Every Trill Roofing free inspection produces a written PDF report that you keep regardless of whether you hire us for the work. This guide walks through what’s in the report, why each section matters, and how you can use the document – for insurance claims, second-opinion comparisons, or just personal records.
Section 1 – Property summary
The first page of the report includes:
- Property address and inspection date
- Inspector name and IL roofing license number
- Roof system summary: estimated age, shingle type, approximate square footage
- Roof pitch and geometry notes
- Existing ventilation summary (intake/exhaust types)
- Building geometry: number of stories, attached structures, complexity score
This section establishes the baseline of what we’re looking at. Useful for insurance claim documentation and for comparing quotes across contractors.
Section 2 – Photo grid by slope
For each roof slope (a typical gable roof has 4 slopes; complex roofs have 8+), the report includes:
- Photo of the slope from the ground/ladder
- Close-up photos of any issues identified
- Test square documentation if hail damage is suspected (10 ft x 10 ft area, chalk-marked bruises, with photo)
Total photo count: typically 30-60 across the full report.
Section 3 – Itemized findings
Each issue found on the roof is listed with:
- Location (slope, area, specific feature)
- Description of the issue
- Photo reference
- Severity rating: Informational / Repair Recommended / Urgent
- Estimated repair cost or note that it’ll be included in a replacement quote
Examples of findings we commonly document:
- Failed pipe boots (8-12 year service life expired)
- Step flashing missing kick-out at sidewall-eave junction
- Granule loss in valleys
- Chimney counter-flashing relying on caulk instead of mortar kerf
- Missing drip edge at rakes
- Inadequate attic ventilation (NFA below 1:300)
Section 4 – Attic findings
When attic access is available, the report includes:
- Insulation depth and type
- Visible deck condition from underneath (water staining, mold, frost damage)
- Ventilation hardware inventory
- Air-sealing observations (gaps around penetrations, attic hatch, recessed lights)
- Evidence of pest activity if any
This section often reveals issues that aren’t visible from outside but affect roof lifespan significantly.
Section 5 – Code compliance notes
The report documents any deviations from IL building code for roof systems:
- Ice and water shield extent (IRC R905.1.2 requires 24″ inside warm-wall line)
- Drip edge presence at eaves and rakes (IRC R905.2.8.5)
- Underlayment type
- Nailing pattern visible at edges
- Ventilation NFA ratio
These notes matter for insurance claim supplements (carriers often skip code-required items in initial scopes; we use this documentation to ask for supplements).
Section 6 – Recommended scope of work
Based on the findings, we recommend one of:
- No action required – roof is in good condition with normal age-appropriate wear
- Maintenance items – minor work (single pipe boot, isolated flashing, sealant) without urgency
- Targeted repair – specific items needing professional repair within 6-12 months
- Urgent repair – active leak or imminent failure
- Full replacement recommended – roof has reached end of life or storm damage warrants replacement
The recommendation is honest. If the roof is fine, we say so. If it needs a $400 repair, we don’t push replacement.
Section 7 – Itemized estimate (if work is recommended)
For any recommended work, the estimate includes:
- Line items by component (material + labor)
- Shingle brand and product specified
- Underlayment and ice barrier specifications
- Flashing scope
- Decking replacement allowance
- Permit handling
- Workmanship warranty terms
- Manufacturer warranty tier
- Total price
The estimate is valid for 60 days and is binding on the items quoted (decking replacement beyond the allowance is itemized separately as it can only be assessed during tear-off).
How to use the report
The PDF is yours. Common uses:
- Insurance claim documentation – attach to your claim filing as evidence of storm damage
- Second-opinion comparison – share with another contractor for an apples-to-apples quote comparison
- Pre-sale records – provide to a home inspector or buyer to document roof condition
- Personal records – file with home maintenance records for future reference
Schedule yours at /free-inspection/ or call (618) 304-7094.
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No-pressure, written estimate. Family-owned. IL-licensed. Serving Godfrey and the Riverbend.

