I used to climb up there myself, but after one too many close calls on a wet morning, I figured tech could do the heavy lifting.
That line hit home for me. I used to be all about doing it the “old-fashioned way”—ladder, boots, and a prayer. But after slipping on some mossy shingles last spring (and nearly taking out my neighbor’s birdbath on the way down), I started rethinking things. Haven’t gone the drone route yet, but I did invest in one of those extendable inspection cameras. Not quite as slick as a drone, but it’s saved me a few sketchy climbs.
I’m with you on the insurance thing too. Mine’s pretty vague—just says “keep it maintained.” Never had to show proof, but I’ve got a folder stuffed with photos and receipts from when I patched up after that hailstorm two years ago. My cousin actually got burned by his insurance company after a leak—they wanted proof he’d been keeping up with maintenance, and he had nothing. Ever since then, I snap a few pics every time I’m up there or have someone out.
One thing I’ve noticed: the more I document, the less stressed I am when storms roll through. Used to be I’d worry about every little drip or stain in the ceiling. Now, at least I know what’s “normal” wear and what’s new damage.
I do quarterly checks too, but sometimes I wonder if that’s overkill. My neighbor only does it twice a year and his roof looks fine (though he’s got metal panels—totally different beast). For me, with old asphalt shingles and a bunch of trees overhead, it feels like every season brings something new to deal with... branches, moss, you name it.
Anyway, drones sound tempting. Maybe next year’s gadget budget will go toward one—beats risking another trip to urgent care just for a better look at the flashing behind my chimney.
Quarterly checks might sound like a lot, but honestly, I’ve seen plenty of roofs where “twice a year” just isn’t enough—especially with trees overhead. All that debris and shade can really speed up moss and algae growth, and it’s wild how fast a small branch can turn into a big leak if it gets wedged under a shingle. That said, I get why folks scale back. Not everyone’s got the time or energy to be up there every few months, and metal roofs are definitely less needy.
I will say, those extendable cameras are pretty underrated. Drones are cool, but sometimes you just want to poke around a specific spot without dealing with batteries or wind. Plus, you don’t have to worry about spooking the neighbors.
One thing I’d push back on a bit: even with all the photos and receipts, insurance companies can still get picky. I’ve seen them ask for “professional” inspections after a claim, so it’s worth having a pro up there once in a while, just to cover your bases. Not saying DIY isn’t good—it’s just that insurance folks love their paperwork...
even with all the photos and receipts, insurance companies can still get picky.
That’s spot on—insurance adjusters almost always want a third-party report, especially after a storm. Curious if anyone’s had luck with insurance accepting drone footage as part of their claim documentation? I’ve seen mixed results depending on the carrier.
I’ve actually seen drone footage help push a claim through, but only when it’s paired with a proper inspection report. Some carriers seem to treat drone photos as supplemental, not a replacement for boots-on-the-roof evidence. It’s a bit frustrating, since drones can capture angles we can’t always reach safely. Still, I wouldn’t rely on drone footage alone—most adjusters I’ve dealt with want that third-party assessment, especially after hail or wind events. Maybe that’ll change as tech gets better, but for now, it feels like just one piece of the puzzle.
Yeah, I’ve noticed the same thing—drone shots look cool and all, but most of the time they just end up as “bonus material” in the inspection folder. I get why insurance folks want someone actually up there poking around, though. Drones can’t peel back a shingle or spot those soft spots you only feel when you step on ‘em.
Had a job last fall after a nasty hailstorm, and the owner was convinced his drone footage would be enough for the claim. Adjuster still wanted us to do a full walk-through and take close-ups of every dent and crack. Honestly, I kinda respect it… tech is awesome, but there’s stuff you just can’t see from 50 feet up.
Maybe in a few years drones will have some crazy sensors or something, but for now? Still gotta get your hands (and boots) dirty if you want the insurance money to come through.