Most roofs fail slowly. A lifted shingle lets in a little water, the decking softens, and by the time a stain appears on the ceiling the repair has grown. Regular inspections catch those small problems early. Drones make that routine easier because no one has to climb a ladder or walk on the roof, so checking more often becomes practical. Here is a simple schedule for homeowners and property managers in Middletown and across Orange County, NY.
The short answer
- Once a year for most homes, ideally in late spring or early fall.
- After any major storm, such as a nor’easter, a severe thunderstorm with high winds or a hail event.
- Before buying or selling a property.
- Twice a year for roofs more than 15 years old, flat commercial roofs and buildings with a history of leaks.
Why an annual baseline matters
An inspection is most valuable when you can compare it to the last one. A yearly drone flight creates a dated photo record of every roof plane. When something changes, such as a new crease in a shingle, a gap in flashing or a dark patch where moss is growing, the difference is easy to spot side by side. That record is also useful if you ever need to show an insurer what the roof looked like before a storm.
Timing helps. A late spring inspection shows what winter did: ice dam damage at the eaves, cracked sealant around vents and shingles loosened by freeze and thaw. An early fall inspection lets you fix problems before snow and ice arrive.
Inspect after storms, even if nothing looks wrong
The Hudson Valley sees nor’easters, heavy wet snow, summer thunderstorms and the remnants of tropical systems. Wind damage is not always visible from the ground. A tab can lift, break its seal and lie back down looking normal, then fail in the next storm. Hail can bruise shingles and knock off granules without leaving obvious holes. A drone flight within a few days of a major event documents the condition while it is fresh, which helps with both repairs and any insurance discussion.
How roof age and type change the schedule
Newer asphalt shingle roofs (under 10 years)
An annual inspection plus post-storm checks is usually enough. The main things to watch are installation issues, such as poorly sealed flashing, and storm damage.
Middle-aged and older shingle roofs (10 years and up)
Granule loss, curling and cracked sealant become more common. Moving to twice a year helps you plan a replacement on your own timeline rather than after a leak.
Flat and low-slope roofs
Commercial and multi-family flat roofs hide ponding water, split seams and clogged drains. Twice a year is a good standard, along with checks after heavy rain or snowmelt.
Slate, metal and historic roofs
These materials last a long time but are easy to damage by walking on them. A drone is a natural fit. Annual inspections focused on flashing, fasteners and slipped pieces are usually sufficient.
Signs you should not wait for the next scheduled inspection
- Water stains on ceilings or in the attic
- Shingles or debris in the yard after wind
- Large branches that fell on or near the roof
- Ice dams or long icicles along the eaves
- A sudden rise in heating or cooling costs, which thermal imaging can help investigate
What a drone inspection includes
A typical flight captures straight-down and angled photos of the full roof, plus close-ups of vents, valleys, chimneys and flashing. With an AI-assisted report, potential damage such as hail impacts and shingle wear is highlighted on the images, and a measurement report can add area, pitch and facet data for contractors. See roof inspection services and AI roof damage assessment for details.
Frequently asked questions
Is a drone inspection as thorough as walking the roof?
For visual condition, high-resolution drone imagery often shows more because it covers every plane, including steep and fragile areas. It does not replace hands-on testing or interior checks when those are needed, and a roofer may still verify specific spots in person.
Does my insurance company require regular inspections?
Requirements vary by insurer and policy. Some insurers request roof condition documentation at renewal or for older roofs. Check with your agent. A dated drone report is easy to share either way.
How soon after a storm should I schedule?
As soon as it is safe to fly, ideally within a few days. Waiting can make it harder to tie damage to a specific event.
How long does a drone inspection take?
For most homes, the flight itself is short. Report turnaround depends on the package you choose.
Do you serve my town?
We are based in Middletown and serve Orange County, including Monroe, Warwick, Goshen and Newburgh. See the full service area.
Ready to set your baseline? Request a drone roof inspection.