- Agree with this:
“nothing beats poking at seams yourself. I’ve caught tiny splits that a camera never would’ve seen.”
- I’m a bit skeptical about drones for anything but obvious stuff—water pooling, big debris, etc.
- For flat roofs, I check after every major storm too. Had a leak last year that only showed up after a hailstorm, and it was right by an HVAC curb.
- Curious if anyone’s had luck with thermal cameras? Worth the investment or just another gadget?
- Also, how do you all handle safety? Ladders make me nervous on icy mornings...
I get where you’re coming from about drones, but I’ve actually seen them pick up on stuff I’d probably miss from the ladder—like subtle dips or areas where the gravel’s thinning out. Not saying they replace hands-on checks, but they can give you a different perspective, especially on bigger roofs. As for thermal cameras, I’ve only used one once, and it did highlight a wet patch under the membrane that wasn’t visible yet. Still, they’re pricey and not always spot-on if the weather’s weird. Ladders on icy mornings? Honestly, I just wait it out... not worth risking a fall.
Waiting out icy mornings is just smart—no job’s worth a busted leg. I’ve noticed the same thing with drones, actually. Sometimes they’ll spot a patchy area I’d never catch from the edge, especially on those big flat roofs where everything looks the same from up close. Do you find thermal cameras are worth it for regular checks, or more of a “when you suspect trouble” kind of tool? I’ve only borrowed one once and wasn’t sure if it was overkill for routine stuff.
Do you find thermal cameras are worth it for regular checks, or more of a “when you suspect trouble” kind of tool?
Honestly, I lean toward using thermal only when there’s a reason—like after a big storm or if you’ve already noticed leaks or weird spots. For routine checks, drones with a good camera do the trick most of the time. Thermal’s great for finding hidden moisture, but it’s not cheap and can be overkill if you’re just doing standard maintenance. Still, borrowing one every now and then isn’t a bad idea, especially on older roofs.
I actually think thermal imaging can be worth it for routine checks, especially if you’re dealing with a flat roof or a building with a history of hidden leaks. Visual inspections and drones are great, but sometimes you just can’t spot trapped moisture or insulation issues until it’s already a problem. I’ve caught early-stage leaks with thermal that would’ve gone unnoticed for months otherwise... It’s pricey, yeah, but sometimes the cost of missing something is higher.