McHenry, IL · McHenry County · Since 1979

McHenry roofing for river and lake homes.

Along the Fox River and the Chain O'Lakes, McHenry homes sit right on the water, where wind crosses open lakes with nothing to break it and damp air never quite leaves. Many started as summer cottages and grew over the years, leaving low-slope additions and awkward roof joints that leak. Licensed in Illinois and certified GAF Master Elite, Buckshot takes on waterfront roofs, storm claims, siding, and gutters.

GAF Master Elite FORTIFIED Provider BBB A+ · 47 Years

Serving McHenry & all of McHenry County(608) 909-9109IL Lic. 104017198

Free McHenry roof inspection

Free waterfront roof and leak inspection, photo report included.

Got it. We will call you.

A Buckshot project manager will reach out shortly to set your free inspection. Storm emergency? Call (608) 909-9109 now.

1979

Family-owned, est.

Insurance programs we work with

1 day

Typical install

4.9★

Google rating

Services Storm & insurance Why Buckshot Cost Warranty Hail-rated roofing Repair or replace McHenry County Reviews Find us FAQ

Roofing in McHenry

Built for wind off open water.

A waterfront roof in Pistakee Hills or McHenry Shores faces stronger wind and more moisture than one a mile inland, and a converted cottage often has several roof sections joined together over the years. Our crews sort out the details and handle every part of the exterior, from GAF asphalt, low-slope membrane areas, and standing seam metal to siding and seamless gutters.

Hail & Storm Damage

Wind across the lakes and hail from summer storms. We document the damage and guide the claim, and approved losses generally cost the deductible.

Start here

Roof Replacement

Full tear-off, new decking where moisture has softened it, and GAF Timberline HDZ installed with high-wind nailing for lakefront exposure.

Get a quote

Roof Repair

Converted cottages often leak where an old roof meets a newer addition. We rebuild those transitions so water has nowhere to go but off the roof.

Get a quote

Siding

Constant moisture near the water grows mildew and rots wood siding. Fiber cement and quality vinyl stand up far better on lake homes.

Get a quote

Seamless Gutters

Waterfront lots slope toward the lake, and uncontrolled runoff erodes the yard and shoreline. Seamless gutters and directed downspouts keep water where you want it.

Get a quote

Attic Ventilation

Humid air off the lakes condenses in poorly vented attics. Balanced intake and exhaust dries out the deck and keeps mold from starting.

Get a quote

Storm on the Chain?

When the wind comes across the lake.

Summer storms build fast over McHenry County, and homes along the Fox River and the Chain O'Lakes take the wind first because open water gives it nothing to slow down. Lifted shingles on the lake side, torn ridge caps, and hail on soft metals are the typical signs. We inspect, document, and file with you, and a covered claim usually costs you only the deductible. Book a free McHenry inspection.

Lake-side inspection

We check the slopes facing the water first, then every roof section and the attic for moisture.

Claim package

Your insurer receives photos, measurements, and an itemized scope together.

Adjuster meeting

We help the adjuster see storm damage on each roof section of a multi-part lake home.

Build and final payment

After installation, the final invoice goes to your insurer so any withheld depreciation is released.

Claim math, in two terms

ACV

Actual Cash Value

Your roof's worth today once depreciation is applied. This usually comes first.

RCV

Replacement Cost Value

What it costs to replace the roof new, with the balance often paid once work is done.

Insurance programs we work within

Contractor ConnectionNexusInnovationSedgwickMSP

Book a free inspection

Why McHenry picks Buckshot

A licensed roofer who knows lake homes.

Lake homes rarely have simple roofs, and quick-hit storm crews tend to miss the tricky joints where they leak. We are a licensed, family-owned Illinois contractor with roots going back to 1979, and we take the time to get the details right.

GAF Master Elite certified. Roughly 2% of roofers qualify, and certification enables the 50-year System Plus warranty on your home.
We join the adjuster. Enrolled in five insurer programs, with our rep present when the adjuster visits.
Our own team. The crew on your lake home works for Buckshot, start to finish.
Check our credentials. FORTIFIED, BBB A+, NRCA, WRCA, UASRC, InterNACHI, IICRC, and IL license 104017198.

Honest pricing

What a lake-home reroof costs in McHenry.

