

Energy Conservation Codes and Roofing: What You Need to Know

Most people know the important role that a roof serves to a home or building; it’s so much more than a simple covering. Of course the aesthetic appeal of a good roof adds immeasurable value, but beyond that, a good roof saves energy and money while making a building more efficient. What many people might […]

Business as Usual: How to Perform Roofing Repair without Disrupting Work

Most businesses don’t have the time or money to completely stop operations when work must be done on their building. Whether you’re a manufacturing facility, a school or hospital, a hotel, or a food processing plant, you can’t shut down because your roof needs repair or replacement. Yet you can’t ignore the roofing work that’s […]

Can Your Older Roof Be Recovered?

Consider this scenario: you’re aware of the fact that your existing roof is aging and is in need of work. But the roof still seems to have some value. Therefore, you wonder whether the entire system needs replacement, or if there’s a less drastic option—one that can fix the older roof, without entirely replacing it. […]

Roofing Systems: What are They and How to Choose

In the construction or renovation of a commercial building, one question that always comes up among builders and contractors is “what type of roofing system should we use?” This, of course, is a valuable question, as the roof is an important part of any facility. In regards to commercial buildings, there are a variety of […]

Rebuilding Chicago’s Architectural and Cultural Heritage

We are proud to announce that two recent projects we worked on have won Chicago Landmark Awards. According to the City of Chicago, these prestigious awards recognize companies whose work on landmark building has contributed to historic preservation, revitalization, and to investing in Chicago’s architectural and cultural heritage. Lorado Taft Midway Studios For the first […]