Totally agree drones are awesome for roof checks, but they're not always practical for everyone. Even the cheaper ones can be pricey, and there's a bit of a learning curve. Personally, I like a combo—binoculars for quick looks and then occasionally borrowing my buddy's drone if something looks sketchy. Definitely beats climbing up there blind though... learned that lesson fast after nearly sliding off my first job.
"Definitely beats climbing up there blind though... learned that lesson fast after nearly sliding off my first job."
Yeah, that's a pretty common experience—glad you caught yourself in time. Roof inspections can be deceptively risky, especially after storms or heavy rain when shingles get slick. I've seen plenty of seasoned pros underestimate how slippery things can get up there.
Your combo approach is actually pretty smart. Binoculars are great for quick visual checks from the ground, especially if you're just looking for obvious issues like missing shingles, lifted flashing, or debris buildup. If you spot something suspicious, borrowing a drone is a solid next step. Just make sure you're comfortable with the controls and have a clear line of sight—trees and power lines can sneak up on you fast.
For anyone considering drones regularly, here's a quick rundown of what to look for:
1. **Camera Quality:** Aim for at least 1080p resolution, ideally 4K if budget allows. Clear images help identify subtle damage like hairline cracks or granule loss.
2. **Flight Stability:** GPS stabilization and obstacle avoidance sensors make a huge difference, especially if you're new to flying.
3. **Battery Life:** Most affordable drones give you around 15-20 minutes per battery. Consider getting an extra battery or two if you plan longer inspections.
4. **Ease of Use:** Look for intuitive controls and a straightforward app interface. The less fiddling around mid-flight, the better.
But yeah, drones aren't always practical for everyone. Cost aside, some areas have strict regulations about drone usage, especially near airports or densely populated neighborhoods. Always double-check local laws before launching.
Another handy trick if drones aren't an option: telescoping inspection poles with smartphone mounts. They're cheaper than drones, easy to use, and can still get you decent close-up shots without climbing onto the roof itself.
Anyway, sounds like you've got a good system going—keep it safe out there.
Had a similar close call myself... was checking a roof after a storm, thought it looked dry enough, but those shingles were slicker than they appeared. Ended up hugging the chimney for a minute to steady myself. Since then, I've stuck to binoculars and occasionally borrow my neighbor's drone—way safer and honestly quicker. Might look into those telescoping poles too, sounds like a decent middle-ground option.
Binoculars and drones are handy, sure, but they're not always gonna catch subtle issues like loose flashing or lifted shingles. Sometimes you really do need to get up close and personal. If you're worried about slipping, invest in a decent harness and anchor system—takes a bit of setup, but once you've done it a few times, it's second nature. Better safe than sorry, but don't rely solely on tech... eyes-on inspection still beats gadgets in my book.
"Better safe than sorry, but don't rely solely on tech... eyes-on inspection still beats gadgets in my book."
Yeah, learned this the hard way myself. First year owning my place, thought a quick drone flyover would be enough—ended up missing some cracked shingles that cost me big later. Now I climb up there twice a year, harness and all. Tech's great for a quick glance, but nothing beats getting your own eyes on things. Lesson learned, wallet lighter...
