Choosing a roofing contractor is one of those decisions that only feels urgent when the weather turns, the ceiling stains spread, or the shingles start lifting with every gust that barrels off Lake Michigan. If you live in the Milwaukee metro, you have plenty of “roofing contractors near me” to choose from on a search results page. You do not, however, have many partners who will still pick up the phone after the bill is paid. Ready Roof Inc. has built a reputation locally by doing the unglamorous things right, then backing the work long after the dump trailer leaves the curb.
This guide lays out how to reach the team, where they work, what they do well, and how to decide if they are the right fit for your home or commercial property. It also gives a plainspoken view of materials, warranties, storm claims, and scheduling choices that matter more than any glossy brochure.
Contact Us
Ready Roof Inc.
Address: 15285 Watertown Plank Rd Suite 202, Elm Grove, WI 53122, United States
Phone: (414) 240-1978
Website: https://readyroof.com/milwaukee/
Where Ready Roof Works and Why That Matters
A roofing contractor company based in Elm Grove does not just serve Elm Grove. Ready Roof Inc. covers the Milwaukee metro and a wider footprint in southeastern Wisconsin where housing stock ranges from 1890s duplexes with copper valleys to 1990s subdivisions with complex cut-up roofs. Expect regular coverage in Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Brookfield, Elm Grove, West Allis, Greenfield, New Berlin, Waukesha, Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Mequon, and Franklin. They also work farther west and south by appointment, especially for storm response or larger commercial jobs.
Service area is not a throwaway detail. Roofs fail for local reasons. In this region, freeze-thaw cycles, ice dams, lake-effect winds, and summer hail drive different failure modes than you would see in, say, Phoenix. A crew that installs venting correctly for Wisconsin winters, that can read hail spatter on soft metals, and that understands the way older Milwaukee clay tile underlayment was put together will save you money and headaches. Ready Roof has tuned its crews and material specs for these conditions. For example, drip edge is standard, not an upgrade, and winter installs get additional attention to sealant choices and underlayment adhesion.
What to Expect When You Call
When you dial (414) 240-1978, you are routed to a local office that schedules inspections within realistic windows, usually 24 to 72 hours for non-emergency visits. If a storm has just rolled through and shingles are in your yard, say so. They triage emergencies, then slot in routine maintenance and estimates as capacity allows. The estimator who arrives will get on the roof if it is safe, fly a drone if it is not, and take photos of anything that drives a recommendation. You should see the images, not just hear the summary.
The estimate that follows is not a one-line number. It breaks out materials, scope, and optional upgrades. If you want the cheapest possible number, you can always find it. If you want a job that survives two winters without a moldy soffit, look at the layers they propose: ice and water shield widths, synthetic underlayment brand, how far they run protection up the valleys, the flashing replacement plan, and ridge vent type. These details distinguish a reliable roofing contractor company from a pick-up crew.
Residential Roofing: Materials, Methods, and Judgment Calls
Most local roofing contractors install asphalt shingles as their bread and butter. Ready Roof Inc. is no exception, but the difference shows up in small choices they do not leave to chance. For steep-slope homes, they typically recommend laminated architectural shingles with a limited lifetime rating. In our climate, the thicker profiles hold up better to wind and shed snow more reliably than old three-tab shingles. On older bungalows with marginal sheathing, they often suggest fastener patterns that exceed code, along with selective deck repair. They do not bury rotten boards under new felt, since those spots swallow nails and let shingles lift.
Ice dam prevention is another area where the spec matters. In Milwaukee County and surrounding suburbs, ice and water shield is not optional. Ready Roof usually runs it from the eaves up at least 24 inches inside the heated wall line, and continues it in valleys and around penetrations. You can ask for more coverage in problem areas, and it is often cheap insurance on north-facing slopes shaded by tall maples.
Ventilation is the other half of the ice dam equation. Soffit intake and ridge exhaust must balance, and attic bypasses need sealing. Expect the crew to check that you have continuous soffit venting, not just decorative panels with no cutouts behind them. If your attic has bath fans that dump moisture into the insulation, they will recommend hard-ducting through the roof with proper caps. It is not glamorous work, but it keeps sheathing dry and shingles from curling early.
