Illinois roofing: permits, codes and approvals

IDFPR limited and unlimited roofing licenses, the Home Repair and Remodeling Act brochure and contract rules, insurance-claim cancellation and storm-repair limits, city re-roof permits, and mechanics lien deadlines.

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1 · Product approvals

Product approvals

Illinois has no statewide roofing product approval system. Local building officials rely on the code's labeling requirements and evaluation reports (ICC-ES, UL, FM). Chicago adds its own solar reflectance rules for roofs (Chicago Building Code Section 1515).

Chicago roof solar reflectance (Section 1515)Chicago's reroofing permit terms say tear-off replacements must meet Chicago Building Code Chapter 15, including the Section 1515 solar reflectance rules, plus insulation under the Chicago Energy Transformation Code.Code evaluation reports (ICC-ES, UL, IAPMO): 48 roofing reports

2 · Permit forms

City re-roof permits

No statewide re-roof permit rule; each city or county decides. Many Illinois cities ask for the roofer's state license number on the permit, and permit offices must record it.

ChicagoReroofing needs a permit (Express Permit Program terms); a recover isn't allowed over 2 or more existing layers without an accepted structural report, repairs are capped at 25% of roof area, and a state-licensed roofer must do the work.AuroraRoofing work needs a city roofing permit with a copy of the contract and a Ventilation Calculation Worksheet for each attic; roofing contractors must also register with the City of Aurora and carry liability and workers' comp coverage.NapervilleNo permit is needed to replace an asphalt shingle roof on a single-family home if the existing sheathing stays in place; metal, wood, slate or membrane roofs do need a permit, and the roofer must hold an Illinois license.JolietAll roof work needs a city permit, and the city only permits full-slope replacement of shingle roofs; patching a slope with mixed new and old shingles isn't permitted, and ice and water shield is required at eaves and valleys.RockfordThe roofing permit application covers tear-off, re-roof, repair, overlay and sheeting replacement on one- and two-family homes; it asks for the state roofing license number (or an affidavit if exempt) and residential jobs get a final inspection.

3 · Code rules

Code rules

Since January 1, 2025 (Public Act 103-0510), local codes must be at least as stringent as the IRC for residential structural design; where there's no local code, the current or immediately preceding IRC applies. The Illinois Energy Conservation Code applies statewide. Official adoption page ↗

Local codes must report to the CDBCities and counties that adopt or amend a building code must tell the Capital Development Board the code title and edition at least 30 days before it takes effect.Default residential code (815 ILCS 670)Where the builder and buyer don't agree on a code and there is no local code, the current edition of the International Residential Code applies by law.Illinois Energy Conservation CodeThe state energy code (20 ILCS 3125) applies to residential buildings whether or not the town has its own building code.

4 · Wind, fire and storm programs

Wind, fire and storm programs

No state FORTIFIED grant or roof insurance-discount mandate was found. The main storm rules are in the Home Repair and Remodeling Act's damaging-weather section, which limits what contractors can do on insurance jobs.

Repairs after damaging weather (815 ILCS 513/18)Contractors can't act as public adjusters, file claims for homeowners, or climb a roof to inspect without express permission. They can't take pay for letting an out-of-area contractor use their name or license.No deductible rebatesContractors may not advertise or promise to pay or rebate any part of an insurance deductible, including through discounts or allowances. Roofing contracts paid by insurance must say this in writing.

5 · License and insurance

License and insurance

Yes. Illinois licenses roofing contractors through IDFPR under the Roofing Industry Licensing Act. A limited license covers residential work; an unlimited license covers residential, commercial and industrial.

Limited vs. unlimited roofing licenseLimited covers residential roofing, including residential buildings of 8 units or fewer. Unlimited covers residential, commercial and industrial roofing. Licenses expire December 31 of odd-numbered years; the application fee is $125.Qualifying party examEach licensee names one qualifying party who supervises the roofing work and must pass the residential exam (limited) or the residential, commercial and industrial exam (unlimited). Without an active qualifying party the license is inoperable.Bond: $10,000 limited / $25,000 unlimitedA continuous bond from an Illinois-licensed surety is required. If the bond lapses and no new one is filed, the license is canceled on the bond's end date.InsuranceLiability of at least $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $250,000 for property damage, proven on IDFPR's RF-INS form; workers' comp and unemployment insurance if you have employees.License number on bids, ads and trucksThe license name and number must appear on contracts, bids and advertising, and on commercial vehicles (civil penalty $250). Permit offices must record the number on roofing permits.

6 · Lien and contract forms

Lien and contract rules

Roofing contracts need a signed written contract with a 72-hour cancellation clause, the state consumer-rights brochure, and an insurance-claim cancellation notice. Contractors record a lien within 4 months of completion to protect it against third parties.

Roofing contract contents (225 ILCS 335/5.5)Before work starts, give a written contract signed by both sides with scope, materials, dates, costs, full contact info and your surety and liability insurer. It must let the owner cancel within 72 hours for a full deposit refund.Consumer rights brochure (815 ILCS 513/20)Give every customer the "Home Repair: Know Your Consumer Rights" pamphlet. For jobs over $1,000, hand it over before the contract is signed and get the signed Consumer Rights Acknowledgment Form.Written contract over $1,000 (815 ILCS 513/15)Home repair work over $1,000 needs a signed written contract or work order showing total cost, itemized parts and materials, any estimate charge, and the business name and address.Insurance-claim cancellation (815 ILCS 513/18)On jobs paid by insurance, the owner can cancel until midnight of the earlier of 5 business days after a claim denial or 30 business days after the insurer gets proof of loss. The contract needs a bold notice and a detachable cancellation form; refund within 10 days.Owner-occupied home notice and sworn statement (770 ILCS 60/5)Before taking the first payment on an owner-occupied single-family home, give the owner a 10-point bold notice that the contractor must provide a sworn statement of everyone supplying labor and materials.Subcontractor notice: 90 days (770 ILCS 60/24)Subcontractors and suppliers must serve written notice on the owner (and lender, if known) within 90 days after completing their work, by certified or registered mail, tracked delivery or personal service.Lien recording: 4 months (770 ILCS 60/7)Record the lien claim or sue within 4 months after completion to enforce it against other creditors and buyers. Against the owner alone, the claim can be filed within 2 years of completion.

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Public records, last checked Oct 23, 2026. Always verify on the official source before you permit.