I’m curious—does anyone actually trust drones for spotting stuff around chimneys or tight corners?
Honestly, I don’t. Drones are cool for a quick look, but I’ve found they miss little things, especially near vents or where the roof changes angle. My place has a steep pitch too, and every time I’m up there, I wonder if I’m being smart or just stubborn. Anyone else notice drones can’t really see under flashing or catch those tiny cracks?
- I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had some luck with drones, especially after storms.
- They’re not perfect—tight corners and under flashing are tricky, no doubt.
- But for big-picture stuff like missing shingles or pooling water, they save me a ton of time (and ladder climbs).
- Still, nothing beats getting up close for the details. I usually do both: drone first, then a hands-on check if something looks off.
- On steep roofs, though, I’d rather risk missing a tiny crack than risk my neck every season... just saying.
- I’m still not totally sold on drones, but I get the appeal for catching obvious stuff.
- My place has a low-ish pitch, so I can get up there if I need to (though I’d rather not).
- Had a guy use a drone after a hailstorm last spring—he missed a cracked vent boot that ended up leaking.
- Do you trust drone pics enough for insurance claims, or do adjusters still want to see it in person?
- Curious how folks are handling this if your roof’s got lots of nooks and crannies...
Had a guy use a drone after a hailstorm last spring—he missed a cracked vent boot that ended up leaking.
Same here, actually. Drones are cool for the big stuff, but they don’t always catch the little details. I’ve got a bunch of valleys and dormers, so I still end up crawling around with a flashlight after storms. Insurance adjuster wanted pics plus an in-person look last time, so I wouldn’t trust drone shots alone if you’re filing a claim.
That’s a common issue with drone inspections—great for spotting missing shingles or big dents, but they just can’t pick up on things like a cracked boot or a loose flashing tucked under a dormer. I’ve seen plenty of leaks start from spots you’d never notice unless you’re right up there, especially around valleys. Curious if anyone’s had luck with thermal imaging or other tech for those smaller issues? Drones are handy, but I still trust my own eyes (and hands) more for the tricky stuff.