Metal roofs and specialty products come up for farmhouses in Waukesha County or modern builds in Mequon. Ready Roof installs standing seam metal, but they do not oversell it. Metal shines for snow-shedding and longevity when detailed correctly and when the structure can accept the slightly greater expansion noise and the need for snow guards over entrances. If you live under heavy oak and pine, metal sheds needles and clears faster after storms. If you have a simple gable and plan to move in five years, architectural asphalt makes more economic sense. A good roofing contractors company near me should talk you out of products that don’t fit your goals, even if the invoice could be higher.
Commercial and Multifamily Work: Flat Roof Realities
Flat or low-slope roofs on commercial buildings and multifamily properties require a different toolkit. Plan on TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen as the primary membrane choices. Each has trade-offs. TPO reflects heat and can reduce cooling loads on big box structures, but seams need heat welding with trained technicians. EPDM has long-term durability and forgiving repair characteristics, yet it benefits from ballast or careful adhesion and can be punctured by rooftop activity. Modified bitumen lays down predictably in our temperature range and handles foot traffic well, but it adds weight and typically needs a granulated cap.
Ready Roof Inc. approaches these jobs with a condition assessment first, including core sampling for insulation wetness and deck analysis. They look for ponding, clogged internal drains, and perimeter terminations that have lost adhesion. Do not be surprised if the estimate includes tapered insulation to redirect water, new drains, or curb re-flashing for rooftop units. Those add cost, but they fix the root cause of leaks that would otherwise return after the first thaw.
If you manage a condo association, ask for a phased plan that fits your reserve schedule. Splitting a large roof into logical zones helps with both budgeting and staging, especially when lifts and safety lines must remain set for days.
Repairs, Maintenance, and the Myth of the Free Inspection
Storm chasers thrive on free inspections that turn into high-pressure replacement pitches. A local roofing contractor company does not need to sell the whole roof every time. Ready Roof performs repairs, from chimney step flashing replacement to pipe boot swaps and valley re-seal, and backs them with written warranties. They also offer annual or biannual maintenance visits that clear debris from valleys, check sealants, and tighten exposed fasteners. Those visits take an hour or two and often postpone a full replacement by a season or more.
If a roof is at the end of its life, you should hear why with photos. Granule loss concentrated in the field, widespread cracking, soft sheathing underfoot, or shingle tabs that lift with gentle hand pressure are reliable indicators. One missing shingle after a storm is not, by itself, a reason to tear off 28 squares.
Insurance Claims, Hail, and Wind: Navigating the Process
Southeastern Wisconsin sees hail pockets every few years. After a hailstorm, you may get door knocks for days. Hail damage is specific and must be documented correctly. Soft metals like chimney caps, gutters, and roof vents show impact spatter that helps establish a date of loss. Shingles show bruising that removes granules and exposes substrate. An experienced inspector will chalk test squares, count hits, and photograph both test areas and collateral metals.
Ready Roof Inc. works with insurers, but they are not a public adjuster. Their role is to document, meet the adjuster on site when needed, and perform the approved scope. Good contractors avoid inflating claims or promising a free roof. If only elevations facing the storm were damaged, expect a partial replacement. If your policy has matching language or ordinance coverage, those clauses can trigger broader work like re-decking to meet modern nailing requirements. Ask the estimator to explain where code drives scope, and request code citations in writing. Insurers respect clarity and documentation more than volume.
Scheduling, Weather Windows, and How Long a Project Takes
You can tear off and install shingles in winter, but not every day is a good candidate. Adhesive strip activation, underlayment adhesion, and shingle brittleness all change when temperatures drop below freezing. Ready Roof builds winter buffers into schedules and often uses additional hand-sealing on ridge caps and perimeters. In peak season, a straightforward house in Waukesha County might schedule within two weeks. After a major storm, it can stretch to a month. Communicate any hard deadlines, like a closing date, at the first visit. Most residential tear-offs take one to two days, depending on complexity. Flat roofs vary widely, measured in days per 10,000 square feet with weather contingencies.
