How often do you actually get your business roof checked?

Drones are handy, no doubt, but I’ve seen them miss stuff too - especially when it comes to things like soft spots or loose flashing. Sometimes a camera just can’t catch what you’d feel underfoot or spot up close. I get the appeal of not climbing up there (I’ve seen my share of close calls), but for bigger roofs or older buildings, I still recommend a hands-on check every so often. The peace of mind’s worth it, especially after a rough winter.

Had a job last fall where the drone pics looked fine, but when we actually got up there, you could feel the spongy spots right away - no way a camera would’ve caught that. I get why folks like using drones, especially for those steep or sketchy roofs, but there’s just stuff you can’t see unless you’re right on it. After a rough winter, I’d rather spend the extra time checking things out in person than risk missing something small that turns into a big headache later.

That’s spot on - there’s just no substitute for actually getting up there and poking around. I’ve seen drone shots miss soft decking or hidden moisture issues more than once. Out of curiosity, do you usually check for things like loose flashing or popped nails while you’re up there? I find those little details get overlooked unless you’re hands-on. Drones are great for a quick look, but after a rough winter, I’d rather trust my boots and a good old-fashioned tap test.

- 100% agree, drones just don’t catch the small stuff.
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“I’d rather trust my boots and a good old-fashioned tap test.”

Same here - nothing beats actually feeling for soft spots or loose shingles.
- I always check flashing and nails, plus look for cracked sealant.
- After last winter, found a popped nail that would’ve been a leak by spring.
- Drones are cool, but for what I pay in repairs, I’d rather spend an hour up there myself.

“I’d rather trust my boots and a good old-fashioned tap test.”

That’s pretty much how I was taught, too. I get why drones are getting popular - boss keeps talking about investing in one for “efficiency” - but honestly, I’ve seen them miss stuff you’d spot right away if you’re actually up there. Last fall, we did a job on a flat TPO roof, and the drone footage looked fine. But when we got up there, you could feel the insulation was spongy in a couple spots, and there was a tiny split along the seam that you’d never see from above. Would’ve turned into a real headache if we hadn’t caught it.

I’m still learning, but I’ve noticed the little things make the biggest difference. Like, after a big freeze, I always check around the vents and flashing for cracked caulk or popped nails. Found a loose fastener last winter that was just starting to rust - easy fix, but if it’d gone another season, probably would’ve meant water in the ceiling tiles.

I get the appeal of tech, but for me, nothing beats actually being up there, especially after a storm or heavy snow. I’m in the Midwest, so we get wild temperature swings, and that seems to mess with the sealant and nails more than anything. I try to check the shop roof every spring and fall, plus after any big windstorm. Takes maybe an hour, but it’s saved us a lot of hassle.

Not saying drones are useless - they’re great for steep pitches or big commercial jobs where you can’t walk everywhere. But for most places, I’d rather trust my own eyes and hands. Maybe I’ll change my mind if the tech gets better, but for now, I’m sticking with the old-school way.