Why You Need a Drone for Roofing Inspections
Using a drone for roofing inspections can save you time and money. It can be used to inspect hard-to-reach places, and you can take pictures and videos of the roof to document the condition. Having a drone can also help you stay safe while performing roofing inspections.
Drones are Quick – One of the main advantages of using a drone for inspections is that they are much quicker than traditional methods. It used to take a roofer all day to inspect a large commercial roof. With a drone, the same job can be done in just a few hours.
Drones are Safe – Inspecting roofs can be dangerous. There is always the risk of falls and other accidents. Using a drone eliminates this risk because the operator can stay safely on the ground while the drone does all the work.
Drones are Affordable – Drones are becoming more and more affordable every day. A quality drone can now be purchased for less than $1,000. This is a great investment for any roofing company because it will quickly pay for itself by saving time and money on inspections.
Drones Provide Better Results – Traditional methods of roof inspection often miss things because they are not thorough enough. Drones can provide a much more detailed inspection because they can get up close and personal with the roof. This means that potential problems can be found and fixed before they become major issues.
How to Choose the Best Drone for Roofing Inspections
If you’re looking for the best drone for roofing inspections, you’ll want to consider a few things. First, what is your budget? There are a lot of great drones on the market, but they can range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Second, what features are you looking for? Do you need a drone that can carry a camera or one that is specifically designed for roofing inspections? Keep reading to learn more about choosing the best drone for roofing inspections.
Camera
When it comes to choosing the best drone for roofing inspections, the most important factor to consider is the camera. The drone’s camera needs to be high quality in order to get clear, detailed shots of the roof. It should also have a wide field of view so that you can see as much of the roof as possible in each frame. Thermal imaging cameras are also a valuable tool for roofing inspections, as they can detect areas of heat loss or leaks. If you’re considering a drone with a thermal camera, make sure that it has a high resolution so that you can see small details.
Flight Time
One of the most important specs to look at when choosing a drone for roofing inspections is flight time. A drone that can stay in the air for a longer period of time will be able to cover more area and get more done in a single flight. Drones that have shorter flight times will need to land more frequently, which can waste time and cut into your productivity. Ideally, you should look for a drone that offers at least 20 minutes of flight time. This will give you plenty of time to cover most roofs without having to worry about your drone running out of battery mid-flight. Some high-end drones can offer up to 40 minutes of flight time, but these tend to be quite expensive.
Battery Life
One of the deciding factors when choosing a drone for your roofing inspections is battery life.mAh (milliampere-hour) is the unit of measurement for a drone battery’s capacity. The higher the mAh, the longer the battery will last. For example, the Holy Stone HS100D has a 2,700mAh battery which will last approximately 25 minutes.
Weight
The weight of the drone is very important when it comes to choosing the best drone for roofing inspections. A heavier drone will be more stable in windy conditions and will be less likely to crash. However, a heavier drone will also require more battery power to stay in the air, which can be a problem if you are trying to do a long inspection.
Top 3 Drones for Roofing Inspections
When it comes to roofing inspections, drones are becoming increasingly popular. They are able to get a close-up view of the roof and identify any potential problems. They are also much safer than traditional methods of roof inspection. In this article, we will be discussing the top 3 drones for roofing inspections.
DJI Phantom 4
The DJI Phantom 4 is a great drone for roofing inspections because of its high-quality camera, long flight time, and stable flight. The camera on the Phantom 4 is a 20-megapixel, 1-inch sensor that can shoot 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. The drone also has a flight time of up to 30 minutes, which is plenty of time to get an accurate inspection of a roof. The Phantom 4 is also very stable in the air, making it easy to get clear photos and videos of the roof.
If you’re looking for a drone that is specifically designed for roofing inspections, the DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ is a great option. This drone comes with a 4K Ultra HD camera that gives you stunningly clear images of your roof, and it also has an integrated 3-axis gimbal that keeps your shots steady. With 30 minutes, you can get plenty of use out of it before having to recharge. And when it’s time to land, the “Return Home” function will automatically bring the drone back to you.
Pros
- The Phantom 4 has a sleek and aerodynamic design, making it easy to fly and maneuver.
- It is equipped with an advanced camera that can take high-quality photos and videos.
- The Phantom 4 has obstacle avoidance technology, making it safe to fly near obstacles.
Cons
- The Phantom 4 is relatively expensive, costing around $1,800.
- It is difficult to find replacement parts for the Phantom 4 if something breaks.
Yuneec Typhoon H
If you want a quality drone that will be able to provide you with great roofing inspection footage, then the Yuneec Typhoon H is a great option. This drone is able to fly for up to 25 minutes, and it has a 12-megapixel camera that can record 4k video. It also has a 3-axis gimbal that helps to stabilize the footage. The Yuneec Typhoon H Plus is another great option for roofing inspections. The HD camera gives you clear images of your roof, and it also has an integrated 3-axis gimbal that keeps your shots steady. The Typhoon H Plus also features an impressive flight time of 30 minutes and includes the “Return Home” function so you can easily find your way back to your starting point.
