Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving Co

What Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving Co does

Knickerbocker Roofing & Paving Co., Inc. is a fifth-generation, family-owned commercial, industrial, and institutional roofing contractor founded in 1886 and headquartered in Harvey, Illinois. The company self-performs all roofing, sheet metal, and carpentry work with its own employees (no subcontracting) across a roughly 100-mile service radius covering Chicagoland, Northern Illinois, Northwest Indiana, and Southeast Wisconsin. Its portfolio spans installation, repair, 24/7 emergency response, and recurring maintenance on low-slope (PVC, TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, built-up), steep-slope (slate, clay tile, wood shake, metal), green, and liquid membrane roofing systems, plus in-house architectural sheet metal fabrication and roof davit/fall-protection installation.

The underlying technology stack is physical-trade rather than software-oriented: a fully equipped in-house sheet metal fabrication shop producing ES-1 compliant custom copper, stainless, galvanized, and pre-finished metalwork; a diesel-powered roof vacuum system for dust-free ballast removal; and Electronic Field Vector Mapping (EFVM) for green roof leak detection. Elite-tier manufacturer certifications with Firestone (Master Contractor, Partner in Quality), GAF (Master Select), Tremco (Elite), Carlisle (Approved Applicator), Johns Manville (Peak Advantage), Ludowici (Crown), and the Tile Roofing Institute enable warranty-protected installations on projects ranging from 1,000 to over 1,000,000 square feet, including landmark work on the Wrigley Building, Merchandise Mart, Rookery, London House, University of Chicago facilities, and Rush Medical Center.

The business model combines project-based installation revenue (one-time, quote-priced, multi-year contracts with bonding and financing available) with a recurring maintenance revenue stream (annual, semi-annual, or per-project inspections, cleaning, and repairs) and 24/7 emergency service. Customer segments are primarily commercial office and retail, industrial (factories, warehouses, manufacturing), and institutional (healthcare, education, government, historic preservation). Go-to-market is direct enterprise field sales supported by a dedicated service division, industry association presence (NRCA, CRCA, ASA, MRCA, NSA, TRI), and content marketing via educational resource guides. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed.

Name

Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving Co

Legal name

Knickerbocker Roofing & Paving Co., Inc.

Website

https://knickroof.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1886

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Knickerbocker Roofing & Paving Co., Inc. is a fifth-generation, family-owned commercial, industrial, and institutional roofing contractor founded in 1886, serving the greater Chicago region with self-performed installation, repair, maintenance, and sheet metal fabrication.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Roofing Services

NAICS

Roofing Contractors (23816)

SIC

Asphalt Paving & Roofing Materials (2950), Sheet Metal Work (3444)

akta.pro primary industry

Roof Repair & Leak Remediation (HSAPAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Roof Flashing, Vent & Penetration Repair (Chimney/Skylight/Pipe Boots) (HSAGAKAF), Asphalt Shingles (IMADAFAA)

Keywords

• Commercial roofing services
• Roof installation and repair
• Sheet metal fabrication
• Green roof systems
• Roof maintenance programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Harvey

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Roofing Installation Services: New roof installation for commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings including low-slope, steep-slope, and specialty roofing systems.
2. Roof Maintenance Services: Ongoing roof maintenance programs offered on annual, semi-annual, or per-project basis. Includes inspections, cleaning, repairs, and detailed written reports with photos.
3. Emergency Repair Services: 24/7 emergency commercial, industrial, and institutional roofing repair services with certified technicians.
4. Architectural Sheet Metal Fabrication: Custom sheet metal fabrication for ornamental and functional roof elements including gutters, downspouts, copings, flashings, and architectural details.
5. Green Roofing Services: Installation of extensive or intensive green roofs with garden sprinkler systems, membranes, root barriers, insulation and filter fabric.
6. Solar Panel Services: Solar panel installation coordination with third-party solar panel companies, including roof evaluation and preparation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Knickerbocker Roofing & Paving is a commercial, industrial, and institutional roofing contractor delivering installation, repair, maintenance, emergency response, green roofing, and custom architectural sheet metal fabrication. Projects span 1,000 to over 1,000,000 square feet across low-slope and steep-slope systems (PVC, TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, built-up, slate, clay tile, metal, shingles). All work is performed by employed personnel with manufacturer certifications enabling 15+ year warranties.

