In today’s fast-paced world, technology is constantly evolving, revolutionizing industries and transforming the way we live and work. One such innovation making waves in the realm of home and business ownership is the use of drones for roof inspections.

Roofing contractors, storm restoration companies and others in the construction industry are beginning to utilize drone technology to assist in their operations. This new technology is changing the way inspections, policy renewals, home closings, insurance reimbursements, and storm and fire restorations projects are being conducted.

 Let’s explore the benefits of this cutting-edge approach and address some common concerns homeowners, business owners, and insurance companies may have.

Benefits of Drone Roof Inspections:

  1. Enhanced Safety: Traditional roof inspections often involve climbing ladders or walking on steep and potentially unstable surfaces, posing safety risks to inspectors. With drones, inspections can be conducted remotely, eliminating the need for personnel to physically access hazardous areas. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries, promoting a safer work environment for all.
  2. Time and Cost Savings: Drone roof inspections are typically faster and more cost-effective than traditional methods. Drones can cover large areas quickly and capture detailed imagery with precision, allowing inspectors to assess the condition of roofs more efficiently. This translates to reduced labor costs and shorter inspection turnaround times, saving both time and money for homeowners and business owners.
  3. Comprehensive Coverage: Drones equipped with specialized cameras and sensors can capture high-resolution images and thermal data, providing comprehensive insights into the condition of roofs. This level of detail allows inspectors to identify issues such as water damage, insulation deficiencies, and structural weaknesses that may not be visible to the naked eye. By detecting problems early, homeowners and business owners can address them promptly, preventing costly damage and repairs down the line.  However, there are limitations to what the cameras can uncover. These limitations can result in roof damage being missed or insurance claims being denied.
  4. Improved Accuracy: With the right equipment and a skilled operator, drone technology enables precise measurements and detailed mapping of roof surfaces, resulting in detailed assessments of roof damage and deterioration. The accuracy ensures that repair and maintenance efforts are targeted and effective, maximizing the lifespan of roofs and minimizing the risk of future issues. It is worth mentioning that because the accuracy can vary between equipment and operator experience and training, it is possible that roof damage and deterioration can be missed.  Some insurance adjusters will not accept roof inspection reports based on drone footage alone.  Always check with your insurance company to ask about any limitations or regulations regarding this new drone technology.
  5. Environmental Friendliness: Compared to traditional inspection methods that may involve driving to multiple locations and using heavy equipment, drone inspections have a smaller environmental footprint. Drones are energy-efficient and produce minimal noise and pollution, making them a more sustainable option for conducting roof assessments.

 

Concerns About Drone Roof Inspections:

  1. Privacy: Some homeowners may be concerned about drones flying over their properties and capturing images of their homes. It’s important for drone operators to respect privacy laws and regulations and ensure that inspections are conducted responsibly and ethically. When choosing a company that specializes in drone technology for roof inspections, be sure and check the following: Credentials and Licensing, Experience, References, and which insurance companies the inspector works with. 
  2. Noise: Drones can generate noise during flight, which may be disruptive to residents in the vicinity. Operators should strive to minimize noise levels and schedule inspections during times that are least likely to cause disturbance to homeowners and business owners. We recommend letting neighbors know when you have a drone inspection scheduled. 
  3. Insurance Claim Issues: As mentioned previously, some insurance adjusters and insurance companies, due to the variability in the accuracy of drone cameras, have chosen to rely solely on manual, visual roof inspections and reporting.  Furthermore, it is possible for underlying damage to go undetected by the drone inspection- resulting in rejected claims or possible further roof damage later. Always check with your insurance company to learn the specifics of your policy.

 

At CMServs, a turn key, storm restoration company located in St. Paul, MN, we specialize in professional roof repair and new roof installations after destructive storms have taken a toll.  We are excited about the future use of drones for roof inspections. However, we realize there are limitations that can’t be taken lightly.  Our dedicated team of restoration and roof specialists will help you navigate the insurance process and make sure you are aware of your options when it comes to utilizing the new drone technology.

Drone Roof Inspections represent a significant advancement in technology with numerous benefits for homeowners and business owners alike. From enhanced safety and cost savings to improved accuracy and efficiency with the right equipment and skilled operators.  Drone inspections can offer a smarter, more sustainable approach to maintaining and managing roofs.

While concerns about privacy and noise may arise, responsible drone operators can address these issues and ensure that inspections are conducted with professionalism and respect.

The larger concern for the homeowner is that underlying roof damage could be missed by the drone’a camera.  Some types of roof damage and deterioration can only be seen when layers of the roofing materials are lifted or removed.  If hidden damage is not observed by the drone, obviously, this could lead to denied insurance claims and/or the needed repairs not being done.  This could lead to more extensive roof damage down the road. 

So, while drone technology has come a long way, and certainly has its place in areas of the construction industry, we still have a long way to go before it becomes the accepted gold standard for roof inspections.

If you want to learn more about the use of drone technology for a roof inspection, give CMServs a call today or send us a quick message.  Let’s talk Drones, Roof Inspections, and the Claims Process for your home or business!