You’ve made the investment, survived the construction noise, and now your home has the best-looking curb appeal on the block. But in Illinois, a new roof isn't a "set it and forget it" feature. Between our humid summers and "Polar Vortex" winters, the first five years of your roof’s life determine whether it will last 15 years or 30.+

At Stan’s, we don’t just care about the day we install your shingles; we care about the decades that follow. Here is your official 5-Year Maintenance Roadmap to protect your investment.

Year 1: The "Settling" Phase

Just like a new house, a new roofing system needs time to settle. During the first full cycle of seasons, your shingles will go through intense thermal expansion and contraction.

  • The Gutter Check: Even with a perfect installation, small amounts of "granule loss" are normal in the first year as excess granules from the manufacturing process wash away. Ensure your gutters are clear so this sediment doesn't weigh down your drainage system.

  • Post-Winter Attic Inspection: After the first big freeze, check your attic for signs of "sweating" or frost. This ensures your new ventilation system is balancing the airflow correctly.

Year 2–3: The "Weathering" Phase

By now, your roof has faced its first major Illinois hail or wind storm.

  • The 360-Degree Ground Survey: You don't need to get on a ladder. After a storm, walk your property with binoculars. Look for lifted shingle tabs or disturbed flashing around chimneys.

  • Algae Prevention: In shaded areas of your roof, look for faint black streaks. This is often Gloeocapsa magma (blue-green algae). Catching it early prevents it from feeding on the limestone in your shingles.

Year 4–5: The "Performance" Phase

By year five, your roof is a seasoned veteran. This is the stage where small maintenance wins prevent massive repair bills later.

  • Sealant Check: The caulking and sealants around pipe boots and vents are exposed to 100% of the sun's UV rays. By year five, these can begin to dry out or crack. A quick resealing can prevent a "mystery leak" in your ceiling.

  • The Insurance Advantage: Many homeowners don't realize that a well-maintained 5-year-old roof can still help lower your Illinois home insurance premiums. Keep your maintenance records ready for your provider.

The "Easy Button": The Stan’s Care Club

We know you have a busy life. You shouldn't have to spend your weekends worrying about shingle expansion or pipe boot sealants. That is exactly why we created The Stan’s Care Club .

Members get:

  • Annual Professional Inspections: We handle the "Roadmap" for you.

  • Priority Storm Response: When the next Illinois "Deep Freeze" or tornado watch hits, you’re at the front of our line.

  • Gutter Cleaning & Debris Removal: Keeping the "engine" of your roof running smoothly.

Ready to Protect Your Investment?

If you recently finished your project, now is the time to transition from "Project Mode" to "Protection Mode."

Learn more about joining the Stan’s Care Club here or check out our guide on How to Lower Your 2026 Insurance Premiums to see how your new roof can start paying you back immediately.