Common questions

Our inspections cover the full exterior: roof surface, shingles, ridge, valleys, and flashing; siding and exterior cladding; gutters and downspouts; windows, skylights, and chimneys. We use drone aerial photography where needed. When applicable, we use thermal imaging equipment on interior ceilings and walls to detect hidden moisture. When attic access is available, we note visible staining on the roof deck. Findings are walked through with you at the inspection.

Sentry Property Inspections has 10 years of residential and commercial inspection experience (2012–2022) and held a home inspector license during that period. Sentry Property Inspections is a storm damage inspection service — not a licensed home inspection service. Our inspections are non-invasive assessments of observable storm-related conditions and do not substitute for a full home inspection, 4-point inspection, or engineering assessment. If Our lead inspector notices something outside the storm damage scope, he may share it verbally as personal opinion — not as a warranted inspection finding.

No. We walk through findings with you at the inspection. For HOAs, property managers, and commercial clients, a formal written condition report is available and priced separately. For residential homeowners, findings are presented at the inspection. Photos remain our property.

Yes. Our inspectors hold FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification (Certificate #), enabling legal commercial drone operation for aerial inspection. Drone use is subject to local airspace restrictions and weather conditions.

Yes. We use thermal imaging equipment on interior ceilings and walls to detect moisture that isn't yet visible — particularly effective after rain events. Thermal imaging helps catch water intrusion before it becomes visible as staining or damage. We are not using thermal imaging in attics, though we note visible staining on the roof deck when attic access is available.

Yes — siding is one of the three primary systems we inspect, alongside the roof and gutters. Hail and wind leave distinctive impact patterns, fracture lines, and oxidation breaks on siding that are easy to miss without a trained eye. Siding damage is among the most commonly overlooked and most commonly denied — and among the most reversible when properly documented.

Yes — we require that all decision-makers be present at the inspection. We walk you through findings in real time. The inspection has the most value when the people who need to make decisions are present. Attic access also requires someone present.

We respond to all inspection requests within 4 business hours. After storm events, slots fill quickly — early requests get priority scheduling.

If you have filed a claim, have your claim number and any denial letter available. If the insurance company has already sent an adjuster, have their estimate on hand — we will review it for completeness and whether they wrote for repair versus full replacement. Attic access should be available. All decision-makers should plan to attend.

We prefer dry conditions for roof inspection. Wet roofs are a safety hazard and can obscure damage indicators. We will reschedule if conditions prevent a safe and accurate inspection.

No. We are an independent storm damage inspection service. We do not negotiate claims, represent you in insurance disputes, or interpret policy language. When damage is found and you choose to move forward, we refer you to vetted specialists who handle the claim management and restoration process.

Yes. We offer independent second-opinion inspections for denied or disputed claims. We inspect the property, review the carrier's findings, and assess whether the denial can be challenged. If we believe the claim can be reopened, we handle the process — we don't just hand you a report and send you on your way.

No. We are property inspectors — not public adjusters or attorneys. We document what we observe and walk you through the findings. If we determine the claim can be reopened, we refer you to vetted specialists who handle the negotiation.

That is your decision. An inspection can inform it. For homeowners who haven't had their insurance inspection yet — you deserve someone in your corner during that process. Insurance representatives occasionally make mistakes. We help ensure the findings are complete.

Yes. When damage is identified and you choose to proceed, we refer you to vetted exterior contractors and restoration specialists who handle the repair process and work through the insurance claim with you.

Sentry Property Inspections worked as a residential and commercial inspector from 2012 to 2022, holding a home inspector license during that period. From 2013 to 2020, he worked directly for an insurance carrier — evaluating properties from the carrier's perspective and observing how damage is assessed, documented, and disputed. Since 2022, he has worked storm restoration full-time, developing field protocols for hail and wind damage documentation across Midwest storm events.

Our inspectors have been conducting hail damage inspections since September 2023, following a significant hail event that produced large-diameter hail across the Midwest. The field protocols developed during that response — systematic damage documentation, directional pattern analysis, and collateral indicator inspection — are now applied to every Chicagoland inspection.

Yes. Our inspectors hold FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification (Certificate #). This is a federal certification for commercial drone operation, not a recreational permit. It enables legal flight for inspection purposes, subject to airspace requirements.

Initial storm damage inspections for residential homeowners are complimentary. Our interest is in qualifying properties where we can make a difference. Commercial condition reports are priced based on scope — discussed during scheduling.

We primarily serve DuPage County and Cook County, with coverage across Chicagoland including Kane, Will, McHenry, and Lake Counties. Call us if you are unsure whether we cover your area.

No. Our inspections are not available to support a pre-existing public adjuster or attorney relationship. If you already have representation in place, this inspection is not the right fit.

Home inspectors conduct broad inspections under time pressure — they are not typically equipped for dedicated storm damage assessment of roof, siding, and gutters. Sentry provides a focused, in-depth storm damage inspection that complements a full home inspection. We are not a replacement for it.

No. Property owner authorization is required. A listing or buyer's agent can facilitate the conversation — but the property owner must explicitly authorize the inspection before we schedule.