Why Roofers Still Need To Climb On A Roof In The Era Of Drones
Drones are becoming more popular and accessible for various purposes, including roof inspections. Some may think that drones can replace the need for a roofer to climb on a roof and perform a physical assessment, but this is not true. Drones have some advantages but also have many limitations and drawbacks that make them insufficient for a thorough and accurate roof assessment.
Advantages of Drones for Roof Inspections
Drones can offer some benefits for roof inspections, such as:
- Saving time and money by covering large areas quickly and efficiently, reducing the labor and travel costs of roof inspections
- Enhancing safety by reducing the risk of injuries or accidents for roofers who climb steep, slippery, or damaged roofs
- Providing high-quality images that can reveal problems like heat loss, leaks, or imperfections
- Generating aerial maps using software to stitch together multiple images and create detailed maps to help with measurements, estimates, and reports
The Limitations of Drones for Roof Inspections
However, drones also have many limitations that make them inadequate for roof inspections, such as:
- Requiring a license and registration to operate legally and safely, adding to the cost and complexity of using drones for roof inspections
- Facing restricted airspace because drones are not allowed to fly in certain areas, limiting the availability and feasibility of using drones
- Dealing with weather conditions that can damage drones and affect image quality, such as wind, rain, snow, fog, or extreme temperatures
Roofers also can more easily spot subtle signs of damage not visible on a drone image. They can also inspect other aspects of the roof system, such as:
- Flashing
- Vents
- Drains
- Solar panels
Drones cannot detect hidden problems that may be present under the roof's surface, such as moisture intrusion, mold growth, structural damage, or insulation issues. These problems may require invasive testing or sampling only a roofer can perform.
A Roofer Might Use Either Approach
Drones are not a substitute for roofers when it comes to roof inspections. They can provide helpful information but also have many limitations that make them insufficient for a comprehensive and accurate roof assessment. A drone can complement but not replace a roofer's work with the skills, knowledge, and tools to inspect a roof thoroughly and adequately.
If you are considering inspecting your roof yourself with a drone, you might be spending money unnecessarily, and an experienced roofer can use a drone more effectively to inspect your roof.
Reach out to a local roofer to learn more.