1. Observe and protect
Document symptoms at the roofline, limit further damage safely, and collect any DuPage County repair history.
2. Evaluate the house and site
Given cold winters with real ice-dam risk and mature tree-lined subdivisions, the roof's area, valleys, tree debris, fascia condition, and downspout discharge point outweigh gutter color every time.
3. Define a written scope
Define prep, protection, materials, access, permits, testing, cleanup, finish restoration, exclusions, and change-order rules.
4. Compare providers
Verify credentials and compare each proposal's reasoning and boundaries, not only its bottom-line total.
5. Inspect closeout
Confirm testing was done, cleanup is complete, documentation is provided, and warranties are clear.