When Tech Falls Short, Experience Steps In: A Hand-Measured Roof in the Rockies
Elisa DeFoe • August 22, 2025
At Semper Fi Restoration, we’re big believers in technology. Drones and EagleView reports help us get clear measurements fast, keep crews safe, and provide homeowners with photo-backed accuracy. But sometimes, the tech just doesn’t cut it. That’s when experience takes over.
📐 EagleView Didn’t Deliver — So We Did It Old-School
On this project tucked into the foothills, our EagleView data came back incomplete. The tree cover and complex rooflines threw off the aerial read, and leaving it at “good enough” wasn’t an option.
So, we broke out the tape measures, chalk lines, and old-school know-how. Every ridge, rake, and valley got measured by hand to ensure accuracy.
Take a look at the diagrams from the job:
- The first roof diagram shows the complexity — multiple slopes, rakes, valleys, and waste factor calculations. We confirmed 71 squares ON with precision.
- On the second photo, you can see how we mapped the smaller roof sections, marking lengths of 23’, 15’, 14’, and 9’ to double-check pitch and tie-ins.
- The third layout shows the main structure, where pitches varied from 5.5/12 to 8/12, plus a low-slope section requiring modified bitumen instead of shingles per code.
This wasn’t guesswork. It was boots on the roof, tape in hand, and decades of combined experience making sure our numbers were dead-on.
🔨 Why Accuracy Matters in Roofing
When it comes to storm restoration, one square off can mean thousands of dollars in material and labor. For homeowners, it’s the difference between a roof that passes inspection and one that comes up short. For insurance, it’s the difference between a fair payout and a denied claim.
By double-checking EagleView with hand measurements, we ensured:
- Correct material ordering (no delays, no shortages)
- Code compliance for low-slope and tie-in areas
- Accurate insurance documentation for a smooth claim process
🇺🇸 Veteran-Owned. Built on Integrity.
This is why we put Semper Fi in our name. As a Marine-owned business, our reputation is built on doing the job right the first time — no shortcuts, no excuses. Whether it’s drone inspections, software reports, or tape-measured old-school precision, our mission stays the same: protecting your home with accuracy, integrity, and craftsmanship.
Final Word
Technology is a powerful tool in roofing — but it will never replace hands-on experience. At Semper Fi Restoration, we use every tool available to give homeowners the peace of mind they deserve. And when tech falls short, we step up.
📞 Call us today for a free roof inspection — whether it’s by drone or by hand, you’ll get the most accurate assessment in Colorado.
We'd love to do a complimentary roofing assessment for you!
