Your Roofing Inspection: Drones Versus Humans

Roof Inspection

The use of drones in roofing inspections is becoming more and more popular. But do drones really do a better job than people when performing a roofing inspection? What are the pros and cons of drones versus humans?

What Is A Roof Inspection?

A roof inspection is when a roofing contractor checks your roof for signs of needed repairs and assesses the shape your roof is in. A professional roofer will first check the basic condition and structure of your roof and then look at your ventilation, shingles, decking, flashings, roof penetrations, and gutters. After the inspection, a detailed report will be written up and given to the homeowner.

What’s The Difference Between An Inspection And An Estimate?

An inspection is a thorough check for any repairs that need to be performed, whereas an estimate determines how much an already-needed project will cost. Roofstar Arizona offers estimates for free.

Can You Use A Drone For A Home Inspection?

Drones can be used for both home and roof inspections, and many contractors will perform roof inspections using a drone. However, Roofstar Arizona prefers to use hands-on, physical inspections that provide a more accurate assessment of the state of your roof.

Pros And Cons Of Using A Drone For A Roof Inspection

Drones certainly can be useful during an inspection, but they have their drawbacks as well. What are the pros and cons of using a drone for a roof inspection?

Pros:

  • Alternate Angles: A drone can fly directly above your home, giving different angles than can be seen by a person on the roof.
  • A Quicker Inspection: Using drones can make for a faster inspection since there is less setup needed.

Cons:

  • Less Accurate: When up on the roof, roofers are more likely to catch subtle signs of damage than when looking at the roof through a screen. In addition, some issues may be hidden in cracks or valleys that are difficult to see from a bird’s eye perspective.
  • Weather Limitations: Since drones are so lightweight, most of them are not able to fly in even moderately windy weather or light rain. That means that a drone inspection may need to be rescheduled due to normal weather.
  • A Physical Inspection Is Important: While drones can be useful for complementing a physical inspection, performing a physical inspection is important. Roofers need to get a feel for the roof using their own hands and eyes, and walking along the roof can be useful for feeling weak or soft spots. Using a drone just isn’t the same.

So what’s better – a physical inspection, or a roof inspection performed by a drone? In our opinion, nothing beats a physical inspection performed by a roofer on your roof. While drones are an incredibly useful tool, a roof inspection is just one of those things that requires a hands-on approach.

Schedule An Inspection

Ready to get your roof inspected by a licensed, trained, and professional roofing company? Call Roofstar Arizona now at (480) 426-1915 to get the process started. We’ll always tell you the truth about your roof!

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