Drones are quickly becoming increasingly popular within various industries due to their versatility and ease of use. While they are often used in surveillance, photography, and even military applications, drones are becoming more commonplace in commercial applications.
According to one report from the Drone Powered Solutions team from PwC, the frequency of life-threatening accidents on construction sites surveyed by drones has decreased drastically to 91%. That’s a significant decrease in potential risks to workers and contractors.
It’s no surprise that many contractors have begun offering roof inspection services via drones. However, are drones the best option for a roof inspection, or are traditional manual methods are still more reliable? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both.
Roof Inspection Using Drones
Drones are a relatively new technology and are just beginning to be utilized in roof inspections. The advantages of using drones for inspection are numerous. It is done by a drone operator, who can maneuver around the surfaces to get a better view of the roof and its structure.
The drones can fly and hover at various heights, so they can access parts of the roof that would otherwise be difficult to inspect manually. This allows for a more comprehensive overview of the top and lessens the risk of overlooking possible damage.
Pros:
- Faster than manual inspections
- Allows access to difficult-to-reach areas
- It can be used to inspect large, complex roofs
- It can provide high-precision imagery
Cons:
- Expensive to purchase and maintain a drone
- Limited battery life
- They may not be able to detect small details that could be important
- Drone operators require training and certification
Manual Roof Inspection
When it comes to roof inspections, manual methods are still the most widely used. It is done by a trained inspector who ascends the roof and looks closely at its structure.
Traditional manual methods are sometimes more cost-effective than drones and don’t require additional training or certification. Additionally, manual inspections are still reliable at detecting small details and can be done quickly.
Pros:
- Cheaper than drones
- Can be done quickly
- Reliable at detecting small details
- No additional training or certification is required
Cons:
- Difficult-to-reach areas are not easily accessible.
- It takes longer to inspect larger, complex roofs
- May overlook essential details due to human error
- Safety risks for the inspector
Choosing The Right Method: Which one is better?
Ultimately, the best roof inspection method depends on various factors. For larger and more complex roofs, drones offer advantages in speed and accuracy. However, manual inspections are still more cost-effective and may be the best option in some instances.
It’s important to weigh both the pros and cons of each method before deciding on the best one for your particular roof inspection needs. However, it’s essential to remember that drones are merely tools, no matter how advanced they may be. Ultimately, the contractor’s skill and knowledge make all the difference in getting accurate results.
If you have the option to work with a competent contractor that also utilizes drones, you are sure to get results that are both accurate and cost-effective.
The Chandler Companies specializes in drone roof inspection services that offer advanced technology and experienced professionals. Contact us today to discuss how our drone-based roof inspection services can meet your needs.