Pros
- The Yuneec Typhoon H is a hexacopter, so it has six rotors instead of four, providing more stability and lift.
- It comes with the CGO3+ camera, which captures great video and still images.
- It has retractable landing gear, so the camera doesn’t get in the way when filming.
- The controller is very intuitive and easy to use.
- It’s relatively quiet compared to other drones on the market.
Cons
- The battery life is only about 20 minutes, so you have to plan your flights carefully.
- It’s a bit on the expensive side, costing around $2,600.
- The camera can sometimes over-expose images or videos.
- The range isn’t great, only being about 1 kilometer or 0.6 miles.
Autel Robotics X-Star Premium
If you’re in the market for a roofing drone, the Autel Robotics X-Star Premium should be at the top of your list. This drone is specifically designed for roofing inspections and comes equipped with all the features you need to get the job done quickly and efficiently. The X-Star Premium has a 4K Ultra HD camera that gives you crystal clear images of your roof, and the included 3-axis gimbal ensures that your shots are always stable. You’ll also appreciate the 34-minute flight time, which is one of the longest in its class.
When it’s time to land, the X-Star Premium has an integrated safe landing system that will automatically guide the drone down to a safe landing spot. And if you ever lose sight of your drone, the “Return Home” function will bring it back to you.
Pros
- The camera on the Autel Robotics X-Star Premium is excellent, providing clear, high-quality video footage.
- The drone is very stable in the air, making it easy to get great shots.
- It is very easy to fly, even for beginners.
- The drone is very tough and durable, able to withstand crashes and other mishaps.
- It comes with a great remote control that has an LCD display, making it easy to see what the drone is seeing.
Cons
- The Autel Robotics X-Star Premium is a bit on the expensive side.
- The battery life could be better – it only lasts for about 25 minutes on a single charge.
- The range of the remote control is not very far, so you have to stay close to the drone while flying it.
How to Get Started with Roofing Inspection Drones
Drones are a great tool for roofing inspections because they can help you save time and money. They can also help you get a closer look at the roof and spot any problems that you may not be able to see from the ground. If you’re thinking about using a drone for your next roofing inspection, here’s what you need to know.
Choose Your Drone
When it comes to choosing a drone for your roofing inspections, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you need to decide on the size of the drone. Smaller drones are easier to maneuver and can get into tight spaces, but they may not have the same flight time or range as larger drones. Second, you need to decide on the features you need. Some drones come with built-in cameras, while others require you to purchase a separate camera. You’ll also want to make sure that the drone you choose has enough battery life to get the job done.
Finally, you’ll need to decide on a budget. Drones can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs and your budget. Once you’ve decided on the right drone for your roofing inspections, it’s time to get started. The first thing you’ll need to do is register your drone with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). You can do this online or by mail, and you’ll need to provide your name, address, and email address.
You’ll also need to provide the make and model of your drone, as well as its serial number. After you’ve registered your drone, you’ll need to download and install the FAA’s registration app on your smartphone or tablet. Next, you’ll need to create an account with a drone mapping or roofing software company. There are many companies that offer this service, so be sure to shop around and find one that offers the features you need at a price you’re comfortable with paying.
Once you’ve created an account, you can log in and start planning your roofing inspection routes. Most software companies offer free trial periods, so be sure to take advantage of them before committing to a paid subscription. Finally, it’s time to start flying! Before takeoff, be sure to check local laws and regulations regarding drones. Once you’re in the air, follow the instructions provided by your software company and focus on taking high-quality photos of your target area. With some practice, you’ll be able
Get Training
So, you want to get into the roofing inspection business using drones. Great! Drones can be a huge asset for any roofing inspector, saving time and money while providing a bird’s eye view of the property that simply couldn’t be obtained any other way. But before you can start inspecting roofs with your drone, there are a few things you need to do first.
First and foremost, you need to get trained in how to fly a drone safely and efficiently. This is not as difficult as it may sound – there are many great online and in-person training programs available that can have you up and flying in no time. Once you have your drone pilot’s license (or equivalent), you will be ready to start building your business.
Get Insured
Before you start using drones for your roofing business, it’s important to make sure that you have the right kind of insurance. Flying a drone comes with inherent risks, and if something goes wrong, you could be held liable.
There are a few different types of insurance that you should consider:
- Liability insurance: This will protect you in the event that your drone damages someone else’s property or injures someone.
- Property insurance: This will protect your drone in the event that it is lost or damaged.
- UAS operator insurance: This will protect you in the event that your drone causes property damage or injury while you are operating it.
- Product liability insurance: This will protect you in the event that your drone damages someone else’s property or injures someone while you are flying it for commercial purposes.
Make sure to shop around and compare rates before you purchase any policy, as prices can vary significantly. Once you have the right insurance in place, you can start using drones for your roofing business with peace of mind.
