That's a really good point about drones. Have you found they're reliable enough to spot smaller issues, though? I've always wondered if they miss things like hairline cracks or subtle wear and tear that you'd catch up close.
I totally get what you're saying about manual inspections causing damage. A couple years back, I had someone come out to check my roof after a storm, and sure enough, he cracked a few tiles just walking around up there. It wasn't intentional or anything—just one of those unfortunate things—but it did make me rethink how often I want people climbing around on my roof.
Since then, I've been considering drone inspections myself. Seems like they'd be especially helpful for steep roofs or delicate materials like slate or clay tiles. Have you noticed any limitations with drones in terms of weather conditions or angles they can't quite capture? I'm guessing there might be some tricky spots they can't reach easily...
Either way, it's great you're finding tech solutions that work for you. Roof maintenance can be such a headache, so anything that makes it easier and safer is definitely worth exploring. Glad you've found something that's saving you trouble (and money).
"Seems like they'd be especially helpful for steep roofs or delicate materials like slate or clay tiles."
Yeah, drones definitely have their strengths there—especially if your roof is tricky or fragile. But from what I've seen, they can struggle a bit with capturing fine details like hairline cracks or subtle shingle damage. Lighting and weather conditions can also play a big role... cloudy days or shadows might hide smaller issues. Have you considered pairing drone checks with occasional up-close inspections just to cover all bases?
Good points about drones missing finer details sometimes... I've noticed that too, especially with older roofs. Last year, we had a drone inspection that looked fine at first glance, but when we got someone up there physically, they found a bunch of tiny cracks around the chimney flashing. Makes me wonder—how often do you think it's worth scheduling those hands-on inspections alongside drone checks? Seems like a balancing act between thoroughness and cost.
"Makes me wonder—how often do you think it's worth scheduling those hands-on inspections alongside drone checks?"
That's a fair question. Honestly, drones are great for quick overviews, but nothing beats a skilled eye up close. When I was helping on a job last summer, the drone missed some loose shingles that were just starting to lift. Thankfully, we caught it early by climbing up ourselves. Maybe it's best to alternate—do a drone check annually and a hands-on inspection every couple of years for peace of mind... or do you think that's overkill?
I get the logic behind alternating, but honestly, I've found annual hands-on inspections to be worth the extra effort. Last spring, a drone completely overlooked some subtle flashing issues around vents—caught it myself during the climb. Saved me from some nasty leaks later on...
