Yeah, drones are great for a quick overview, but you're right—nothing beats a closer look for those sneaky issues. Your combo idea makes sense, especially if you're watching your budget. Better safe than sorry... roof repairs add up fast.
"Better safe than sorry... roof repairs add up fast."
Couldn't agree more. Last year, I skipped the drone and went straight for a hands-on inspection. Found a couple of loose shingles and a small leak near the chimney—stuff a drone probably would've missed. Got it patched up quick, and it cost me way less than waiting until things got worse.
I get the appeal of drones, especially if heights aren't your thing (they're definitely not mine!), but pairing it with a closer look every now and then seems like the sweet spot. If you're budget-conscious, catching those small issues early is key. Learned that the hard way with my first house... never again.
Totally with you on the drone thing—cool tech, but nothing beats getting up close. Had a tenant once who swore by drones until a storm hit and we found out the hard way it missed some cracked flashing around a vent. Ended up with water damage in the attic... not fun. Now I always recommend at least one hands-on check per year. Heights aren't my favorite either, but hey, that's what ladders and brave friends are for, right?
I've been thinking about drones too, mostly because hiring someone every year adds up pretty fast. But your story makes me second-guess that idea. I wonder if drones are better suited as a quick check between thorough inspections rather than replacing them altogether. Has anyone tried combining both methods—like using drones for regular quick scans and then doing a hands-on inspection every couple of years instead of annually? Curious if that strikes a good balance between cost and safety, or if it's just asking for trouble down the line...
I've actually done something similar—drone checks every spring and a full inspection every two years. Seems to strike a decent balance. Caught a loose shingle early once, but drones definitely miss smaller issues. I'd say it's worth trying, just don't ditch the hands-on completely...