Product overview

Knickerbocker Roofing & Paving Co. Inc. is a family-owned commercial, industrial, and institutional roofing contractor founded in 1886. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of roofing services centered around its core installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement offerings. These include low-slope and steep-slope roofing systems, with specialized expertise in PVC, EPDM, TPO, modified bitumen, and liquid membrane roofing. Green roofing services, architectural sheet metal fabrication, roof davit systems, and solar panel installation round out the service offering. The company operates its own fully equipped sheet metal fabrication shop and maintains certifications from all major roofing manufacturers including Firestone, Johns Manville, Carlisle, GAF, and Tremco.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Commercial Roofing Services Full-service commercial roofing including installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement for low-slope and steep-slope roofs serving commercial, industrial, and institutional customers across Chicagoland, northern Illinois, northwestern Indiana, and southwestern Wisconsin.
• Emergency Roof & Leak Repair 24/7 emergency commercial, industrial, and institutional roofing repair services with rapid response to leaks, storm damage, and urgent repair needs, staffed by certified technicians.
• Roof Maintenance Services Comprehensive roof maintenance and service plans including inspections, cleaning, repairs, and preventive maintenance offered on annual, semi-annual, or per-project basis, with detailed written reports and photos.
• Low Slope Roofing Services Expert services for low-slope roofing systems including PVC, TPO, EPDM, standing seam metal, modified bitumen, and built-up roofing with various installation methods including mechanically fastened and fully adhered.
• Steep Slope Roofing Services Installation, repair, and maintenance for steep-slope roofs using slate, clay tile, wood shakes, shingles, and metal, with Ludowici Crown certified installation.
• Green Roofing Services Green roof installation services including extensive (shallow soil) and intensive (deep soil) installations, garden roofs, with EFVM leak detection and optional sprinkler systems, membranes, root barriers, insulation, and filter fabric.
• Architectural Sheet Metal Fabrication Custom in-house sheet metal fabrication including gutters, downspouts, flashings, copings, fascias, ornamental work, and ES-1 compliant fabrication in copper, stainless steel, galvanized metal, and pre-finished metal.
• Roof Davit Systems Roof davit system installation for fall protection and equipment access, including tie-off davits, OSHA-compliant testing, and watertight anchor installation.
• Solar Panel Services Solar panel installation coordination including site evaluation, structural assessment, inverter selection, permitting assistance, and ongoing roof inspections, performed in coordination with third-party solar panel companies.

Quantifiable outcome

• Two-year contractor guarantee and 15+ year manufacturer warranties on installations
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers21 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Digs With DignitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKnickerbocker is a Platinum Sponsor of Digs With Dignity's Annual Welcome Home Gala, helping furnish homes for deserving families. The partnership supports rebuilding lives with dignity and comfort for Chicago families.
• Joey's AngelscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKnickerbocker has been a proud sponsor of the annual 'Angels in the Fairway' fundraising golf outing since its inception in 1997, supporting leukemia research. The organization has raised over $3 million in net revenues for the Leukemia Research Foundation.
• La Rabida Children's HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFor over two decades, Knickerbocker has supported La Rabida through sponsorship and charitable contributions. In 2005, they funded construction of an outdoor children's play yard on the hospital's property. Management personnel attend the hospital's Annual Fundraising Gala.
• Ronald McDonald HousecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 2017, Knickerbocker adopted the Ronald McDonald House near UChicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital, providing regular roof maintenance and repairs so families can stay comfortable while focusing on their child's care.
• Dollars Against Diabetes (D.A.D.'s Day)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKnickerbocker supported the 2025 D.A.D.'s Day campaign, an annual fundraiser for the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami. The campaign has raised over $57 million to date for cure-focused diabetes research.
• FH PaschenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral contracting firm with whom Knickerbocker has had a strong working relationship dating back to the 90s. Introduced Knickerbocker to Joey's Angels event and organization.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Nations Roof: Nations Roof is a national commercial roofing contractor offering low-slope, steep-slope, and specialty roofing systems with manufacturer certifications. Direct competitor to Knickerbocker in commercial/industrial roofing services, with broader geographic reach.
• Tecta America Corporation: Tecta America is a national commercial roofing platform operating across the U.S., providing installation, repair, maintenance, and specialty services. Comparable to Knickerbocker in service scope and customer type, but at a much larger geographic and revenue scale.
• CentiMark Corporation: CentiMark is one of the largest commercial roofing and flooring contractors in North America, providing installation, repair, and maintenance for low-slope and steep-slope roofs. Knickerbocker is a regional analog, serving similar commercial/industrial/institutional customers with comparable roof system offerings.
• Flynn Group (Building Envelope): Flynn is a large North American building envelope contractor offering roofing, cladding, and waterproofing services to commercial clients. Comparable to Knickerbocker in delivering specialty roofing/installation services to enterprise customers, with much larger scale.

Direct peers

• Baker Roofing Company: Baker Roofing is a Southeast-focused regional commercial and residential roofing contractor offering installation, repair, and maintenance. Strong comparison point for Knickerbocker given regional scope, family/employee ownership approach, and full-service roofing capabilities.
• Greenwood Industries: Greenwood Industries is a commercial/industrial roofing, sheet metal, and waterproofing contractor serving the Midwest and beyond with in-house fabrication. Highly comparable to Knickerbocker in service mix, especially sheet metal fabrication and commercial roofing focus.
• Bone Dry Roofing: Bone Dry Roofing is a Midwest-based regional roofing contractor with strong presence in Indiana and surrounding states. Most direct geographic competitor to Knickerbocker given overlapping service territory (Indiana/Illinois) and similar roofing installation/repair/maintenance offerings.

Emerging players

• Roofing Corporation of America (RCA): RCA is a PE-backed rollup of regional commercial roofing contractors. Relevant to Knickerbocker as either a potential acquirer/partner or a consolidator increasing competitive pressure on regional roofing contractors in the Midwest.

Regional players

• StormGuard Roofing & Construction: StormGuard is a regional roofing contractor chain operating across multiple U.S. markets with residential and commercial focus. Comparable operating model to Knickerbocker's regional/specialty trade structure, with adjusted scale.

Others

• Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance: Tremco is a major roofing manufacturer/service provider whose systems Knickerbocker is certified to install (Elite Contractor status). Indirect competitor and ecosystem partner that influences the products, training, and customer relationships of contractors like Knickerbocker.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Knickroof
• Facebookfacebook.com/KnickerbockerRoofingAndPaving

Compliance18 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving Co