Flat roofs on Chicago two-flats, three-flats and commercial buildings carry rooftop units that need a crane to swap. Your HVAC contractor handles the unit; the crane crew handles the lift.
Chicago is full of flat roofs, and most of them carry a rooftop unit, a condenser or an exhaust fan that will need replacing someday. A crane can lift the old unit off and set the new one on its curb in one visit, often in a few hours. We work with the HVAC contractor, who disconnects the old unit and connects the new one. The crane crew rigs, lifts and sets.
The roof has to be able to hold the new equipment. A new unit can be heavier or a different shape than the old one, and the curb may need to change. That is a question for the HVAC contractor and, when needed, a structural engineer, before the lift is booked. We need the weights, the curb location and the roof height to plan the reach.
On a two-flat or a three-flat, the crane often sets up on the street or the alley and reaches over the building. For a business, the lift can be planned early in the morning or on a weekend to keep the doors open. Weather matters too: wind, ice and snow on the roof can hold up a lift, so the day is set with a backup in mind.
Rooftop HVAC & equipment lifts in Chicago: common questions
Can the old unit come off and the new one go on the same day?
Usually, yes. The HVAC contractor disconnects the old unit first, the crane lifts it off and sets the new one, and the contractor connects it after.
Who disconnects the rooftop unit?
Your HVAC or mechanical contractor handles the gas, electric and refrigerant work. The crane crew handles the rigging and the lift.
Can you lift a generator or a tank onto a roof?
Yes, if the roof structure can hold it and the crane can reach. We need the weight and the spot it goes, and the roof question goes to an engineer.
How it works
- Free site look: Call, text or send photos. We look at the load, the access and where the crane can set up.
- Lift plan & written quote: Crane size, crew, time on site and price in writing.
- Permits & set-up: We check which street, sidewalk or airspace permits the lift needs before the day.
- Lift day: The crew sets up, rigs the load, makes the lift and packs up.