McHenry roof replacements generally cost $8,500 to $18,000, and a simple 1,800 square foot house frequently comes to $12,000 to $15,000 in GAF Timberline HDZ. Converted cottages with several roof sections, low-slope areas, or moisture-damaged decking cost more. Approved storm claims usually come down to your deductible, and Service Finance Company offers 0% financing.

Approved storm claim

Your deductible

Covered lake-side storm damage.

McHenry reroof

$8,500 to $18,000

Paid directly.

Simple 1,800 sq ft home

$12,000 to $15,000

Timberline HDZ, often one day.

Number of roof sectionsPitchLayers to removeDecking conditionVentilationLow-slope areas & transitionsShingle line

About the warranty

Long-term protection for a waterfront roof.

Master Elite status lets Buckshot register the 50-year System Plus warranty on the GAF shingle system of your McHenry home. Low-slope sections use different materials with their own warranty terms, and we spell out what covers each part in writing. Uncertified contractors are limited to GAF's standard prorated coverage.

Warranty	What it covers	Term	Who can register it
GAF System PlusBest	GAF shingle system	50 yrs, non-prorated	Master Elite contractors
GAF Standard	Manufacturing defects	30 yrs, prorated	Most contractors
Buckshot Workmanship	Our installation labor	In writing	Buckshot
Storm-chaser default	Nothing once they leave	None	Out-of-area crews

Is your lake home leaking at the joints?

A free inspection finds out. We check every roof section, the transitions between them, and the attic, then give you a clear plan with photos.

GAF Master Elite$0 storm checkRoof transitions checkedOwn crews

Request an inspection

An Illinois project manager will call you.

Got it. We will call you.

A Buckshot project manager will reach out shortly to set your free inspection.

BUILT FOR THE WATERFRONT

On a lake home, the transitions matter most.

Waterfront roofs in McHenry deal with open-water wind, constant moisture, and multiple roof sections. This is how we build them.

High-wind installation with extra nailing and sealed starter courses on the lake-facing slopes.
GAF Timberline HDZ & UHDZ with StainGuard algae protection suited to humid lakefront air.
Leak barrier at every transition where additions, dormers, and porches meet the main roof.
Low-slope membrane where needed because shingles are not meant for nearly flat additions.

Roof decking inspection and ice and water shield during an Illinois roof replacement

High-wind nailing · sealed transitions

Is Class 4 worth it on a lake home?

Summer storms along the Fox River can carry hail, so Class 4 shingles are worth considering on exposed lakefront homes. They resist impacts better, and some carriers discount premiums for them. Ask your agent, and we will quote both.

Factor	Standard architectural	Class 4 impact-resistant
Impact rating	Below Class 4	UL 2218 Class 4
Hail resistance	Fair	Excellent
Possible insurance credit	Rare	Some carriers do
Added cost	Baseline	About 10 to 20% more
Best for	Sheltered inland homes	Exposed lakefront homes

REPAIR OR REPLACE

Fix the problem joint, or redo the roof?

Most lake-home leaks start at a transition. If just one joint between roof sections is failing and everything else holds up, rebuilding that transition is usually enough. If moisture has softened the decking, shingles are aging on several sections, or the roof is near twenty years old, replacing it and correcting every transition at once is the better value. We put it in writing.

Lean toward repairTargeted repair

One failing transition
Roof under about 15 years old
Decking dry and firm
Shingles in good condition
Low-slope section still sound

Lean toward replacementFull replacement

Leaks at several transitions
Roof near 20 years old
Moisture-damaged decking
Shingles on low-slope additions
A new system with a 50-year warranty

What the water does to a McHenry roof

Leaks where additions meet

Joints between old and new roof sections are the most common leak point.

Lifted lake-side shingles

Wind off open water catches the edges facing the lake.

Algae and mildew

Humid lake air feeds dark streaks and mildew on shaded slopes.

Soft decking

Moisture from condensation or slow leaks weakens the sheathing.

Ponding on low-slope roofs

Water sitting on a flat addition will eventually find a seam.

Eroded yard below the eaves

Runoff without gutters washes soil toward the water.

Around McHenry

Rooted on the Fox River.

From Pistakee Hills, McHenry Shores, and Lakeland Park on the water to Legend Lakes, Boone Creek, and the Riverwalk District, our crews work all over McHenry. We also serve Johnsburg, Wonder Lake, Lakemoor, Crystal Lake, Ringwood, Spring Grove, Island Lake, Volo, Prairie Grove, and Fox Lake.

