Revolutionizing Roofing: How Drones are Changing the Industry
Drones are widely being used throughout the world for commercial purposes. However, they are increasingly used in the roofing industry for various tasks. For example, drones are helping roofing contractors save valuable time by immediately making accurate measurements, inspections, and site surveys. Here are some ways that drones are changing the roofing industry:
Safe and Efficient Roof Inspections
Drones are being used to provide a safe and efficient way to inspect roofs. By using drones to inspect roofs, there is a reduced need for ladders or scaffolding. Drones are making inspections safer and much faster. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras give roofing contractors a close-up view of the surface of a roof without the need to physically climb onto it. This improves safety and saves time and money because drones can cover a larger area much faster than a person could.
Another way that drones are taking roof inspections to the next level is by using thermal imaging. Drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras can detect temperature differences on the roof, indicating problems such as leaks or insulation issues. This technology allows roofing contractors to identify issues that may not be visible to the naked eye and address them before they become more serious. In addition, using a thermal imaging drone helps homeowners identify areas where they can save energy and reduce energy bills.
Measurements and Mapping
Before drones came along, roofing contractors had to use conventional methods of preparing for a project. This meant sending employees out to take measurements and assess roof conditions. This would result in hours of on-site work and cost contractors money in time and labor. Often multiple trips would be required to assess and recheck measurements before bidding or doing any job. Drones have solved this problem by flying over property and capturing photos. The photos can be sent via Bluetooth or downloaded from the camera software.
Drones provide a complete view of a roofing project. Contractors can then create diagrams, blueprints, and sketches in full detail, giving the customer a clear picture of their roofing installation. In addition, mapping software can create a 3D roof image, helping contractors determine square footage, pitch, ridges, hips, valleys, rakes, eaves, and so much more. This information can give the homeowner a more accurate estimate for a roofing project.
Overall Safety Solution
Every time a contractor sends a crew up on a roof, there is an inherent danger. And the danger is the same whether the work is on top of a two-story home, a single level, or a multi-level high rise. Although much of the work done on a roof cannot be done by a drone, there are times when it is a safer option—for example, working on a roof that is over 30 years old. Time and the elements can deteriorate a roof even if it’s expected to last longer. In addition, the decking and the underlayment are subject to wear and tear over time. A roof can also be dangerous following storms like hurricanes or tornadoes. If the structural integrity of a roof is in question, performing an inspection can become hazardous. Drones cannot perform thorough inspections but can give the roofer an idea of what they are dealing with. Drones allow roofers to view the entire roof. Those images will provide enough information to ensure the contractor has the right equipment to complete a proper inspection. Using drone footage can help reduce accidents and injuries by reducing the need for workers to climb onto a roof.
Marketing Assets
In today’s digital age, standing out in a crowd is more important than ever. One way to do this is to use aerial photography and video to showcase your work. This can help differentiate your business from the competition. Drones are excellent for capturing high-quality aerial photography and video of properties. Using high-resolution cameras, you can showcase the beauty and craftsmanship of your roofing projects from a unique perspective. This can be especially effective for marketing to potential customers. Drones allow customers to see the full scope of your work in a way that traditional ground-level photographs cannot.
Companies are utilizing drone technology across the country in so many ways. Roofing is just one industry where drone usage is changing how things are done. The roofing industry is taking advantage of drones and their software to provide clients with photo updates, accurate estimates, sketches, blueprints, and up-to-the-minute updates on job completion. The use of drones in the roofing industry has proven to be both practical, economical, and efficient.
Anusbigian Sales is a family operation. The family transplanted from cold and wintery Michigan to sunny South Florida in the mid-2000s. We provide professional sales representation for two premier roofing product manufacturers in South Florida.