Technology has changed the way we do a lot of things, it had made hitherto difficult task become way easier and less stressful whilst making us perform far more efficiently than we would have in the not too distant past. A few decades ago, the sight of a miniature flying object taking pictures and recording videos would have caused a pandemonium, eliciting gasp of awe and in some fear that the prophesied end was come. We would have heard conspiracy theorists tell tales of alien invasion and government cover up but today that is not to be the case, these miniature flying objects are affectionately called Drones and they have now become a part of our daily life.

Drones have become a part of our everyday life. These small flying machines have become useful tools for work in our homes, various industries and for different operations. They are used in the military for reconnaissance and stealth attacks, they have application in the entertainment industry; you can find them taking pictures and recording videos at major and minor events, and in our homes, they have found a place in tasks that are not only entertaining but have become very useful at solving some difficult challenges and making life a tad easier. One of the many ways drones have become more useful in our homes, is in the area of home maintenance and in particular roof maintenance. Want to know how drones apply to home maintenance and roofing? Stick around and we will get right to it.

ROOFING DRONES

Since the FAA relaxed regulations on the flight of small unmanned machines, the sale and use of drones have risen sporadically. You can now find Drones made for different purposes and boasting different specifications. For instance, drones made for roofing inspection and surveillance are usually equipped with thermal imaging capabilities that allow home owners to look for and spot leaks on their roofs. This can save you a lot amount on roof inspection and can help spot defects before the roof inspectors do and then slam you with a fine. Roofing Drones are particularly ideal for surveying and inspecting large properties and they can conduct and complete the survey and inspection in record time and with high accuracy.

Most Roofing Drones take high definition photos and videos of roofs and roof structures. They are equipped with thermal imaging components that allows them to spot leaks and damages that may be otherwise invisible to the naked eyes and then they transfer same to the accompanying software that allows you to gather crucial information and data about your roof and your roof structure. Drones are able to capture the dimensions, and condition of your roof. They are useful for roof inspections when you suspect a leak or after a major natural disaster or extreme weather conditions such as hail, severe snowstorm, high winds and or hurricane.

FEATURES OF A GOOD ROOFING DRONE

Flight Stability

This is one of the most important features of a roofing drone. The flight and image stability of your roofing drone will greatly affect the performance of the drone and will impact on your ability to efficiently perform a roof inspection. One of the key functions you should look out for when getting a roofing drone is the “altitude hold”. This is a feature that ensures that the drone is stable in flight.

First Person View (FPV)

The FPV is a must have feature for every roof drone. It is this feature that allows you to see the roof through the drone like you were standing there yourself. This feature allows you to see exactly what the drone is pointing at, at any particular time. Because for roof inspections you have to have close control, it is important that your drone is able to give you the first person view to help you make the right decisions at all times.

Camera

A great and not just good camera is a must for your roofing drone. It is the most important component of the equipment and as such must not be taken likely. Invest only in drones with 4k high definitions and have high thermal imaging. Roofing drones with gimbal+camera combination is a very good choice as they will have the required stability and pivoting in all directions.

In-flight Time

This is also an important feature. It will be great to have your drone flying for as long as you want it but for now, flight time is still limited. You are advised to go for drones that can remain in the air for up to 25 minutes to eliminate the wait in between recharging. You can also pack an extra battery to replace dead batteries.

GPS

GPS enables drones to incorporate smart flight features such as follow me, cable cam etc.  these features are quite exciting when you make use of them they also ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the use of your drones for roofing inspections. With GPS you can set your drone on autonomous flight and allow it survey the roof whilst you take on the task of monitoring damages.

BENEFITS OF ROOFING DRONES

The use of roofing drones comes with a wide range of benefits for you and your home; they provide you with the opportunity to first ascertain the nature and extent of damage to your roof before consulting with a professional. They are also important at providing you with the required firsthand knowledge on the state of your property.  I have listed below a few benefits of using drones to inspect your roof.

Note: It is important that before operating and flying a drone that you read the operational manual and please ensure that you are not contravening any laws within your jurisdiction.

Safety

This cannot be over stated. Your safety is of the most paramount importance. We seldom go inspecting our roofs for fun (though I sometimes do that) but due to challenges we may be experiencing with the roof, and because you are not a professional, climbing up the roof may just be a suicide wish. With roofing drones, you don’t have any need to go up to the roof, you can inspect the roof from the safety of the ground. There is no need for ladders or poles and the possibility of you causing more damage if you go up the roof yourself is eliminated.

Since the structural integrity of most roofs and roofing structures that have been standing for years cannot be guaranteed, it is a high risk for you to go up to inspect damages and faults. These inspections are usually left for the professionals but as a first level maintenance practice, it is good you inspect your roof and using a drone only makes it easier and less dangerous. In the case of natural disasters, you are able to inspect vast area around your property for damages from a safe distance.

Comprehensive Inspection and Measuring

Drones have proven very effective and accurate at taking measurements of roofs and conducting inspections. After any major disaster or severe acts of elements of weather such as strong wind, hail or hurricane, the first part of the building to look to is the roof. Drones are effective at comprehensively performing inspections on your roof. You can use drones to check for damages to roof, conditions of the roof and to check for leaks and faults that may not be visible to the naked eye making use of the thermal imaging feature of your drone.

There is no need to go up on your roof for inspection or measurements. Even if you have a very large property and steep roofs, roofing drones are made just right for the task. They can survey any type of roof and at whatever angle. Roofing drones are ideal for getting estimates of dimensions for re-roofing projects and large roof maintenance. You can have your roof inspected even before the contractors come in to ensure that you have firsthand knowledge of the nature of work that involved on your roof.

They are Fun!

Flying drones is a fun activity. I enjoy doing so and I am sure that you would too but ensure that you purchase the right drone that would serve a useful purpose. Most drones tailored for roofing are a great addition to your home equipment and for as little as $150, you can start flying your own miniature flying machine and taking control of your airspace.

In conclusion, just as roofing drones are a great tool, there are also regulations to their use. Ensure that you are aware of the FAA regulations around your property before setting your drone to flight. If there’s no regulation stopping your flight, I wish you a happy flight!