Totally get where you’re coming from—photos just don’t cut it for showing off the finer details, especially with drainage layers or insulation. I’ve run into the same thing trying to document the pitch of my roof for a permit review. Even with a level in the shot, the inspector still wanted to “see it in real life.” Shadows, weird angles, and my phone’s not-so-great camera definitely didn’t help.
Honestly, I’ve started using photos mostly as a heads-up for obvious stuff (like, “here’s where the access hatch is,” or “see this big patch I repaired”), but for anything nuanced? In-person walkthroughs are just less frustrating. There’s something about being able to point at something and say, “Nope, that’s not pooling—that’s just bad lighting.”
If you ever figure out how to capture slope and texture accurately with a phone, let us know... until then, I’m sticking with old-school site visits for anything tricky.
Yeah, I hear you—photos just don’t cut it for showing subtle stuff like membrane seams or the way insulation’s layered. I’ve had inspectors squint at my pics and still insist on climbing up there themselves. Sometimes I’ll use a short video, but even then, shadows mess with the perspective. For anything that’s not super obvious, I just plan on a walkthrough. It’s less hassle than arguing over a blurry phone pic.
For anything that’s not super obvious, I just plan on a walkthrough. It’s less hassle than arguing over a blurry phone pic.
I get the urge to just do the walkthrough, but I’ve actually had some luck with using a flashlight or even a cheap work light to cut down on those shadow problems in videos. Not perfect, but it saved me from having to take time off work for an extra inspection. Maybe not worth it every time, but if you’re on a tight schedule or budget, it can help.
I’ve actually had some luck with using a flashlight or even a cheap work light to cut down on those shadow problems in videos.
Yeah, I’ve done the “work light taped to a broom handle” trick a couple times. Inspectors still grumble, but it beats them saying “can’t see, come back next week.” Not perfect, but if the roof’s tough to access, it’s worth a shot.
I’ve tried the broom handle trick too, but honestly, half the time I’m just hoping the light doesn’t fall mid-video. Some inspectors are pickier than others—one guy wanted me to redo a whole walk-through because of a single shadow on a vent boot. Out of curiosity, has anyone managed to get decent footage on a steep pitch without hauling up extra gear? I always feel like I’m one gust away from losing my phone...
