What We Look For (And What We Don’t): Roof Inspections — What We Look For With Our Drones and Cameras

The reason I start most inspections with a close look at the roof—whether I walk it or fly it—is because roofing issues are expensive, dramatic, and often preventable. But let me be clear up front: I’m not checking if your roof was installed “to spec” 14 years ago. I’m not measuring nail depth. I’m looking for one thing—what’s happening right now.

I’m Here to See Today’s Roof—Not Rebuild Yesterday’s Installation

We don’t verify manufacturer installation methods or confirm what underlayment was used underneath the shingles. That’s outside our scope—and usually invisible anyway. What I *can* do is document deterioration, flashing damage, lifting edges, granule loss, ponding, or poor drainage patterns. And yes, sometimes I find soft spots that feel like trampolines under your feet.

If I see roof patching, mismatched repairs, exposed fasteners, or rusted vents, I’ll flag it. If there’s missing flashing or sagging at the valleys or eaves, that’s in the report. But I’m not counting how many nails were used under that last ridge cap. This is a visual, general condition evaluation—not a certification.

What I’m Looking For—And What I’m Not

• ✅ I’m looking for: signs of deterioration, age-related wear, storm damage, clogged valleys, displaced materials, and flashing failures.
• ❌ I’m not looking for: code compliance, brand-specific installation methods, warranties, or guessing how many years are left.

Sometimes the roof looks fine—but the interior tells a different story. That’s why if it’s rained recently (within the past 24 hours), I’ll also use thermal imaging from the attic side to look for cold spots, moisture retention, or active leaks. You can’t always see water on the surface—but the infrared camera doesn’t miss the temperature change.

Drone vs. Walking: It’s About Access and Safety

Some roofs are too steep, slick, or fragile to walk. That’s where drones come in. We use high-resolution photography to capture every slope, ridge, and valley—from a safe distance, without damaging the materials. For one-story homes with safe angles and accessible surfaces, I may still walk the roof if it’s safe and allowed by our standards.

Whether by drone or by foot, you’ll get high-quality images in your report—showing exactly what we saw on the day of inspection, from every angle. These are valuable for future maintenance tracking and for getting accurate quotes if repairs are needed.

FAQs: What to Know About Roof Inspections

Do you walk every roof?

No. Safety comes first. If the roof is too steep, slippery, or fragile, I’ll use a drone instead. Either way, you’ll get detailed visuals in your report.

Can you tell me how many years the roof has left?

No. I can tell you the current condition and visible wear—but not future lifespan. That depends on maintenance, weather, materials, and luck. If needed, I’ll recommend a roofer for deeper evaluation.

Do you check for code or installation method compliance?

No. We inspect for visible damage and wear. We don’t confirm manufacturer specs, fastener counts, or code issues—that’s the roofer’s job.

Can your thermal camera find leaks?

Yes—if conditions are right. If it’s rained in the last 24 hours, I’ll scan for cold spots from the attic that suggest water intrusion. But thermal only works when water is actively present or evaporating.

→ Next up: Post 11: Inside the Attic — Insulation, Ventilation & What Can Go Wrong

← Previously: Post 9: Generalist vs. Specialist — Why We Refer Out

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