On site, expect a dump trailer or truck placement plan that avoids blocking your garage if possible. Crews should protect landscaping with tarps and plywood, magnet-sweep the lawn and driveway, and check gutters for nails. If you have pets or children, tell the project manager when yard access is safe again. A trustworthy team respects those boundaries.
Warranty Reality: What Paper Protects You, and What Does Not
You will typically receive two layers of coverage. The manufacturer warranty covers shingle defects, which are rare but not impossible, and sometimes includes enhanced protection if the contractor installs a complete system with matching components. The workmanship warranty covers installation errors. Ask for both documents in writing, not a verbal promise. Ready Roof provides a written workmanship warranty with defined term lengths based on scope. Extended manufacturer warranties, where a manufacturer audits the install through a certified contractor program, usually add cost. They make sense on higher-end homes or when you intend to live there long enough to benefit.
No warranty covers everything. Ice dams caused by blocked soffits, animal damage, or impact from falling branches can fall outside coverage. The best protection remains a correct install paired with reasonable maintenance, like clearing gutters and trimming back overhanging limbs.
Pricing Without Games
Roofing contractors near me often advertise “$299 a month” before you ever see a total. Financing has its place, especially when water is coming in and cash on hand falls short. Ready Roof offers financing through third-party providers, subject to credit. More important is a clear base price with line items for plywood replacement per sheet, skylight swaps, chimney rebuilds, and any unforeseen deck repairs. Roofing is one of the few trades where change orders should be predictable. You do not know exactly which boards are soft until tear-off, but you can agree on the per-sheet rate in advance. Insist on that clarity whoever you hire.
For ballpark context, architectural asphalt on a typical Milwaukee-area home might range across several thousand dollars depending on size, complexity, and options. Flat roofs rely on square footage and details like parapets and penetrations. Ask for alternates in the estimate if you want to compare standard vs. upgraded underlayment or vent solutions. A local roofing contractors firm that puts options in writing respects your judgment and your budget.
How Ready Roof Compares to Other Local Roofing Contractors
You have choices, from one-crew shops to regional brands. A few differentiators I have seen in Ready Roof’s process:
- They document with photos and share them, from inspection through punch list, so you can see decisions rather than take them on faith. They prioritize building-science basics, especially ventilation and moisture control, which reduce call-backs and extend roof life. They keep a service team available for repairs and warranty items, instead of moving on to the next replacement and letting small issues languish. They spec components with our climate in mind, including wider ice barrier application and proper flashing replacement by default. They communicate schedule changes tied to weather and provide a direct contact for day-of questions.
If another contractor offers a lower price, ask the five questions below before you decide. Most price gaps trace to missing line items or weaker specs rather than magic.
Five Questions to Ask Any Roofing Contractor Before You Sign
- What exactly is included in flashing work, and will you replace or reuse step, counter, and apron flashing? How many feet of ice and water shield are you installing at eaves and in valleys, and which brand? What is your workmanship warranty in writing, and who handles service calls? How are you balancing attic intake and exhaust, and will you verify soffit openings are not painted or blocked shut? What is the per-sheet price for decking replacement, and how will you document any changes during tear-off?
Those answers, especially in writing, make apples-to-apples comparisons possible among local roofing contractors.
Special Situations: Historic Homes, Skylights, and Solar
Milwaukee’s housing stock includes brick foursquares, Arts and Crafts bungalows, and mid-century ranches with low slopes. Each brings quirks. On historic homes, pay attention to chimney flashings and wall interfaces with original stucco or cedar. Step flashing should be tucked and counter-flashed properly, not smeared with mastic that will crack within a season. If the home has box gutters, ask for a specialist. These integrated gutters are not a weekend project and require custom metalwork that most roofing contractors do not provide in-house.