McHenry sits on the Fox River at the edge of the Chain O'Lakes, and many of its homes are on or near the water. That means stronger wind, higher humidity, and roofs that were often added to over the years. Every Buckshot reroof here uses high-wind nailing, algae-resistant shingles, and properly sealed transitions between roof sections.

McHenry neighborhoods

Legend LakesPistakee HillsBoone CreekAbbey RidgeBrittany HeightsBoat and SaddleMcHenry ShoresRiverwalk DistrictLakeland Park

McHenry County & nearby

JohnsburgWonder LakeLakemoorCrystal LakeRingwoodSpring GroveIsland LakeVoloPrairie GroveFox Lake

ZIP codes we cover include 60050, 60051, and nearby McHenry County communities.

The McHenry roof problem

Open-water wind, lakeside moisture.

Homes along the Fox River and the Chain O'Lakes take wind straight off the water and live with humid air most of the year.

Many were expanded from cottages, leaving roof joints that leak. We answer with high-wind nailing, sealed transitions, and algae-resistant shingles.

18-22

Expected asphalt life, years

UL 2218

Top impact rating

815

Local area code

Roof trouble in McHenry?

Lake-side storm damage? Call now.

Shingles torn off the lake side, water coming in where an addition meets the house, or a limb down on the roof. Call and a person answers, then we secure the roof and record the damage.

24/7 storm line(608) 909-9109

Customer reviews

What our customers are saying.

