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Timeless Beauty. Rock-Solid Durability. Expertly Installed Slate.

Slate roofing is more than a statement — it’s a legacy. With its unmatched longevity and distinctive appearance, a professionally installed slate roof can protect your home for over a century.

At Custom Installations, we combine old-world craftsmanship with modern techniques to bring out the best in every slate system we install.

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Our Certifications & Trusted Brands

Cut Corners on Slate? Expect Big Problems Later.

Slate roofs are only as good as their installer. Poor installation leads to cracked tiles, water intrusion, and costly structural issues — which can show up years too late.

That’s why you need a team that understands how to handle natural materials with precision.

Why Choose Us for Your Slate Roofing Project

We’ve installed and restored slate roofs across Chicagoland and Metro Milwaukee for over five decades. From historical homes to high-end new builds, we bring deep expertise, fine detail work, and unmatched professionalism to every project.

Specialists in Vermont, Spanish, and Synthetic Slate

Full Slate Roof Installation, Repair & Restoration

Copper Flashing & Valley Work for Seamless Integration

Hand-Nailed Installations — No Shortcuts

Why Homeowners Choose Slate in the Midwest

Built for Midwest Weather Extremes

Slate naturally resists high winds, driving rain, ice, and snow — making it a top-tier choice for Chicagoland winters and unpredictable storm cycles in the Great Lakes region.

Curb Appeal That Sets Your Home Apart

Whether you’re in Lake Forest, Mequon, or the North Shore, slate roofing makes a high-end statement that elevates your property’s value and architectural character.

Longevity You Can Count On

Most slate roofs last 75–100+ years with minimal maintenance. That means one installation can serve generations — with far fewer replacements than asphalt or synthetic options.

Ideal for Historic & Custom Homes

From century-old estates to modern builds with timeless flair, slate is the material of choice for homeowners who want durability without sacrificing style or authenticity.

Copper Compatibility for a Seamless Finish

Slate pairs beautifully with copper valleys, gutters, and flashing — and our in-house metal shop delivers a clean, hand-crafted fit that enhances both performance and curb appeal.

“You Don’t Cut Corners on a 100-Year Roof.”

We treat every slate project with the care and detail it deserves — from the structure below to the finish on every tile. No rushed installs. No subcontracting. Just honest work from a contractor who’s built a reputation on doing things right.

About Custom Installations, Inc.

We’re a second-generation, family-operated company built on one core belief:

Craftsmanship matters. Always has, always will.

With deep roots in Chicagoland and Metro Milwaukee, our team has served homeowners, architects, and builders since 1969. From small repairs to historical restorations, we deliver consistent, high-quality results.

Our Completed Projects

Explore our past work in your neighborhood.

Hear From Homeowners Like You

Discover what real homeowners are saying about their experience with us. From start to finish, our team is committed to delivering quality, reliability, and results you can trust.

What Homeowners Ask Us Most

Is my home a good fit for a slate roof?

Most slate roofs require a strong structural foundation due to their weight. We’ll inspect your home and determine if it’s slate-ready or if reinforcement is needed — all included in your estimate.

What’s the lifespan of a slate roof?

Natural slate roofs can last 75 to over 100 years with proper installation and minimal maintenance. It’s one of the most durable roofing materials available.

What’s the difference between natural slate and synthetic slate?

Natural slate is a stone quarried from the earth, offering unmatched longevity and appearance. Synthetic slate mimics the look but is lighter and more budget-friendly. We install both and can help you decide based on your goals and budget.

Can you match slate tiles for repairs or restorations?

Yes. We specialize in sourcing and matching slate types for spot repairs or full historical restorations, ensuring consistency in color, thickness, and finish.

Is slate worth the investment compared to other roofing materials?

For many homeowners, yes. While the upfront cost is higher than asphalt, slate’s lifespan, weather resistance, and long-term value make it a smart investment, especially in areas with harsh seasonal weather like Illinois and Wisconsin.

Got More Questions?

We’re here to help. Whether you’re unsure about roof types, warranty details, or what to expect during installation—we’ll walk you through it all with zero pressure.

Find Out If We Service Your Area

Custom Installations, Inc. proudly serves homeowners, builders, and property managers across Chicagoland, Metro Milwaukee, and Northwest Indiana.

Primary Service Areas:

Illinois

All North, Northwest, South, and Southwest Chicago suburbs, including Lake Forest, Glenview, Northbrook, Highland Park, Wilmette, and more.

Wisconsin

Lake Geneva and surrounding communities.

Northwest Indiana

Give Us a call.

Want answers fast? Talk directly with our team — no call centers, no runaround. We’re here to help with quotes, questions, and urgent service needs.

We’ll call you.

Prefer we reach out? No problem. Just share your info and we’ll give you a call — usually within the same business day.

Custom Quotation

Tell us a bit about your project and we’ll send you a detailed estimate — no pressure, no obligation. Just clear, honest pricing from people who know what they’re doing.

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Slate & Tile Roofing Services

As one of the most durable materials available, slate has been a popular roofing choice of homeowners for hundreds of years. In fact, you can find many of Chicago’s historic homes with quality slate roofs that have stood the test of time for a century or more. Today’s homeowners enjoy the fire-resistance of this natural material along with its attractive appearance. Slate is also the most environmentally-friendly roofing choice available as its longevity means less replacement, keeping it out of the area’s landfills.

Slate & Tile Roof Installation

The installation process of slate roofing is best suited for a professional with experience working with the material. Roof tiles are placed in overlapping rows, parallel to the line of the roof. For homes with planes of different pitches, specialty tiles such as ridge, hip, or valley options may be used. For slate repairs, the roofer will typically remove individual slates replacing them or the flashing underneath. If your home has an existing slate tile in need of repair or if you are looking to use the material in your new home construction, the roofer you hire for the job can make all the difference in both the longevity and quality of your roof. First, the installer must be experienced in working with slate. Many treat these tiles much like they would asphalt by walking on them continuously during install. This not only weakens the tiles but can also lead to cracks or breaks. It is also important that the contractor uses only top-quality supplies for the project. Since slate tile roofs are built to last for a hundred years or more, they require materials that are just as durable rather than those more suited for 10-20 year asphalt roofs.

A Chicago Slate & Tile Roof Contractor

Custom Installations has both the expertise and knowledge to complete your slate roofing project, ensuring a roof that will last for years to come. We are one of a select number of Chicago area contractors with decades of experience completing slate roofing installations. We also specialize in renovating historic homes, many of which have their original slate roofs.