I've done both drone and ladder checks, and honestly... drones are fun but way overrated for this. You can't beat actually getting up there and poking around. Found cracked flashing last spring that the drone totally missed—saved me from a nasty leak later.
Totally agree about drones being a bit overrated for detailed roof inspections. Sure, they're fantastic for quick overviews or checking out areas that are tough to access safely, but when it comes down to spotting subtle issues—like cracked flashing or tiny nail pops—you really can't beat getting up close and personal.
Funny story, I had a homeowner last summer who proudly showed me drone footage of his "perfectly fine" roof. It looked great from the drone's perspective, but when I climbed up there myself, I found a whole section of shingles that were barely hanging on—totally invisible from above. Turns out the previous installer had skimped on nails, and the shingles were just waiting for a strong gust of wind to fly off and cause some serious headaches.
Drones also tend to miss those little clues you pick up by feel or sound. I've caught soft spots in decking just by stepping carefully around the roof. You know that sinking feeling underfoot? Yeah, drones don't exactly have feet (yet...), so they're not catching that until it's way too late.
Don't get me wrong, drones have their place—especially for steep pitches or multi-story buildings where safety is a big concern. But for thoroughness and peace of mind, nothing beats a good old-fashioned ladder climb and hands-on inspection. Plus, there's something oddly satisfying about poking around up there yourself and finding issues before they become wallet-draining disasters.
"Drones also tend to miss those little clues you pick up by feel or sound."
Fair point, but I wouldn't dismiss drones quite that quickly. I've actually caught storm damage on a roof with a drone that wasn't visible from the ladder—like hail dents on metal flashing tucked behind chimneys or vents. Sure, they're not perfect for everything, but combining drone footage with hands-on checks can really boost accuracy. Best of both worlds, right? Plus, homeowners seem to appreciate having visual proof when dealing with insurance adjusters...
I see your point about drones being helpful, especially with insurance claims. Last year, I had a similar experience—my inspector initially missed some loose shingles because they looked fine from the ground. But when he flew a drone over, we spotted clear signs of wind damage tucked behind the chimney. Combining both methods definitely seems like the way to go; it saved me from bigger repair bills down the line...and kept my budget intact.
That's great to hear—it's always reassuring when preventive measures actually pay off. Had a similar situation myself, and investing a bit upfront definitely beats the stress (and cost) of emergency repairs later on. Glad it worked out well for you!
