Roof Inspections
Cost-Effective Roof Inspections
How exactly are drones used for roof inspections?
Roof inspections are done by piloting a drone with a high-resolution camera and capturing multiple images of the roof.
The most common methods are manual and automated inspections.
With manual inspections high-resolution images are captured by the pilot flying the drone. This enables real close up images to be captured of inaccessible areas and steep angles. This method is used to get a rough overview of the roof before deciding on the next step to take with the inspection. The images can be reviewed on-site or back at the office. This method also allows for multiple inspections in a day.
Automated inspections are done by a process called photogrammetry. The drone conducts an automated flight and captures multiple images. These images are uploaded into a Cloud based drone data platform. By stitching all the images, the cloud based platform creates 3D models and or 2D Orthomosaic maps of the roof. With the end product it is possible to calculate length, area, angles and volumes of the inspected roof.
Thermal cameras are also used with drone roof inspections. With the captured thermal images it is possible to detect leaks by picking up heat differences on the roof. Wet areas retain heat for longer periods than dry areas.
Using drones for roof inspections significantly streamlines the process, reducing the time and effort required for manual inspections. A drone equipped with a skilled operator can cover a large surface area swiftly, capturing high-resolution images and videos in real-time.
This efficiency eliminates the need for erecting scaffolding or utilizing expensive access equipment, saving both time and money. Drones provide accurate and precise data, enabling inspectors to identify even the slightest defects, ensuring a more comprehensive assessment of the roof’s condition.
Reduces Maintenance Costs for Roof Inspections!
Maintaining the structural integrity of a building is of paramount importance and one crucial aspect often overlooked is the condition of the roof. Regular roof inspections play a pivotal role in identifying potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs or compromise the safety of occupants.
Drone technology has revolutionised the field of roof inspections by offering unmatched efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Leveraging drones can significantly reduce maintenance costs while enhancing the overall inspection process.
Roof inspections are essential for both residential and commercial buildings; – ensuring that the roof remains in optimal condition to withstand the elements and the test of time. By conducting regular inspections, property owners can identify minor issues such as cracks, leaks, or deteriorating materials before they transform into major problems. Timely intervention through inspections allows for prompt repairs, thereby prolonging the lifespan of any roof and preventing potential damage to the building’s interior.
Adopting drone technology for roof inspections offers substantial cost savings and eliminates the potential risks associated with manual inspections. Traditional roof inspections often involved hiring professional roofers or inspection teams to physically access the roof and do manual assessments. This approach presents several challenges, such as safety risks, incurring substantial labor expenses, and time-consuming processes. In addition, the accuracy of visual inspections from ground level can be compromised, leading to potential oversight of hidden or hard-to-reach problem areas. These limitations highlight the need for an alternative solution that offers improved effectiveness, cost savings, and enhanced safety.
Drones offer a host of advantages over traditional methods and eliminate the need for extensive human resources, enabling property owners to allocate those funds to other critical areas. By detecting and addressing issues at an early stage, drones facilitate preventive maintenance, which can prevent minor problems from escalating into major, costly repairs. Consequently, the long-term savings achieved through regular drone inspections far outweigh the initial investment.
Equipped with high-resolution cameras and advanced imaging technologies; – drones can capture detailed aerial footage, providing inspectors with a comprehensive view of a roof’s condition. The ability to access hard-to-reach areas, such as rooftops with steep slopes or complex architectural designs, ensures a thorough examination of the entire roofing system.
By reducing the need for workers to physically access hazardous rooftops, property owners can ensure the safety of both the inspectors and their employees. Drones provide a non-intrusive means of inspecting roofs, minimising the likelihood of accidents and injuries. This enhanced safety factor not only protects personnel but also mitigates the liability and associated costs that may arise from on-site accidents.
Drones eliminate risk for inspectors by preventing the following:
- Falling from climbing up the side of a building with a ladder or scaffolding,
- Causing damage of and/or the collapse of roofs from walking and weight on the roof.
When did drones start being used for roof inspections (month and year) and why?
Benefits of using drones for roof inspections?
Types of drones that are ideal for roof inspections?
Generally multi copter drones are used for inspections. The latest generation of drones are small, capable of professional applications and easy to fly. The smaller drones come in a small bag that you can carry on your shoulder which makes transportation and moving between sites easy.
What makes an inspection using a drone uniquely different to an inspection done manually?
Essentially all you need is a competent, qualified pilot and the drone. There is no need for equipment to access and inspect the roof reducing cost and the time to set up scaffolding, ladders or rope access. The inspection can be done quickly and accurately without safety risks.
When to use drones for roof inspections?
- To assess insurance claims
- For progress reporting during the construction process
- For roof designs
- For roof maintenance cost estimates
- For leak Detection
- For damage assessments
- For solar panel layout designs
- For Estate Agents to accurately complete valuations by checking the condition of a roof.
Why we advise that people use drones for roof inspections?
- Drone inspections eliminate injury – no need to physically access the roof to perform an inspection or potentially damage the roof by walking it. Falls are the leading cause of death and injury in roof inspections
- Drones are able to access steep angles and inaccessible areas.
- Inspections are efficient and save time and multiple inspections are possible on a daily basis
- The cost of an inspection is lower as less manpower and equipment is required
Drones that are commonly used for Roof Inspections:
- DJI MAVIC PRO – Basic operations – emergency responses – small mapping – very portable – low cost
- DJI M210 – All rounder – Multiple payloads – Thermal camera – RGB camera – Zoom camera -High cost – excellent in windy conditions
- DJI INSPIRE 2 – All rounder – Quality drone – mid cost range – excellent in windy conditions
- DJI M600 – Heavy lifter – Specialised payloads – Lidar sensors -mid cost range
- Sensefly – Fixed wing – Large scale mapping
The effectiveness of roof inspections is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of buildings. By incorporating drones into the inspection process, property owners can experience a significant reduction in maintenance costs while enhancing efficiency and accuracy. Drones enable comprehensive assessments of the roof's condition, facilitate preventive maintenance, and improve safety measures. Embracing drone technology is a wise investment that pays off in the long run, ensuring the longevity of roofs, minimizing expenses, and providing peace of mind for property owners.