Skylights deserve a decision upfront. If yours are older than the shingles, plan to replace them during the roof job. Manufacturers design skylight flashing kits to integrate with specific shingles and roof pitches. A new roof around an old skylight is a leak waiting to happen. Solar arrays add another layer. If you plan to add solar, tell the estimator. Ready Roof can coordinate layout and recommend attachment points or blocking before shingles go down, which avoids future roof penetrations in awkward spots.
Why a Local Office Helps After the Storm
The office at 15285 Watertown Plank Rd Suite 202 in Elm Grove is not just a mailing address. It is where you can walk in to review material samples, sit down with a project manager, or bring in a piece of failed flashing for an opinion. When a windstorm tears through, out-of-town teams will descend with out-of-state plates and aggressive timelines. The difference with a local roofing contractors company near me is simple: they are still here when the next snowload reveals where shortcuts were taken. Ready Roof’s crews live in these neighborhoods and go to the same hardware stores. That proximity keeps standards up and ghosting down.
How to Prepare Your Home for a Roof Replacement
Homeowners can help the job go smoother with a little prep. Clear vehicles from the driveway so the dump trailer can get close. Take fragile items off garage walls if the crew will be walking above. If you have attic storage, cover valuables with drop cloths in case dust sifts through old plank sheathing. Let neighbors know the dates, especially if you share a narrow drive. Ask the crew to point out any shrubs that need protection, and water them the evening before on hot days to help them tolerate the temporary roof replacement near me cover.
During the work, expect noise. Nail guns, tear-off shovels, and foot traffic add up. Pets do better in a closed interior room or off-site for the day. If you work from home and need quiet for a call, coordinate with the project manager for a 30-minute pause. Most crews are happy to accommodate when asked upfront.
The People Behind the Shingles
Materials matter, but roofing remains human work carried out in challenging conditions. The labor pool ebbs and flows, and a contractor that retains experienced foremen and invests in training usually delivers cleaner details: straight lines, proper nail placement, neatly woven or metal-lined valleys depending on spec, and flashing cut to fit rather than forced to stretch. Ready Roof’s crews are used to Milwaukee’s steep Victorians and newer cut-up colonials, which helps when they encounter tricky dormer intersections. It shows in the way they stage the job and keep the site tidy as they go.
Ask who will lead your crew and whether that person will be on site all day. If your job is complex, ask to meet the project manager beforehand. Names and faces matter. They are the ones you will call if you see a shingle blister or a piece of flashing that lifts in the first high wind.
When a Second Opinion Helps
There are times a second opinion is more than just prudent. If a contractor recommends a full replacement on a roof that is only ten years old without showing storm damage or widespread manufacturing defects, get another set of eyes. If a chimney leak has persisted through two rounds of resealing, ask for a mason’s assessment. Ready Roof will tell you when it is not a roofing problem at all, like a condensation issue coming from an unvented bathroom or a disconnected dryer vent. That honesty saves thousands and builds trust.
Ready Roof Inc. in Your Shortlist
Search results for roofing contractors near me can fill a page, often with similar promises. What narrows the field is clarity, local experience, and aftercare. Ready Roof Inc. checks those boxes. They share photos so you are never guessing, specify materials that match our winters and winds, and keep a service crew in play for punch lists and warranty callbacks. They also answer the phone, which is not as common as it should be in the trades.
If you want to talk scope, schedule an inspection, or just get a sense of options and pricing, reach out directly.
Contact Us
Ready Roof Inc.
Address: 15285 Watertown Plank Rd Suite 202, Elm Grove, WI 53122, United States
Phone: (414) 240-1978
Website: https://readyroof.com/milwaukee/
Whether you live in a 1920s Tudor in Wauwatosa, a lakeside ranch in Whitefish Bay, or you manage a warehouse south of the airport, the right roofing contractor does more than install shingles. They diagnose, plan, and stand behind their work. Ready Roof Inc. has built its approach around those basics. If you keep that lens while comparing local roofing contractors, you will make a decision that holds up when the snow melts, the spring storms move through, and the next summer heat wave rolls in.