Curious—has anyone tried using drones for their inspections? I’ve heard mixed things about image quality but it seems like a safer option for those less comfortable with heights.
I actually borrowed a buddy’s drone last fall after a nasty windstorm. It was decent for spotting missing shingles and big debris, but honestly, the camera didn’t pick up on the smaller stuff—like those hairline cracks around my vent boots. Still, way better than risking a ladder on my steep roof. Has anyone found a drone model that actually gives you enough detail to spot minor issues? Or is it just good for the obvious stuff?
- Drones are handy for a quick look, but I wouldn’t rely on them for a full inspection.
- Even the pricier models I’ve tried (DJI Mavic, Autel Evo) miss small stuff—especially if your roof’s got a lot of texture or shade.
- For insurance claims or annual checks, I still end up sending someone up there.
- Honestly, nothing beats getting eyes (and hands) on the problem spots.
- Drones are great for safety and speed, but if you want to catch leaks before they start, you’ll need a closer look.
I get where you’re coming from—drones are cool for a quick scan, but I’ve had the same issue with missing cracked tiles or tiny punctures, especially on older clay roofs. Honestly, after a hailstorm last spring, I thought the drone footage looked fine... then the roofer found three spots that needed patching. For me, I do a drone check after big storms just for peace of mind, but still have someone up there once a year. It’s not perfect, but it beats dealing with a leak in the middle of winter.
“I thought the drone footage looked fine... then the roofer found three spots that needed patching.”
That’s exactly why I’m a little skeptical about relying on drones alone. They’re great for spotting obvious stuff, but those hairline cracks or tiny punctures just don’t show up unless you’re right there. I’ve seen folks skip the annual walk-around and end up with water stains in the attic months later. Out of curiosity, do you find your insurance wants proof of regular inspections, or is that just a thing in my area?
“They’re great for spotting obvious stuff, but those hairline cracks or tiny punctures just don’t show up unless you’re right there.”
Yeah, that's been my experience too. I tried the drone thing last year—looked fine, then a few weeks later, I noticed a drip in the garage after a storm. Turns out there was a nail pop you’d never see from above. My insurance hasn’t asked for proof yet, but I keep photos and receipts just in case. Feels like overkill sometimes, but it’s better than arguing with them if something goes wrong.