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A roof can collapse from a leak if the leak is left unattended long enough. A collapse will happen when the structural components of your roof become saturated with water over time. The roof deck or rafters can slowly weaken until they can no longer support the weight of your roof.

No, you can’t inspect the roof yourself if you want to get your roof certified for your mortgage lender or insurance underwriter. You’ll need to get it inspected by a licensed professional. If you happen to be a licensed inspector, this means that commercial rules apply, and you’d need to get your Remote Pilot Certificate, just as you would if using the drone for another business purpose. 

However, if you want to use a drone to simply check out the roof, it’s considered recreational use. You won’t need your Remote Pilot Certificate, but you’ll still need to register your drone with the FAA and follow FAA and any state guidelines during the flight.

Roofing estimates and inspections are not the same thing. Roofing inspections (whether done with a drone or by the traditional method) help you find any damage or defects on a roof. You will pay a set fee for a roofing inspection and use it to get certification or to determine whether repair or replacement is necessary. Beware of unsolicited contractors coming to your home and offering a so-called free roof inspection—these are often scams.

Roofing estimates, on the other hand, are typically free and offered by a roofing company hoping to earn your business. Some roofing estimates are performed with drones, while other companies will still opt to send people up onto the roof. Either way, the estimate is for roof repair or replacement costs the company wants you to hire them for.

Yes, in many cases, homeowners insurance does cover roof damage caused by snow. For instance, if your roof collapses during a snowstorm or an ice dam results in a ceiling leak, your policy should cover repair costs. However, for a claim to be approved, the roof must have been well-maintained and in good condition before the snow-related damage occurred. The payout, whether full or partial, can also vary depending on the age of your roof and its overall condition prior to the snowfall. It is always best to review your specific homeowners insurance policy to understand the details of your coverage and any potential exclusions.