Totally agree—visual checks from a ladder just don't cut it. I've seen roofs where minor leaks got missed for months, turning into serious mold issues down the line. Regular, hands-on inspections plus proper attic ventilation are key to spotting trouble early...
Good points, but honestly, hands-on inspections aren't always practical or safe for everyone. I've seen homeowners climb up there trying to do thorough checks and end up causing more damage—or worse, hurting themselves. Sometimes a professional drone inspection can catch issues early without the risk. Had a client last year who spotted cracked flashing through drone footage before any leaks even started... saved him plenty of headaches down the road.
"Sometimes a professional drone inspection can catch issues early without the risk."
That's a solid point. I've been doing my own roof checks for years, but last spring I finally gave drone inspections a try after a close call. I was up there checking shingles after a storm and nearly slipped on some moss buildup I hadn't noticed—definitely not worth the risk. Anyway, the drone footage ended up revealing a few loose shingles and some minor gutter damage that I probably would've missed from my usual vantage point. The clarity and detail surprised me, honestly. While I still think there's value in hands-on inspections for certain tasks, drones are undeniably safer and can spot subtle issues early on. It's a good balance between thoroughness and safety, especially if you're not comfortable climbing ladders or navigating steep roofs.
I've been tempted to give drones a shot myself. Honestly, ladders and heights aren't exactly my favorite weekend activity... plus, I'm not sure I'd even know what subtle stuff to look for. Maybe it's time to call in the robots, haha.
"Honestly, ladders and heights aren't exactly my favorite weekend activity..."
Totally get you there—my first (and last!) DIY roof inspection was enough to convince me that some things are just better left to the pros. Drones seem like a smart middle ground, especially if you're not sure what subtle signs to look for. I ended up hiring someone, and it paid off when they caught a small leak early. Sometimes peace of mind is worth the extra bucks...
