The primary function of drones is to fly, navigate, and access places where it is difficult for humans to reach, like the roof of your home or business.
Until now, contractors used to do roof inspections by the traditional methods: carrying a number of tools, climbing to the roof with a ladder, inspecting it, and providing a subjective view of the roof damage, which took extensive time and safety precautions.
But nowadays, this isn’t the case. Due to the advancement of technology and the spread of information, homeowners and roofers are opting for drone roof inspections for a more reliable and objective roof analysis, which they can record and keep for future reference.
The Benefits of Drone Roof Inspections
There are multiple reasons to utilize drones for roof inspections, some of which are as follows:
1. Measure The Extent of The Roof Damage
To estimate the roof repair or replacement cost, it is essential to professionally inspect the roof and assess the extent of the damage.
Though it is not so hard for professional roofers to climb and inspect the roof for repair, the problem often lies in their subjective view of the roof damage. Drone-captured images, on the other hand, provide an unbiased view of the roof and accurate measures of the damage.
Based on these reports, you can calculate and estimate the cost of your roof repair or replacement.
2. Make Roof Damage Documentation Quick and Easy
If a roof is severely damaged by natural disasters, such as intense storms and high winds, homeowners need to file an insurance claim to cover the damage. This requires them to document the extent of the damage to serve as evidence.
But sometimes, due to the severity of the disaster, climbing up to the roof and documenting the damage is difficult for homeowners, which eventually leads to an unfilled claim and, therefore, no coverage from the insurance provider for repairs.
In such cases, we help homeowners by using a drone to inspect their roofs and document the damage so they can file a claim.
3. Provide Real-Time Roof Conditions For Solar Panel Installation
If you are shifting to solar energy, there is a chance installers will use a drone to inspect your roof. To install a solar panel system, your roof must match the requirements and be capable of bearing the additional weight.
For this, installers need accurate and real-time data, which can only be captured by technology like aerial mapping and thermal imaging. That’s why a drone roof inspection is often the first job before solar panel installation.
4. Help You Weigh the Value of A Property
Before finally making an investment in a property, the roof also needs an eagle-eyed inspection, now often done with drones. Drone inspections, as a modern technological advantage, are the best way to replace human error, which can occur without an all-encompassing viewpoint.
A drone inspection gathers pictures and reveals objective, error-free results that can help you make informed decisions. With drone inspections, you can closely navigate the roofing structure and visualize the tiniest details in high-resolution images and 4K videos.
Comparing The Traditional And Drone Roof Inspections
A drone roof inspection is far better than a traditional one done by a contractor or roofing specialist for a number of reasons, some of which are listed below.
1. Safety
While inspecting roofs traditionally, roofers need to scale ladders with heavy equipment, walk on weak areas like the roofline, and inspect the roof for hours until they identify the problem. This process is risky and time-consuming, requiring inspectors to put in hours of labor at the expense of their personal safety.
This isn’t the case with a drone roof inspection, as they eliminate the need for accessing the roof and putting lives at risk. Now the inspector can virtually access the roof while standing on the ground.
2. Time And Labor
A manual and traditional roof inspection is time-consuming and labor-intensive. From calling the roofers to actually coming to a final conclusion, traditional roof inspections take a long time, and usually require you to pay at every step.
Contrary to a conventional roof inspection, drone inspection requires less time. You can have a complete roof inspection in record time, while also avoiding climbing ladders and risking lives.
3. Accessibility
As said above, the conventional roof inspection method is limited due to access points. Many areas of a roof often go uninspected because of height, steepness, or a complex roof design. This can leave damages undetected and therefore unaddressed.
In comparison, a drone roof inspection can bring a better, error-free result even for hard-to-reach places. It can closely navigate these areas and record the results in high-resolution images.
4. Comprehensive Data Analysis
Roofs are a critical component of a building; They protect us from the elements in the heat of summer and bear the weight of snow in winter. But a small hole or tear can damage them by allowing water infiltration and bigger issues. These micro-punctures often go unnoticed during a manual roof inspection.
Luckily, drones are equipped with high-quality cameras that can capture detailed images and videos of the roof from various angles. This comprehensive imaging provides a more accurate representation of the roof’s current state, allowing inspectors to identify potential problems with greater precision, such as cracks, leaks, or weathering.
5. Objectivity And Consistency
Traditional inspections heavily rely on the expertise and judgment of individual inspectors, which can lead to variations in the assessment and interpretation of the roof’s condition.
In contrast, drone inspections enable consistent data collection by following pre-programmed flight paths and capturing images from the same angles and positions every time. This allows for better comparison and tracking of roof conditions over time.
6. Cost Considerations
A drone roof inspection can cost more than a traditional roof inspection, but it is worth every penny.
Moreover, drone roof installation cost depends on several factors, including your location, roof size, roof complexity, weather conditions, and more. In addition to being less riskier than a traditional roof inspection, it provides more accurate and reliable data that you can keep for future reference.
How We Perform A Drone Roof Inspection
Here is the step-by-step procedure we follow for a drone roof inspection:
We Conduct A Mission Plan With The Client
Prior to the inspection, we define the objectives, including the areas to be inspected, specific requirements, and flight parameters. This may involve a client consultation to determine the goals of the inspection.
Takeoff and Flight
Once all necessary checks are completed, we launch the drone from a safe and appropriate location near the property using a remote control or automated flight planning software and follow the predetermined mission parameters. The drone captures images, videos, or other data during the flight.
Collect The Roof’s Data
As the drone flies over the roof, it captures visual data or sensor readings that provide detailed information about the roof’s condition. High-resolution images or videos can be used to identify areas of concern, such as damaged shingles, cracks, leaks, or other structural issues. Sensor data may include thermal imaging, moisture detection, or other specialized measurements.
Post-Process The Data And Analyze It
After completing the drone flight, our team of roofers download the captured data and perform post-processing and analysis. This involves stitching together images and processing sensor data to create a comprehensive visual representation or report of the roof’s condition.
Finally, Inspect The Roof’s Condition
Based on the analysis of the collected data, our roofer generates an inspection report. The report includes detailed findings, identified issues, recommended repairs or maintenance, and any other relevant information that helps us assess the roof’s condition.
How Much Time Does A Drone Inspection Take?
The time taken for a drone roof inspection can vary depending on factors such as the size of the roof, the complexity of the structure, and the specific requirements of the inspection. However, drone roof inspections generally offer quicker turnaround times compared to traditional methods.
They eliminate the need for physically setting up ladders, climbing roofs, and installing safety equipment, resulting in saved time. Additionally, drones enable the capture of the entire roof in one shot, eliminating the need to take multiple photos using a handheld camera. The duration of a drone roof inspection will depend on the specific circumstances of each project and the size of your home.
Inspect Your Roof With A Drone Now! Hire the Trusted Team of Roofers In New Jersey
Drone inspection, as you know, leaves no space for human error, and its comprehensive view helps you install sturdier and more durable roofs that last. If you are considering a roof replacement or want to be proactive to avoid any future damage, a drone roof inspection should be your first step.
We have a team of experts who can inspect your roof with a drone. Call Champion Exteriors today at (609)-845-3576 and consult with our team.