Still, nothing beats actually poking around up there if you can do it safely.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve seen plenty of folks miss stuff even when they’re up there in person—especially with those architectural shingles. Sometimes the cracks or lifted tabs are subtle enough that you need a trained eye, or you just overlook them because they blend in. I’ve had customers swear their roof looked fine until we peeled back a few shingles and found rot underneath. Technology’s not perfect, but sometimes it catches what we don’t expect. That said, I’d never trust an app alone—too many false alarms like you mentioned.
I hear you on the hidden issues—those architectural shingles can definitely hide problems, especially if you’re not used to what subtle damage looks like. But I still think there’s value in getting up there yourself, at least for a first pass. I’ve caught things like popped nails or flashing that was barely out of place, stuff my drone didn’t pick up. Apps and tech are helpful, but sometimes they flag harmless discoloration as a “major issue,” which just adds confusion. For me, a mix of hands-on inspection and tech works best, especially after a rough winter.
I get the appeal of climbing up there yourself, but honestly, I’ve seen folks miss stuff just because they’re not sure what to look for—especially with newer shingles. Sometimes a pro’s eye catches subtle things like granule loss or weird soft spots you’d never notice. Tech can be finicky, but it’s a safer bet than risking a fall, especially after ice. Just my two cents...
I get what you’re saying about pros catching stuff most of us wouldn’t see, but honestly, after getting a couple quotes last year, I just couldn’t justify the cost for a basic inspection. I’ve got a 1950s ranch with a low-pitch roof and asphalt shingles—nothing fancy. After that big freeze last winter, I did go up there myself (carefully, with a harness and my neighbor spotting me). Not saying everyone should, but it saved me a few hundred bucks.
I did find some granule loss and a couple of soft spots, but here’s the thing: I only knew to look for those because I spent way too many hours watching YouTube videos and reading forums like this one. If I hadn’t done that homework, I probably would’ve missed them. On the other hand, I’ve got a buddy who hired a roofing company and they flagged “issues” that turned out to be nothing—just normal wear on 5-year-old shingles. He almost paid for a full replacement he didn’t need.
I do agree about the safety risk, especially if there’s still ice or frost. My first winter here, I slipped just stepping onto the back porch. No way I’m going up there if the roof isn’t totally dry. But if you’re comfortable with heights and take your time, it’s doable for simple checks. That said, if you’ve got a steep roof or anything more complicated than basic shingles, probably not worth the risk or hassle.
For me, the biggest thing is knowing my limits. If I ever see water stains inside or feel anything spongy up there, I’m calling a pro right away. Otherwise, I’d rather save the inspection fee and put that cash toward repairs when I actually need them. Maybe not the “by-the-book” approach, but on a tight budget, you do what you can.
That’s a pretty reasonable approach, honestly. Not everyone needs to shell out for a pro inspection every year, especially with a simple roof and if you’re careful about safety. I do wonder sometimes if those “issues” flagged by companies are just upsells—seen it happen more than once. Still, you nailed it: knowing your limits is key. If you’re catching granule loss and soft spots on your own, you’re ahead of a lot of folks. Just curious—did you notice any ice damming after that freeze, or was it mostly just the shingle wear?
