Insurance companies can be super picky about photos, honestly. I’ve seen some accept drone shots if they’re clear and show the whole area of damage, but others want close-ups or even a pro’s report. It’s kind of a toss-up—one neighbor here in Ohio had to get a roofer to climb up and take pics after a hailstorm, even though his drone footage showed the dents pretty well. Guess it depends who’s on the other end of the claim.
As for catching leaks, that’s the tough part. Drones are awesome for spotting missing shingles, big gaps, or tree damage, but they’re not magic. Stuff like cracked flashing or tiny nail pops can hide unless you’re right up there. I usually tell folks: if your ceilings are dry and you don’t see stains, you’re probably OK for now, but it’s still smart to do a closer check every couple years, especially after a big storm. I’ve seen folks ignore tiny issues and end up with a mess inside, so a little paranoia isn’t a bad thing... but I get not wanting to risk your neck on a steep roof, either.
I get what you mean about drones not catching everything, but I’ve actually seen them pick up more than folks expect—especially if you zoom in and take a bunch of angles. Sometimes you can spot weird shadows or lines that hint at lifted shingles or even flashing issues. Not saying it replaces getting up there, but for anyone who’s not comfortable on a ladder (or just hates heights like me), it’s better than nothing. Still, if you’re seeing water spots inside, that’s your sign to call someone for a real close-up look.
Not saying it replaces getting up there, but for anyone who’s not comfortable on a ladder (or just hates heights like me), it’s better than nothing.
That’s exactly why I started using a drone too—my knees just aren’t made for climbing anymore. Have you ever had the drone miss something important, though? I caught a small patch of moss in the corner that didn’t look like much from above, but when I finally got someone up there, it turned out to be hiding some rotten decking. Wondering if folks have tips for spotting those less obvious issues with just aerial shots?
I caught a small patch of moss in the corner that didn’t look like much from above, but when I finally got someone up there, it turned out to be hiding some rotten decking.
That’s a classic one—moss and lichen can really mask trouble spots. Drones are great for the big picture, but yeah, they can miss those sneaky details. I always tell folks to zoom in as much as possible and check the edges and valleys closely. Sometimes shadows or glare hide stuff too... nothing beats an actual set of eyes up close, but you’re right, drones are a solid backup if climbing’s not an option.
nothing beats an actual set of eyes up close, but you’re right, drones are a solid backup if climbing’s not an option.
I get the appeal of drones, but honestly, I’m not convinced they’re worth the extra cost unless you’ve got a really steep or huge roof. For my place (just a regular ranch with asphalt shingles), I found that a decent ladder and a careful walk-around did the trick—plus, I could poke at anything that looked off. I guess it depends on comfort level and budget, but sometimes the tech feels like overkill for smaller jobs.
