Stephen Oberg — Free Roof Inspection

Hi, I'm Stephen Oberg

I live right here in the Belvidere area, and I'm a general contractor with Apex General Contracting (powered by RaftrX), based in South Beloit — we do roofs, siding, and gutters. My job is simple: check your roof for free, show you photos of exactly what I find, and explain what it means in plain English.

Storm damage is sneaky. One hailstorm can bruise and crack shingles on most homes in a neighborhood, and most of those homeowners never find out — from the ground, the roof looks fine. Hail knocks loose the granules that shield the shingle, so the roof ages faster. Wind gets under shingle edges, lifts and creases them, and breaks the seal that keeps water out. And an older roof that's already wearing thin takes all of it harder. None of it leaks right away — it just adds up, quietly, until it does.

We focus on full replacements, not patch jobs — done once, done right. If your roof is fine, I'll tell you it's fine and you'll have the pictures to prove it.

No pressure, no scare tactics. I'm knocking on doors in my own community — I'd rather earn a recommendation than a signature.

What the inspection covers

The whole thing takes about 30 minutes, and you get the photo report either way — damage or not.

Shingle roof slope covered in scattered dark hail impact marks across the shingles — **Roof**Hail hits on shingles look like this — scattered dark bruises and scuffs where the impact knocked granules loose. Each hit quietly shortens that shingle's life, and from the ground the roof still looks fine. It's exactly why the inspection happens up on the roof, not from the driveway.

Beige gutter at the corner of a roof edge, dented in several spots by hail strikes — **Gutters**Gutters are soft metal, so hail dents them like this. Dented gutters are some of the clearest proof a storm hit your home — and they're one of the first things an adjuster looks for.

Cream-colored downspout beside vinyl siding and brick with a few small hail dents on it — **Downspouts**Hail dents on a downspout.

Standing-seam metal roof with small shallow dents scattered across the panels from hail — **Metal roofs**Metal doesn't crack like shingles, but hail still leaves its mark — small, shallow dents across the panels that catch the light at an angle. Minor-looking, but documented damage all the same.

Light vinyl siding with small holes and cracked chips punched in it by hailstones, next to a window — **Vinyl siding**Hail cracks vinyl siding and punches small holes straight through it. Left alone, those openings let water get behind the siding where you can't see it.

ShinglesHail hits, bruising, cracked mats, and granule loss — plus wind-lifted, creased, or missing shingles. Plenty of it is easy to miss from the driveway.
Flashing, vents & pipe bootsThe seals and metal work around chimneys, vents, and valleys — where most leaks actually start.
Gutters & soft metalsDented gutters, downspouts, and window caps are some of the clearest proof a storm hit your home.
SidingHail cracks and holes in your siding, photographed and documented the same way — Apex replaces siding too, so one crew can handle the whole exterior.
Photo documentationEvery issue gets photographed and marked, so you — and your insurance adjuster — can see exactly what's up there.

How it works

Book a time
Call or text me and pick a time that suits you. The inspection takes about 30 minutes, and it's best if you're home so we can look at the photos together after.
I inspect & photograph everything
I get on the roof, check every slope, and mark and photograph any storm damage I find. You keep the full photo report no matter what.
We go over the findings
Roof's in good shape? Great — you've got proof and peace of mind, and it cost you nothing. Damage that qualifies? I'll show you the photos and explain your options before you decide anything.
If you file a claim, I stay with it
I help with the claim paperwork, meet your insurance adjuster at your home to go over the damage, and once it's approved, Apex schedules the full replacement. You don't chase anyone down.

Fair questions

Is the inspection really free?

Yes — the inspection and the photo report cost you nothing, and there's no obligation to do anything with the results. If your roof turns out to be fine, that's the end of it.

Why does the timing matter?

Most insurance policies give you up to a year from the date of the storm to file a claim — after that, even real damage may not be covered. Hail damage also gets harder to prove as weather wears the marks down, so the sooner it's documented, the stronger the claim.

What if my roof is just old — no storm damage?

Then it's a retail replacement, and I handle those too. The inspection is still free: I'll give you a straight read on the roof's condition, and if it's at the end of its life, Apex can quote a full replacement — no insurance claim involved.

Do I need to be home?

It helps. Going over the photos together is where you'll actually learn the condition of your roof, and it's the best time to ask me anything. If you can't be there, I can still inspect and text you the findings.

Who does the actual roofing work?

Apex General Contracting, based in South Beloit (XYZ ROOFCO, LLC DBA Apex General Contracting). I'm your point of contact from the first knock to the finished roof.

Contact Info

Stephen ObergGeneral Contractor · Apex General Contracting · Powered by RaftrX
376 Prairie Hill Rd, Unit F, South Beloit, IL 61080

Direct line: (815) 540-8612
Email: stephen.oberg@apexgeneralcontracting.net
Office: 1-888-418-2739 · apexgeneralcontracting.net