Start With The Existing Roof
Most full roof replacements we are asked to bid started with a leak nobody could trace. Water shows up over an office in a Financial District tower or drips into a warehouse bay off Cesar Chavez Street, a crew goes up to look, patches what they can see, and the building leaks again two months later in a completely different spot. The reason is that water rarely sits where it gets in. It enters at a failed seam or a tired flashing, runs sideways inside the insulation along the deck, and pools somewhere else entirely. Walking the roof finds the obvious damage and misses the hidden saturation. We fly the roof instead, and the picture we bring back is what separates a targeted repair from a tear-off you may not need.
Access And Operations Come First
Before crews mobilize, we verify how Drone & Infrared Roof Inspection planning affects tenants, loading, elevators, pedestrian controls, rooftop equipment, service paths, and daily dry-in needs. That keeps the scope tied to the building instead of a generic material list.
Repair, Recover, Coat, Or Replace
The practical answer depends on moisture, deck condition, slope, membrane compatibility, code triggers, edge metal, drainage, and how much disruption the building can tolerate. We document those items so ownership can compare a near-term fix with a longer lifecycle option.
Clear Closeout Records
A useful roof file includes photos, observed conditions, access assumptions, repair priorities, warranty notes when applicable, and the next maintenance checkpoint. The goal is a decision record that still makes sense after the crew leaves.
Questions About Drone & Infrared Roof Inspection
What changes the scope?
Access, wet insulation, deck repairs, edge metal, drain work, occupied-building constraints, disposal, and code documentation can all change the final path.
Can the building stay occupied?
Often, yes. The scope still needs rules for loading, noise, odors, tenant notices, daily dry-in, and emergency contact responsibilities.
When is coating realistic?
A coating is realistic only when the roof is dry, cleanable, compatible, properly detailed, and still structurally sound.
What should ownership receive?
A usable roof file should include photos, observed conditions, assumptions, near-term repairs, capital triggers, and the recommended next step.