I've used one of those telescopic cameras a few times, and they're honestly pretty handy. Definitely beats losing another drone, haha. They're especially useful when you've got tight corners or thick buildup under tiles that drones just can't reach. Only downside is it can get tiring holding them steady for long periods. If you're dealing with windy conditions or tricky spots regularly, I'd say it's worth having one around as a backup.
Tile roofs being maintenance-free is a bit of a stretch, honestly. Sure, they're durable and can last decades, but I've seen plenty of issues pop up over time—cracked tiles, moss buildup, debris accumulation... you name it. Even with telescopic cameras or drones, you're still gonna need to physically get up there occasionally to clear out debris or replace damaged tiles. And about the telescopic cameras—yeah, they're handy for quick checks, but I wouldn't rely on them completely. Like you mentioned, holding them steady can be exhausting, and sometimes the image quality isn't great if you're dealing with shadows or awkward angles. Personally, I'd rather invest in a sturdy ladder setup or scaffolding for regular inspections. It might seem old-school, but it gives you a clearer picture and lets you handle minor issues right away instead of just spotting them from afar.
"Personally, I'd rather invest in a sturdy ladder setup or scaffolding for regular inspections."
Fair enough, ladders and scaffolding do give you direct access, but honestly, scaffolding seems a bit overkill for regular checks. In my experience, a drone inspection every few months is more than enough to catch most issues early on... saves time and reduces risk. Sure, image quality can be iffy sometimes, but newer drones handle shadows and angles surprisingly well these days. Just my two cents!
I get the appeal of drones, especially for quick checks, but honestly, nothing beats getting up close and personal every now and then. I've seen plenty of cracked tiles or slipped flashing that drones just didn't pick up clearly. If you're comfortable on ladders, a quick visual inspection every 6 months or so is usually enough—no need to go full scaffolding unless you're doing repairs. Just be careful up there... tile roofs can be slippery when damp.
Good points there, especially about drones missing finer details. I've found that tile roofs aren't exactly maintenance-free, though they're definitely lower maintenance compared to asphalt shingles. Moss buildup can be an issue in damp climates, and sometimes debris gets trapped underneath tiles causing water pooling. Has anyone had experience with preventative treatments or sealants for tiles? Curious if that's worth considering or just marketing hype...
