October 3, 2025

What Tax Credits Are Available for Roofing/Regulations

Having new roofing installed or repaired in or around Chicago can be a major investment. However, it can also come with major incentives. Depending on the property type, this could include qualifying for tax credits.

For new roofs to qualify for a federal tax credit, they must meet certain requirements. In the case of a federally declared disaster, for instance, individuals may be able to deduct the new roof expense as a casualty loss on their federal tax return. Rental property owners can also qualify for tax deductions for roof repair expenses. Therefore, it’s important to understand the deductions available and which ones you may qualify for as a Chicago property owner.

Chicago Roofing Regulations

Like other building regulations, roofing regulations in Illinois depend on local laws. Therefore, it’s important to work with an experienced, local contractor when replacing or repairing your roof to ensure your project complies with all necessary regulations. As of January 1, 2025, all city, village, or county codes must meet the minimum standards set by the International Code Council (ICC). Other codes continue to apply regardless of local regulations. These include:

International Residential Code
International Building Code
Illinois Energy Conservation Code
Illinois Plumbing Code
Illinois Accessibility Code
Fire prevention and safety guidelines

Chicago building codes require contractors to complete roofing tasks according to the manufacturer’s instructions. These can outline general quality standards for roof repairs or replacements. They also set guidelines regarding the following:

Shingles
Sheathing
Decking
Flashing
Ice and water shields
Vents

With Chicago’s brutal winters, it’s essential to choose a roofing material that can perform reliably. While asphalt shingles are a durable and cost-effective option for replacing a roof, there are more suitable materials for Chicago’s temperature fluctuations. Composite or metal roofs are often the optimal choice for Chicago homes because they can withstand the freeze-thaw cycles without sacrificing the material’s integrity. Metal is also an energy-efficient roofing material that can last for many years and is designed to naturally shed snow, reducing weight-related damage risks to your property.

Green Roofing and Solar Opportunities

Green and solar roofing offer many benefits in Chicago, and making these energy-efficient improvements can also qualify you for certain incentives. Knickerbocker Roofing meets various local and national roofing associations to exceed our clients’ expectations.

Green Roofing

Knickerbocker Roofing offers green roofing to cover surfaces ranging from 1,000 ft² to 1,000,000 ft². Our roofing capabilities include the installation of extensive or intensive green roofs with additional options to help prolong the life of your investment. This includes installing the appropriate materials, including membranes, root barriers, insulation, and filter fabric. We can also provide garden sprinkler systems to keep your roofscape green and flourishing as well as electronic field vector mapping (EFVM) for additional quality control and assurance.

Solar Panels

When it comes to selecting solar panels for your building’s roof, installation quality and functionality are key to a long-lasting system. Properly installed panels from a reputable manufacturer can operate for years, which can save money over time when compared to a lower-cost option. Knickerbocker Roofing can offer full-service roofing installation, repair, maintenance, and support. We also partner with the best available solar panel company for solar panel roof installations.

Quality Roofing Solutions in the Chicago Area from Knickerbocker Roofing

For quality roofing solutions in the Chicago area, trust Knickerbocker Roofing. We’re a family-owned and operated company with over a century of experience working with a variety of roof types and materials. We are knowledgeable in all Chicago, Illinois, and national regulations and can ensure your industrial and commercial roofing project is completed to code. We also provide emergency repair services to commercial clients in the Chicago area and per-project, semi-annual, or annual basis inspection plans.