A thermal camera measures the surface temperature of everything in front of it and turns it into an image. On a roof, that means you can see areas that are warmer or cooler than the rest of the surface, even when everything looks the same to the eye.

What thermal imaging can reveal

• Trapped moisture. Wet insulation holds heat differently than dry insulation, so damp areas often stand out once the roof starts cooling down in the evening.
• Heat loss and air leaks. Warm spots on a cold day can show where heat from inside the building is escaping through the roof.
• Missing or damaged insulation. Gaps and thin spots show up as patterns that don't match the rest of the roof.
• Hidden structure. Framing, seams and flashing often appear as lines, which helps us spot weak points around vents, valleys and edges.

What it can't do

Thermal imaging is not an X-ray. It shows temperature differences on the surface, not what is inside the roof. Weather, sun, shade and the roofing material all affect the image, which is why timing and experience matter. For example, moisture surveys on flat commercial roofs work best after a sunny day, as the roof cools down.

A thermal finding tells us where to look closer. That's why every inspection also includes high-resolution photos, and anything flagged is explained in your report so a roofer or contractor can confirm it on site.

Why it's worth it

Small problems like a slow leak or wet insulation are much cheaper to fix early. A thermal scan lets you catch them before they turn into stained ceilings, mold or a full roof replacement.

Hail and strong winds can damage a roof in ways you can't see from the ground. Acting quickly and documenting everything can make a big difference if you need to file a claim.

1. Stay safe and stay off the roof

Wet, damaged shingles are slippery, and storm damage can weaken the roof deck. Never climb up after a storm. Look from the ground and from inside the house.

2. Write down what you can see

Take photos of anything visible: dented gutters, downspouts and vents, shingle pieces in the yard, damaged siding, cracked windows, and any water stains on ceilings. Note the date of the storm.

3. Get a professional roof inspection

A drone inspection gives you dated, high-resolution photos of every roof section, plus thermal images that can show moisture getting in, all without anyone walking on a damaged roof. You get a clear report you can share with your insurance company.

4. Contact your insurance company

Check your policy and any deadlines for reporting storm damage. Having photos and a report ready makes the conversation with your adjuster easier and faster.

5. Be careful with storm chasers

After big storms, out-of-town companies often go door to door. Take your time, ask for local references, and get an independent inspection before signing anything.

Not going through insurance? The same report helps you get an accurate retail bid from your roofer, so you only pay for the work that's actually needed.

For years, inspecting a roof meant a ladder, a harness and someone walking across the shingles. A drone changes that, and for most roofs it gives you more information, not less.

Safer for everyone

Falls from roofs are one of the most common causes of serious injuries in construction. With a drone, nobody needs to climb up, which is especially important on steep, tall or storm-damaged roofs.

No foot traffic on your roof

Walking on shingles can loosen granules and crack older materials. A drone inspects the whole roof without touching it.

See everything, including the hard-to-reach parts

Large commercial roofs, multi-story buildings, chimneys and steep slopes can all be reached quickly. High-resolution cameras capture close-up detail of every section.

Thermal and visual in one visit

A thermal camera adds a layer you can't get from a ladder: temperature differences that can point to moisture, heat loss and insulation problems under the surface.

A clear, dated record

Every flight produces photos with dates and locations, organized in a report. That's useful for insurance claims, real estate sales, maintenance planning, or simply knowing the real condition of your roof.

Drones still need the right conditions. We don't fly in heavy rain or strong wind, and every flight follows FAA rules. If the weather isn't safe, we simply reschedule.