Using a drone to inspect the roof is all the rage now. Drone roof inspection is safe (the inspector doesn't have to be on the roof), it can capture images that you can keep, and it won't damage the roof. However, a drone roof inspection is not the ultimate solution to all roof inspection problems. Below are some of the limitations of this roof inspection technology.
Relatively Costly
A drone roof inspection is relatively expensive compared to traditional physical inspections. Physical roof inspection costs range from $75 to $200. Drone roof inspection ranges from $150 to 400$. The discrepancy makes sense because drone technology is relatively new, and it requires some initial investments and training.
Weather Complications
Drones cannot function efficiently in inclement weather. For one, drones rely on cameras to capture conditions of the roof, and things like snow and rainfall can block visibility. Not only that, but snowfall, rainfall, hailstorms, and strong winds can also damage the drone or interfere with drone control.
Airport Restrictions
Due to safety and security concerns, it is illegal to operate drones near airports. Thus, if you want to inspect a property near an airport, you will still have to go with the old fashioned way of physical inspection.
Power Line or Tree Interference
Nearby power lines or trees can also interfere with the operations of a drone. The drones can even get damaged (by getting entangled in tree branches) or cause power outages (by knocking into power lines). Thus, drone inspection may be a problem if you have tree branches overhanging the roof or power lines close to the roof.
Debris Interference
Drone inspection also won't work if your roof is dirty or covered in debris. This is because the drone will just capture the covering debris, and not the roof underneath. Say you have moss and algae growing all over the roof, or the roof is covered in leaves and windblown debris. In such a case, you have to clean the roof first, in which case are may just go ahead with a physical inspection.
Limited to Visual
Lastly, a good roof inspection involves more than looking at the roof. Sure, seeing the condition of the roof is probably the best way to inspect the roof. However, a physical inspector will also listen to the sounds (such as creaks) of the roof and feel weak points on the roof – a drone won't do that.
A drone roof inspection is good, but not as a standalone inspection tool. You may need to combine it with other roof inspection strategies for the best results. For more information on roof inspections, you can contact a residential roofing contractor in your area.
Share17 October 2019
When it came time to install a new roof on my home, I had no idea where to start. In fact, I was exploring roofing options that were a really poor fit in my climate. It wasn't until I reached out to a local roofer that I got some lessons on how to choose the right roofing material for my home and the weather exposure it is subjected to. I built this site to share my journey, including the mistakes I made and the things that I learned along the way. If you are considering replacing your home's roof, I hope that the information here can help to guide you through the process.
