Yeah, drones are great for quick overviews, but they're definitely not foolproof. Did the drone inspection include thermal imaging? Sometimes moisture or insulation issues show up clearer that way. Also, did you notice any unusual smells or humidity changes in your attic? Those subtle signs can point to hidden leaks even before visible stains appear. I've seen cases where everything looked fine visually, but the insulation underneath was already compromised... roofs can be sneaky like that.
"Sometimes moisture or insulation issues show up clearer that way."
Good point about thermal imaging—definitely agree there. Another thing I'd recommend is doing a thorough walk-through of the attic yourself after heavy rain. Grab a decent flashlight, and carefully check around vents, chimney flashing, and any roof valleys. Even tiny drips or damp insulation can hint at bigger issues down the road. Learned this the hard way when my drone inspection missed a small leak near the chimney... ended up costing a pretty penny later.
"Grab a decent flashlight, and carefully check around vents, chimney flashing, and any roof valleys."
Totally agree with this—thermal imaging is great, but nothing beats getting eyes on it yourself. I'd also say keep an eye out for moss or algae growth... sometimes that's your first clue moisture's hanging around longer than it should. Learned that lesson after ignoring some green patches that turned into a headache later.
Good tips here, especially about the moss. One thing I'd add—don't underestimate checking your attic space too. I found a tiny leak once by spotting a faint water stain on the plywood decking from inside. It hadn't even made it through to the ceiling yet, but catching it early saved me some serious cash (and headaches). Thermal imaging sounds cool, but my wallet prefers the flashlight-and-eyeballs method...
Flashlight-and-eyeballs method—I like that phrase, might have to borrow it sometime, haha. Thermal imaging definitely has its place, but you're right: it's not always wallet-friendly. Honestly, attic checks are one of the most overlooked yet effective ways to catch problems early. You'd be surprised how many people never even peek up there until water's dripping from the ceiling.
Have you checked around vent pipes or chimney flashing lately? Those are sneaky spots for leaks that don't always show up right away. Sometimes you'll see just a tiny bit of discoloration or rust around nails and think it's nothing, but that's often the first sign something's brewing underneath.
Also curious if you've noticed any condensation issues up there? Sometimes what looks like a leak is actually moisture buildup from poor ventilation—especially in winter months. I've had clients convinced they needed a whole new roof when really they just needed better airflow.
Anyway, good call on the moss too. It's surprising how much damage something so green and innocent-looking can cause over time...
