I've actually done this a few times, and honestly, combining drone footage with manual inspection pics is the way to go. Adjusters love clear evidence, and drones give you that big-picture perspective they can't argue with. But close-up manual shots seal the deal—especially if you're dealing with tricky damage spots or subtle issues drones might miss. Insurance companies can be picky, but if you cover all your bases upfront, it saves headaches later. You're definitely on the right track here.
Had a similar experience recently—drone footage was impressive, but the adjuster still questioned a few subtle shingle issues. Manual close-ups clarified everything. Definitely worth the extra effort upfront to avoid back-and-forth later...especially when you're watching every penny.
Drone footage is definitely impressive, but honestly, I've found it can sometimes complicate things more than simplify them. Adjusters often get hung up on minor details that look questionable from above but are perfectly fine when you check them manually. Had a client recently whose drone shots made the roof look worse than it actually was—ended up causing unnecessary stress and delays. A good old-fashioned close-up inspection cleared it right up.
Also, relying too heavily on tech can sometimes overshadow the bigger picture—like considering sustainable materials or long-term durability over minor cosmetic issues. Don't get me wrong, drones have their place, especially for tricky roofs, but nothing beats getting up there and seeing things firsthand.
- Agreed, drones can definitely exaggerate minor issues—had a similar experience where shadows made shingles look lifted when they weren't.
- Still, they're handy for steep or slippery roofs where manual checks get dicey.
- Curious though, has anyone found a good balance between drone inspections and hands-on checks without doubling the workload? Seems tricky to nail down...
I've been experimenting with this lately and found a decent workflow—though it's not perfect yet. First, I do a quick drone sweep to spot obvious red flags or tricky areas. Then, based on that footage, I pinpoint specific spots for a hands-on check. Saves me from climbing all over unnecessarily, but still covers the critical areas thoroughly. Wondering if anyone's tried using thermal imaging drones yet...heard they can spot moisture issues under shingles before they're visible?
