I’m with you on checking after storms, even if it feels a little paranoid. Last spring, I climbed up after a windstorm just to clear branches, and ended up spotting a seam that had started peeling back—no leaks yet, but it would’ve been a mess if I’d waited. It’s easy to forget about those “invisible” problems until water’s dripping onto your desk. I’d rather catch it early, even if the neighbors think I’m a little roof-obsessed.
I get the urge to check right after storms, but honestly, sometimes that’s when it’s most dangerous—wet shingles, loose debris, all that. I usually recommend a set schedule, like twice a year, and then only a quick visual check from the ground post-storm. It’s easy to miss small stuff if you’re rushing up there while everything’s still slippery.
- Not sure I buy the “twice a year is enough” thing, especially in places with wild weather swings.
- Seen plenty of roofs where folks stuck to a schedule, but missed stuff that got worse fast after a storm.
- Wet shingles are sketchy, yeah, but waiting too long can mean small leaks turn into big repairs.
- I usually tell people: visual check from the ground is fine, but if you spot anything weird (missing shingles, sagging, debris piles), get someone up there sooner.
- Insurance adjusters love to blame “delayed maintenance” if you wait too long after a storm.
Curious—anyone actually had luck with those drone flyovers for post-storm checks? I’ve seen mixed results, but maybe tech’s catching up?
I’m a little skeptical about relying on drones for every post-storm check. I’ve seen some cool footage, but unless the operator knows what to look for, you can miss things like lifted flashing or tiny punctures—stuff that’s obvious up close but invisible from above. Drones are great for spotting big problems (like missing shingles or tree limbs), but I still trust a ladder and a flashlight when it comes to the nitty gritty. Plus, nothing beats poking at questionable spots with a screwdriver... except maybe not falling off the roof.
I get where you’re coming from. When I bought my place last year, I thought drones sounded like the future—super cool, right? But after the first big storm, I tried to check things out myself and realized how much you can miss from up high. I found a tiny puncture near a vent that was letting in water, and it was basically invisible unless you were right there poking around. The drone footage looked perfect.
Honestly, I’m not the biggest fan of heights, but I ended up on the roof with my phone’s flashlight anyway. My neighbor’s got a drone and swears by it for his barn roof, but he also admits he still walks it every spring. Maybe drones are good for a quick look after a storm, but I don’t think they’re a replacement for getting your hands dirty—at least not yet. I’d rather deal with a few nerves on a ladder than find out about a leak when there’s water dripping into my living room...