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Joy I 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When the big storms came through the Madison-area in April 2026, I immediately started looking for a reputable roofer—who also understood the importance of weather-resistant materials that can withstand hail and wind. It didn’t take me long to find Brad from BCG. We had damage that needed to be repaired before the next round of storms came through later that day and Brad had a crew out within hours. Our neighbors also had damage, and when their roofing company didn’t show up, Brad and his crew also took on fixing their damage on the spot. The contracting process was done over email and we were able to clearly understand all of the options available to us. On the day of install, the crew was efficient and fast with their work. But also, mistakes can happen. And what matters to us is not that there’s perfection (because that’s not realistic), but how a contractor deals with a mistake. As they were taking down the tarps when they were finished with the roof, one of our lights next to the garage broke. Brad helped find a replacement online and had it shipped directly to our house! Such great service! All in all, we were very happy with Brad and the service we received from him and BCG. We’ve since recommended their services to several of our friends and neighbors who also had storm damage. While I hope we won’t have to do that again for a long time, we would work with BCG again in a heartbeat!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shelly Ziegler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am extremely pleased with the service Matt Walmer from Buckshot General Contracting (BGC) provided for me during the hailstorm damage in Madison in April. I had just switched insurance companies one year ago and was worried about how much they would cover. Matt assured me everything would be taken care of and had nothing to worry about. True to his word he immediately answered phone calls during off hours even when he was with daughter at volleyball and answering texts in seconds Matt met up with assessor and arrived 20 minutes early. During roof replacement he stopped in 3 times to check the progress and next day he came back to do a walk around to make sure the cleanup was to his standards. I have been so blessed to work with Matt at BGC as my contractor as everything went so smoothly. No problems with my insurance company and I was the first one on my block to get my roof done. I also was telling Matt about some of my neighbors having problems with their insurance and he was willing to look at their paperwork and giving them advice on how to deal with them. I can proudly say I announced to them how good Matt was and gave them his card. Thank you so much Matt for your excellent service and being a great representative for Buckshot General Contracting. These days days it’s hard to find a business that is 100% committed to making sure the customer is their #1 concern. Going to be doing more work and sticking with them as I know it will be top quality.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amy Stephens 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We contacted BGC after storm damage and had them completely re-roof and re-side our house, garage, and shed. The entire process was incredibly smooth from start to finish. They were easy to work with, handled all the details, and made what could have been a stressful situation completely worry-free. Our contact, Jayce Kirkland, was outstanding. His professionalism, communication, and courteous demeanor were truly a breath of fresh air. He took care of everything for us and made sure the project stayed on track every step of the way. We couldn’t be happier with the experience and have and would highly recommend BGC to anyone needing roofing or siding work!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rob Anast 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very customer focused company.  Replaced my roof and siding after hail and wind damage 6 years ago.  Second hail and damage storm this year and they are my vendor of choice again.  In process now to replace my roof and siding.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   paolo masone 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brad gave me a good price and the roof looks great!  The roof was replaced in one day.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Doug Cooper 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They did an excellent job! Fast, efficient and did a great job cleaning up.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   christos karampetsos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family member needed a roof replacement after the recent storm in Madison , Chad came out to inspect the roof and went over the options with us. Full roof replacement and the new roof looks GREAT, they were done with in 2 days and left no mess behind which was very thankful for. Thanks !!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jason Montez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. *update* number 2 I have been through about 4 different people now to get my issue fixed. They came and fixed the side that was leaking. The contractor that came out confirmed the siding wasnt installed properly and put in some flashing to fix the issue. Since it wasnt installed right i wanted the rest of the house done to prevent other issues and the company agreed to do that. Still not done and now im dealing with yet another person who has not contacted me to resolve my issue. Told them when this job was completed i wanted a new patio door as well to get the last year of the energy credit. Crickets. I have been very patient, but am beyond frustrated at this point. *update* After posting i was contacted regarding my review. Turns out the reason i wasn’t contacted was because my salesman is no longer with the company and never responded to tell me that when i called him (his number was still correct at the time of the call). I had a rep come to my home and immediately discuss solutions to the issue. Everything was done properly on my home, its just one of those things no one could foresee. I am beyond happy with the speed things are moving once i was contacted. Already making plans for additional work needed next season. Had windows and siding done. The windows crew was fantastic. Personable as well as professional. Siding crew was also great. My issue comes with the after care. My basement was leaking during rains. It also leaked running the sprinkler for new grass. Contacted my salesman and never heard back. Been probably a month? Had a contractor friend of mine come look and the issue was the siding wasnt ran low enough (or a piece of flashing would have worked as well) to stop water from coming through the basement from under the sill plate. Id have even paid to have it corrected, but no call. My issue is a simple one, but the aftercare deserves a one. The total score is because their crews were great. The people in admin simply need to be better. I had to remove foam that was trafficking water in and will be using flex seal to create a barrier since no call was made back. Update as of april, 2026. After some frustrating back and forth one of their contractors came our and looked at my situation late summer of 2025. Confirmed the siding wasnt done properly and installed flashing where the leak was and i haven’t had an issue since. Despite the numerous tornados weve had. With that said, Fall of 2025 i told them (after being informed the siding wasn’t done properly by their guy) i told them while the basement no longer seems to leak, i want the rest of the house covered with that flashing incase their are other problems. i dont want to refinish my basement to discover issues. The “salesman” essentially accused me of only wanting free things and after him explaining to me how awesome he was and that i was wrong, i stopped the phone call. The subcontractors they hire are overall solid, but some of the staff have made the company unusable for me. Just be cautious if you use them. Communication is great… until they get your money.

Contact

Serving homes throughout McHenry County.

Buckshot General Contracting

Service area

McHenry & all of McHenry County621 N Sherman Ave, Suite B5, Madison, WI 53704 (HQ)

Phone

(608) 909-9109

Hours

Mon to Sat 8AM to 5PMEmergency storm line 24/7

Credentials

GAF Master EliteIL Lic. 104017198 · BBB A+ · FORTIFIED

McHenry roof questions

Lake homes, storms & McHenry roofs.

Rather call?

Speak with our Illinois team.

For McHenry lake-home questions, ask for Ryan, Jayce, Jeremy, or Chad.

Call (608) 909-9109

Q.01Why does my lake house leak where the addition meets the roof?

Many McHenry homes started as cottages and were expanded over time, and the joints between old and new roof sections were not always flashed well. Rebuilding those transitions with leak barrier and new flashing usually stops the leak.

Q.02Can shingles go on a low-slope porch or addition?

Not usually. Most shingles are designed for steeper pitches, and on nearly flat sections they let water back up under them. Low-slope areas need a membrane system, which we install alongside the shingle roof.

Q.03Which McHenry areas do you serve?

All of McHenry, including Pistakee Hills, McHenry Shores, Lakeland Park, Legend Lakes, Boone Creek, and the Riverwalk District, plus Johnsburg, Wonder Lake, Lakemoor, Crystal Lake, Ringwood, Spring Grove, Island Lake, Volo, Prairie Grove, and Fox Lake.

