Commercial Roofing Experts for Illinois's Second-Largest City
Aurora holds the distinction of being the second-largest city in Illinois, with a population exceeding 180,000 residents spread across portions of Kane, DuPage, Will, and Kendall counties. The city's commercial and industrial base is equally substantial, anchored by a manufacturing heritage that dates back more than a century and a modern economy that includes logistics, healthcare, and technology sectors. Windward Roofing & Construction has provided commercial roofing services to Aurora businesses throughout this evolution, and we understand the unique demands that the Fox Valley region places on building envelope systems.
The Fox River, which runs through the heart of Aurora, was once the power source for the city's early factories and mills. Today, the riverfront has been redeveloped with mixed-use commercial properties, while the industrial legacy continues in expansive parks along the city's eastern and western edges. From the older manufacturing plants along Indian Trail Road to the newer distribution centers near the Eola Road interchange at I-88, Aurora's commercial roofing needs are as diverse as the city itself.
Aurora's Industrial and Commercial Districts
Aurora's commercial geography spans several distinct areas, each with different roofing requirements:
- Fox Valley industrial corridor -- Manufacturing plants, fabrication shops, and warehouses along the Fox River's historic industrial zone require durable flat roofing systems built to withstand heavy mechanical equipment loads and chemical exposure
- I-88 corridor and Eola Road -- Newer office buildings, medical facilities, and retail developments in Aurora's eastern growth area feature modern roofing systems that prioritize energy efficiency and aesthetics
- Route 30 and Route 34 commercial strips -- Retail centers, automotive businesses, and restaurants with flat and low-slope roofing that need regular maintenance and periodic replacement
- North Aurora and Orchard Road area -- Rapidly developing commercial zones with new construction opportunities for restaurants, retail, and professional office space
Weather Challenges in the Fox Valley
Aurora's position in the Fox Valley, roughly 40 miles west of Lake Michigan, places it squarely in the path of severe Midwestern weather patterns. The city is part of the corridor that sees some of the most frequent hailstorm activity in the Chicago metropolitan area, with spring and early summer storms capable of producing golf-ball-sized hail that can devastate conventional roofing materials. Tornadoes, while rare, have struck the Aurora area and serve as a reminder that wind uplift resistance is not optional for commercial roof systems in Kane County.
Winter conditions bring their own challenges. Aurora typically accumulates more snow than Chicago proper, and the weight of wet spring snowfall can stress older roof structures. Freeze-thaw cycles cause water to pond in low spots, work into seams, and expand as it freezes, accelerating membrane deterioration. Windward's installation techniques account for these realities, incorporating proper drainage slopes, reinforced seam welding, and material selections designed for the thermal extremes common in this part of Illinois.
Services Available in Aurora
- Flat Roofing Systems -- TPO, EPDM, PVC, and built-up roofing for Aurora's industrial plants and commercial buildings
- Metal Roofing -- standing seam and exposed-fastener systems for warehouses, agricultural buildings, and retail
- Roof Coatings -- reflective coatings to extend existing roof life and reduce cooling costs in Aurora's hot summers
- Roof Repair -- hail damage repair, leak detection, flashing restoration, and puncture patching
- Preventive Maintenance -- customized inspection and maintenance programs for Aurora commercial properties
- Emergency Roofing -- storm damage response and emergency tarping for Aurora businesses
Partnering with Aurora Businesses for Long-Term Value
Aurora's business community values straightforward partnerships built on reliability and quality. That approach aligns perfectly with how Windward operates. When we assess a commercial roof in Aurora, we provide honest evaluations and clear options, whether the right answer is a targeted repair, a coating restoration, or a full system replacement. Our familiarity with Kane County permitting requirements and local building officials streamlines the project timeline, and our manufacturer certifications ensure that your new roofing system comes backed by the strongest warranties available. For Aurora businesses that need a commercial roofing contractor they can trust for years to come, Windward Roofing & Construction is the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Aurora is home to numerous industrial parks and manufacturing facilities, particularly along the Fox Valley corridor and in areas near the I-88 tollway. Windward has extensive experience with large-footprint industrial roofing including flat membrane systems, metal panel installations, and heavy-duty coatings.
Aurora's inland location means it experiences wider temperature extremes and more severe hailstorms than lakefront communities. We recommend TPO or PVC membranes with high hail ratings, standing-seam metal roofing for snow shedding, and silicone coatings for reflectivity in summer heat.
Windward's Chicago headquarters at 919 S Sacramento Blvd is approximately 40 miles east of Aurora. We maintain active project crews in the western suburbs and can typically begin Aurora projects without extended mobilization time.
Absolutely. We offer customized preventive maintenance programs for Aurora commercial properties, including biannual inspections, drain clearing, flashing checks, and detailed condition reports that help you budget for future needs.