That’s a smart move using a drone, especially with a steep roof—those pitches can be unforgiving. I’ve seen plenty of “intact” roofs after hurricanes that actually had wind-driven water intrusion or shingle tabs barely hanging on. Sometimes the underlayment gets compromised and you won’t know until months later when leaks show up. Even if everything looks fine from above, I always recommend checking attic spaces for damp spots or staining after a big storm. Hidden damage is more common than people think, especially with older shingles or if the installation wasn’t perfect to begin with.
- Totally agree about the attic check—learned that the hard way. My roof looked fine after a storm last year, but found a nice little water stain in the guest room closet a month later.
- Drone’s great for spotting missing shingles, but yeah, it won’t catch what’s going on underneath.
- I’m in Florida, so I just assume every “intact” roof is hiding something... keeps me humble (and busy with the flashlight).
- If your shingles are older, even a “good” install can start letting water sneak in.
- Not sure if it’s luck or just the roof gods being generous this time.
Luck might play a part, but honestly, I think it comes down to knowing your roof’s actual condition before the storm hits. I’ve seen plenty of “intact” roofs that look fine from the outside, even after a hurricane, but once you poke around in the attic or check the decking from inside, you’ll spot issues that drones and street-level glances just won’t catch. I get the flashlight routine—been there more times than I’d like.
Here’s where I’ll push back a bit: sometimes it’s not just about age or installation. I’ve inspected newer roofs where wind-driven rain found its way in through vents or flashing that wasn’t sealed right. It’s not always shingles letting you down. Plus, some of those “lucky” roofs only seem okay until the next big rain comes through and exposes the weak spots.
I’d say regular attic checks after any big storm are just as important as the drone flyovers. Even if you don’t see anything obvious, sometimes that musty smell or a tiny stain is your only warning sign before things get expensive.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’d argue even regular attic checks can miss stuff, especially if you’ve got spray foam insulation or a complicated roofline. Sometimes water travels in weird ways and pops up far from the entry point. I’ve seen folks swear their roof was fine, only to find rot months later in a spot they never thought to look. Visual checks help, but moisture meters and thermal cameras can catch things your nose or eyes won’t. Just my two cents—sometimes you need more than a flashlight and a sniff test.
That’s a fair point about spray foam and tricky rooflines—water can sneak around in ways you’d never expect. I’ve seen cases where folks had a “perfect” inspection after a storm, but a year later, mold was blooming behind the foam. Visual checks are only part of the story, especially with modern insulation hiding so much. I’m a big believer in using moisture meters and thermal imaging, but honestly, not many homeowners have access to that stuff or even know how to use it right.
I’m curious if anyone’s tried installing a vented “cold roof” system or green roof layers as part of their hurricane-proofing? I’ve noticed those setups can help with both leak detection and long-term moisture control, since they add another drainage plane and make it easier to spot trouble before it gets out of hand. It’s more upfront work, but seems like it could save headaches down the line—especially in places where storms are just getting nastier every year. Anyone had luck with that kind of approach, or is it overkill for most homes?