Q.04Does the lake make my roof wear out faster?

It can. Open-water wind stresses the lake-facing slopes, and constant humidity feeds algae and attic condensation. Algae-resistant shingles, high-wind nailing, and good ventilation extend roof life on waterfront homes.

Q.05Is Buckshot licensed in Illinois?

Yes. We hold an Illinois roofing license, shown on this page, and you can verify it through the IDFPR. We are also GAF Master Elite certified, a status about 2% of roofers hold.

Q.06How much does a new roof cost in McHenry?

Most homes run $8,500 to $18,000, and a simple 1,800 square foot house is often $12,000 to $15,000 in GAF Timberline HDZ. Lake homes with several sections or low-slope areas cost more. Estimates are itemized, and 0% financing is available through Service Finance Company.

Q.07Should I repair or replace an older lake-home roof?

If only one transition is failing, a repair usually works. If the decking is soft, several sections are leaking, or the roof is near twenty years old, replacing it and fixing every transition together is the better long-term choice.

Q.08How quickly can you respond to storm damage?

Call (608) 909-9109 day or night. We secure open roofs and active leaks first, then return for a full inspection.

Q.09Do you replace siding and gutters on lake homes?

Yes. We install fiber cement and vinyl siding that stand up to lake moisture, and seamless gutters with downspouts directed to protect your yard and shoreline.

Q.10How long does a lake-home reroof take?

A simple roof usually takes a day. Lake homes with multiple sections, low-slope areas, or tight waterfront access can take longer. Property protection and a full magnet cleanup are part of every job.

Explore Buckshot

Services, credentials & nearby areas.

Free roof inspection in McHenry.

We check every roof section, the transitions, and the attic, show you the photos, and recommend a clear plan. GAF Master Elite, family-owned since 1979.

Request my inspection Call (608) 909-9109

Buckshot General Contracting (BGC) · 621 N Sherman Ave, Suite B5, Madison, WI 53704 · serving McHenry and all of McHenry County · IL Lic. 104017198 · GAF Master Elite Certified · Family-Owned Since 1979 · Mon to Sat 8AM to 5PM, Emergency 24/7 · (608) 909-9109. Pricing ranges are estimates and vary by roof size, pitch, access, material selection, and decking condition; your written estimate governs. Insurance coverage, deductibles, ACV and RCV settlements, recoverable depreciation, and any impact-resistant-shingle premium credit are determined solely by your carrier and policy; we do not guarantee any claim outcome or discount. Material lifespans are typical ranges for the local climate, not warranties. What this page says about repairing or replacing is general guidance only, not a coverage decision. Financing provided through Service Finance Company, LLC, subject to credit approval. GAF System Plus and manufacturer warranty terms are governed by GAF's published documents and require a registered, qualifying installation.

McHenry roofing for river and lake homes.

Free McHenry roof inspection

Got it. We will call you.

Built for wind off open water.

Hail & Storm Damage

Roof Replacement

Roof Repair

Siding

Seamless Gutters

Attic Ventilation

When the wind comes across the lake.

Lake-side inspection

Claim package

Adjuster meeting

Build and final payment

Claim math, in two terms

Actual Cash Value

Replacement Cost Value

A licensed roofer who knows lake homes.

What a lake-home reroof costs in McHenry.

Long-term protection for a waterfront roof.

Is your lake home leaking at the joints?

Request an inspection

Got it. We will call you.

On a lake home, the transitions matter most.

Is Class 4 worth it on a lake home?

Fix the problem joint, or redo the roof?

What the water does to a McHenry roof

Leaks where additions meet

Lifted lake-side shingles

Algae and mildew

Soft decking

Ponding on low-slope roofs

Eroded yard below the eaves

Rooted on the Fox River.

McHenry neighborhoods

McHenry County & nearby

Open-water wind, lakeside moisture.

Lake-side storm damage? Call now.

What our customers are saying.

Serving homes throughout McHenry County.

Lake homes, storms & McHenry roofs.

Speak with our Illinois team.

Services, credentials & nearby areas.

Services

Credentials & financing

Nearby areas

Free roof inspection in McHenry.

Done reading? Let us look for you.

Free roof inspection