Roof Inspection Tools - Professional Diagnostic Equipment

Inspect your roof at least twice yearly - in spring after winter weather and in fall before cold sets in. Additional inspections should follow any severe weather events including hailstorms, high winds, or heavy rainfall. In Alpharetta's climate with frequent summer storms, checking after significant weather events catches damage early when repairs are simpler and less expensive.

Ground-level inspection with binoculars can identify obvious problems like missing shingles, damaged flashing, and sagging areas. For more thorough assessment, drones provide excellent aerial views without climbing. However, some issues like granule loss, soft spots in decking, and minor leak sources require closer inspection. A combination approach - ground observation, drone imagery, and limited roof access with safety equipment - provides the most complete evaluation.

Schedule professional inspection when you notice: ceiling water stains or active leaks, shingles in your yard after storms, visible sagging or waviness in the roofline, excessive granules in gutters, daylight visible through attic boards, significantly higher energy bills, moss or algae growth, and when your roof approaches 15-20 years of age regardless of visible condition.

Thermal cameras detect temperature differences that indicate moisture presence, not the leaks themselves. Wet insulation and decking retain different heat signatures than dry materials, making moisture intrusion visible as cooler or warmer spots depending on conditions. Thermal imaging is most effective during temperature transitions (morning warming, evening cooling) when wet and dry areas heat/cool at different rates. It's an excellent screening tool but should be combined with moisture meter readings for confirmation.

For homeowners with steep or multi-story roofs, drones provide safer inspection access and better documentation than ladder climbing. Entry-level drones with 4K cameras cost $300-600 and capture detail sufficient for identifying damage. The investment pays for itself by avoiding dangerous roof access and providing clear before/after documentation for insurance claims. However, if you have a single-story home with easily accessible roof, traditional inspection methods may be more practical.

Document date and weather conditions, overall roof appearance from multiple angles, close-ups of any damage or wear areas, flashing condition at all penetrations and edges, gutter and downspout condition, attic interior including insulation and ventilation, and any previous repair areas. Photo and video documentation with timestamps creates valuable records for insurance claims, contractor quotes, and tracking changes over time.