Rooftop Inspections
Drone Roof Inspection Services
Drones are finding their way into many industries. While researching UAS setups for rooftop inspections, AZ Drone has learned just how valuable these devices can be for roofers, insurance providers, solar installers, and more. The bottom line is very simple. Faster surveys, safer inspections, lowered liability, the ability to process more jobs in less time, and valuable information collected that wasn't available before.
A Typical Roof Inspection Scenario
We've been evaluating UAS roofing software while building our business. Time and again when it comes to testimonials regarding the software available we keep hearing the same story.
From Roof Snap's own testimonials we hear:
"In my profession I would normally have to go to the customer's house, climb a ladder and hand measure their roof. Now with this handy app, I simply pull up the location, sketch the roof and enter the "pitch" all while sitting in the safety and comfort of my truck."
Over and over again we've read dozens of stories from roofers and other professionals who need to do roof top inspections. The typical scenario before drones was pretty simple:
- Load up ladders in your work truck.
- A second employee comes along for the inspection.
- Two people are present on the roof for inspection.
- Safety measures for the two employees must be taken. There are liability risks and workman's comp risks while the team is on the roof.
- The roofing team's inspection time is usually at least 1 hour, if not longer.
The new inspection workflow with UAVs
Now with drone imaging and data collection the scenario has changed immensely. A single employee goes to the inspection site. They setup for UAS aerial imaging, fly the drone with one of many software packages out there, never set foot on the roof, and spend less than 30 minutes collecting the data. Once the data is collected the team can assemble the inspection information within 24 hours!
According to one roofing company they're able to inspect twice as many rooftops now. The owner of the company can do 6 - 8 roof top inspections per day instead of 3-4 inspections with a team of two!
Drone Inspection Benefits
Faster Inspections
A typical roof survey with a UAS (unmanned aerial system) takes less than 30 minutes. No need to climb on to the roof and take measurements, the entire job can be done from the ground.
Safer Inspections
Team members don't need to be on the rooftop at all. This means there's less room for workplace accidents when inspecting a potential job site. Lower insurance costs and lower risk for your team members.
Accurate Inspection Details
Measuring rooftops, checking pitches, and planning jobs is easier with aerial data. Not only can you get more done in less time, but assembling information for your clients makes a more sound case for why they need your services.
Compelling Images For Customers
With the latest roof inspection apps for drones, the final product shown to customers is very compelling. Images and 3D Modeling show customers exactly what they need and why they need it.
This roof survey took under 8 minutes to fly. The aerial data collected was completed in under 8 hours, ready to start planning for the customer.
3D Building Model
The model below can be exported to a variety of 3D modeling programs to check roof pitch, height, area, and more. These models can be incorporated into residential solar installation planning easily with AZ Drone.
With today's UAV apps, and future apps in the pipeline, Solar Power Installation companies can actually model panel installation, roof shading, and final power output daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly.
The modeling takes very little time thanks to aerial data collected by drones, allowing the businesses to easily increase their installation planning and add more jobs in the same amount of time.
Solar Applications
AZ Drone is located in Arizona. One of the best places in the country for solar power installations. There are companies across the state offering solar power setups for homeowners. And those companies currently perform solar installation inspections in the same manner they have for years. Very similar to how roof inspections have been done for quite some time.
With the availability of UAVs for roof inspections it stands to reason that many of the benefits of using drones will translate to the solar industry as well. More inspections in less time, saving countless man hours. Increased safety while doing the roof inspections, and lowered man hours in the field. Also, the inspection process while using a UAV is less invasive than a standard 2 man team on a roof needing to tether to the roof for safety reasons. The minimal intrusion on the roof is just one more selling point for solar power customers.
And finally, the drone app developers are hard at work finding solutions for solar planners. Companies like Scanifly are making solar installation planning a snap for solar power providers. From their own media Scanifly says:
"Design a solar (PV) system using a 3D mapped environment. Add solar panels, calculate production, perform a shade analysis, export a shade report, import 3D models designed in SketchUp or Autodesk software, measure in 3D, and more."
This is only the beginning for such companies. The bottom line will mean savings, additional revenue, and improved work place safety for solar installation companies not only in Arizona, but across the country!