Drone Roof Inspections in Pueblo: How They Work & When to Use Them

We Got a Call About “Those Roof Drones”…

We recently got a call from a homeowner — let’s call him Mark — who had just gone through a nasty windstorm on the north side of Pueblo. He told us, “I keep seeing videos of roofers using drones. Is that just a gimmick, or is that something I should actually ask for?”

Mark’s roof was fairly steep, and some of his shingles were already aging. He was nervous about anyone walking on it and worried about hidden damage he couldn’t see from the ground. That was the perfect situation to talk about drone roof inspections — when they make sense, how they work, and what a homeowner in Pueblo should expect.

What Is a Drone Roof Inspection, Really?

A drone roof inspection is exactly what it sounds like: we use a small, camera-equipped drone to capture high-resolution photos and video of your entire roof instead of (or in addition to) climbing on it.

During Mark’s call, we explained that it’s not just flying a toy over the house. A proper drone inspection uses:

• 4K or high-resolution cameras to zoom in on shingle damage, flashing, vents, and chimneys.
• Stabilized flight paths so we can methodically scan every slope and edge.
• Software that helps us measure slopes, valleys, and even approximate the size of the roof.

The goal is the same as a traditional inspection: find current damage, spot potential problems, and document what we see for repairs or insurance.

Why Roofers Are Moving to Drones in 2026

Mark’s next question was, “So are you guys actually using this now, or is this some future thing?” As of 2026, drones are no longer “coming soon” — they’re part of how a lot of us work, especially here in Pueblo where we see hail, intense sun, and high winds.

We’re using drones more because they let us:

• Work faster: A standard Pueblo ranch roof can often be scanned in 20–30 minutes.
• Reduce risk: Less time spent walking on steep, high, or fragile roofs.
• Capture better documentation: Dozens of clear images we can share with you and, if needed, your insurance company.

We still climb roofs when it makes sense, but drones have become one of our main tools instead of a novelty.

Drones vs. Traditional Roof Inspections

We walked Mark through how a drone inspection compares to the old-fashioned “boots on the roof” method:

What Drones Do Better

• Access hard-to-reach areas: Very steep sections, dormers, and overhangs can be viewed safely from the air.
• Minimal contact: Less walking on brittle shingles, tile, or older roofs that could crack under weight.
• Bird’s-eye overview: Great for spotting patterns — like hail hits concentrated on one slope or sagging areas.

What Traditional Inspections Still Do Well

• Hands-on checks: Feeling soft spots, loose shingles, or spongy decking underfoot.
• Close inspection of details: Some flashing and sealant issues are easier to evaluate up close.

In many cases, especially after storms, the best approach is a hybrid: start with the drone to quickly assess everything, then physically inspect any areas of concern we spot on the footage.

Are Drone Roof Inspections Accurate Enough?

Mark was understandably skeptical: “Can you really see the little stuff on a screen?” The short answer is yes — when the right equipment and technique are used.

During a drone inspection, we can typically identify:

• Hail impacts on asphalt shingles
• Missing, lifted, or curled shingles
• Cracked or slipped tiles
• Damaged flashing around chimneys, skylights, and valleys
• Debris buildup in valleys and behind chimneys

High-resolution zoom lets us get very close without actually touching the roof. When we review your images, we can pause, zoom in, and even compare sides of the roof side-by-side to spot subtle differences.

Safety and Legal Requirements (FAA Rules)

Another thing Mark asked was, “Do you need a license to fly that over my house?” The answer is yes — for roofing work, it’s considered a commercial operation, and we follow FAA Part 107 rules.

Here’s what that means for you as a homeowner:

• Licensed pilot: Whoever flies the drone for your inspection should hold a current FAA Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Line of sight: The pilot must keep the drone in visual line of sight during the flight.
• Airspace awareness: Near airports or certain restricted areas, we may need authorization before flying.
• Safety checks: We perform a pre-flight check of equipment, batteries, and surroundings.

We also take care to respect your privacy and your neighbors’ property, limiting the flight to what’s necessary to inspect your roof.

When a Drone Inspection Makes the Most Sense in Pueblo

For Mark, the deciding factor was his roof’s pitch and age. In Pueblo, there are a few situations where we almost always recommend starting with a drone:

• Steep or complex roofs: Multi-story homes, high pitches, or lots of dormers and valleys.
• Fragile materials: Older shingles, clay or concrete tile, or aging roofs where foot traffic could cause more damage.
• Post-storm checks: After hail, high winds, or heavy snow, when we need a fast, safe overview.
• Insurance documentation: When clear photos from above help support a claim.

On a simpler, single-story roof in good condition, we might still do a traditional walk, but the drone remains a powerful option when safety or access is a concern.

What You Can Expect During a Drone Roof Inspection

Mark’s last concern was, “Do I need to do anything to get ready?” Here’s how the process usually goes when we come to a Pueblo home:

1. Quick walk-around: We meet you, discuss your concerns, then walk the property to look for obstacles like trees or power lines.
2. Pre-flight setup: We set up the drone, run safety checks, and confirm the flight plan.
3. Flight and imaging: We fly systematic paths over and around the roof, capturing photos and video of all slopes, ridges, valleys, and penetrations.
4. Targeted passes: If you mention a specific leak or problem area, we’ll focus extra attention there.
5. Review and explanation: After landing, we review key images with you, point out anything we see, and talk through next steps.

You don’t need to climb any ladders, and you’re welcome to watch the flight from the ground if you’re curious.

Beyond the Naked Eye: Using Thermal Imaging

One of the most powerful tools we talked about with Mark was thermal imaging. In some cases, we can equip the drone with a thermal camera to detect temperature differences across your roof.

Thermal imaging can help us:

• Spot hidden moisture: Areas where wet insulation or decking hold heat differently than dry sections.
• Find insulation gaps: Sections losing heat in winter or letting in excess heat in summer.
• Identify potential leaks: Even when shingles look fine, temperature anomalies can hint at underlying issues.

It’s not always necessary for every inspection, but for ongoing leaks, flat roofs, or puzzling attic moisture, thermal imaging can reveal issues you’d never see from the ground or even from a ladder.

Is a Drone Roof Inspection Right for Your Pueblo Home?

By the end of our conversation, Mark decided a drone inspection was the safest, most informative way to check his storm damage without risking anyone on his steep, aging roof. It gave him clear photos, peace of mind, and a solid plan for repairs.

If you’re in Pueblo and you’re unsure about the condition of your roof — especially after a storm or on a hard-to-reach home — asking about a drone roof inspection is a smart place to start. Whether we use a drone, a ladder, or both, our goal is the same: give you an honest, thorough assessment so you can protect your home with confidence.