Advantages of Using Drones for Roof Inspection
Drones have plenty of uses in the business world today. They are commonly used for photography, surveying land, and even delivering packages. But one of the most innovative ways that drones are being used is for roof inspections. Several roofing contractors are now utilizing drones to inspect sites and get a better idea of the work that needs to be done.
There are many benefits to using drones for roof inspections. Here are 5 of the main reasons why you should take advantage of this technology in repairing your roof:
1. Reduces Risks
The most obvious advantage of using drones for roof inspections is that it’s much safer than sending a person up on the roof using traditional methods such as ladders or scaffolding. Since drones can be controlled from the ground, it eliminates the need for someone to physically be on the roof.
Roofs can be very dangerous places, especially if they’re pretty high or not in good condition. There’s a risk of falling, slipping, and sustaining serious injuries. By using drones, there’s no need to worry about someone falling and getting injured.
2. Reduces Further Damage
With the need for people to physically be on the roof, the risk of further damaging the roof is lessened. Drones can be used to inspect the roof without putting any additional weight or stress on it. This is especially beneficial for roofs that are already in bad shape and might not be able to handle a person’s weight.
3. Gives a Better View
Another reason why professional roof contractors prefer using drones for inspections is because they can get a much better view of the roof than they would from the ground. Drones can fly up close to the roof and get a detailed look at all aspects of it. They can also get into hard-to-reach places that would be difficult for a person to get to. All these are helpful for getting an accurate assessment of the roof’s condition and what needs to be done to repair it.
4. Better Quality Inspections
In addition to getting a better view, drones can also take high-quality photos and videos of the roof. This can be extremely helpful for documenting the condition of the roof and tracking repairs over time. It’ll also be easier for the inspector to review and zoom in on the photos and videos to better see the damages, says the crew over at Roofing Companies in Hartford CT.
5. Saves Time
Since drones can fly and cover a lot of ground quickly, they can save a lot of time inspecting roofs. This is especially helpful for large commercial roofing projects. A drone can quickly survey the entire roof and provide a detailed report in a fraction of the time it would take to do a traditional inspection.
Disadvantages of Using Drones for Roof Inspection
Despite using drones for roof inspection, a few disadvantages should be considered.
1. Can Be Expensive
One of the biggest disadvantages of using drones is that they can be quite expensive. The cost of the drone itself can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on the type and quality of the drone. In addition to the cost of the drone, there are also costs associated with maintaining and repairing it. This shouldn’t be an issue if you already own a drone. Also, if you hire a roof contractor, the cost of using a drone may be included in their service fee.
2. Requires Training and Certification
Another downside of using drones for roof inspection is that it requires training and certification. If you’re going to be operating the drone yourself, you’ll need to get certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The process can be a bit complicated and time-consuming. In addition, you’ll need to be familiar with how to operate the drone and know the proper safety procedures. If you’re not comfortable with operating a drone, you can always leave the inspection and everything else to the professionals.
3. Weather Conditions
Another thing to consider is that drones can’t be used in all weather conditions. If it’s raining, snowing, or there are high winds, the drone will likely not be able to fly. This could delay the inspection process if the weather isn’t cooperating. In these cases, it’s probably best to hire a professional roof contractor to do a traditional inspection.
4. Privacy Concerns
Some privacy concerns come with using drones. If you’re going to be flying the drone around someone’s property, they may not be too happy about it. There have been cases of people shooting down drones that they considered to be invading their privacy. While this is technically illegal, it’s still something to consider if you’re going to be using a drone for roof inspection.
5. Noisy
Finally, drones can be quite noisy. This may not be a big deal if you’re inspecting a commercial roof, but it could be an issue if you’re trying to inspect a residential roof. The noise from the drone could disturb the occupants of the home and make it difficult to hear any damages that may be present on the roof.
Despite these disadvantages, drones still offer a lot of advantages for roof inspection. When used properly, a drone can save time and money. It can also provide a better quality inspection. If you’re considering using a drone for your next roof inspection, be sure to weigh the pros and cons to see if it’s the right choice for you.