Had something similar happen a few months back—drone shots looked pristine, but once I got up there, shingles were practically crumbling underfoot. Makes you wonder, are drones really saving us time or just adding an extra step?
Had a drone inspection last year myself—pics made my roof look like it belonged in Architectural Digest. Climbed up there and nearly fell through a soft spot... drones might be great photographers, but they're terrible liars.
"drones might be great photographers, but they're terrible liars."
Haha, true enough... but honestly, drones have saved me from climbing sketchy ladders more times than I can count. They're not perfect, but paired with a good inspector, they're pretty handy.
Totally agree with you there. Drones are a great first step, especially for initial assessments or tricky spots. But honestly, they're just the start. I've found that pairing drone imagery with hands-on checks—like physically verifying flashing details or shingle integrity—really gives you the full picture. Photos are good, but sometimes you've gotta get up close to catch those subtle problems that drones might miss... especially if you're dealing with older roofs or hidden issues.
Good points, but I'd say drones can sometimes spot stuff that's super easy to miss even up close. Had a job last month where the drone picked up a sagging ridge line that we totally overlooked during the initial walk-around. Sure, physical checks are crucial for flashing and shingles, but aerial views can highlight structural issues or patterns you just can't see from the roof surface. It's all about balance, I guess—each method fills in gaps the other leaves behind.