Drones can help home inspectors safely examine roofs and other areas that may be difficult to access. They are especially useful for steep, elevated, fragile, or otherwise unsafe roofing surfaces.
A drone does not replace a professional home inspection. It is another tool an inspector may use to gather visual information.
A Safer Way to View the Roof
Walking on a roof is not always safe or appropriate. Snow, ice, moisture, steep slopes, deterioration, and certain roofing materials can limit access.
When weather and property conditions allow, a drone can provide aerial views while the inspector remains safely on the ground.
Better Views of Difficult Areas
Drone cameras can help an inspector view:
- Upper roof sections
- Valleys and flashing
- Chimneys
- Roof penetrations
- Missing or damaged roofing materials
- Debris and visible deterioration
The photographs can also be included in the inspection report, helping the client understand the conditions observed.
What About Thermal Imaging?
Some drones have thermal-imaging cameras that identify apparent surface-temperature differences.
Under suitable conditions, these patterns may indicate areas that deserve further investigation, including possible:
- Heat loss
- Insulation differences
- Air leakage
- Moisture-related conditions
Thermal imaging does not see through roofing materials, and a temperature difference does not prove that moisture, missing insulation, or structural damage is present. Additional evaluation may be necessary to determine the cause.
What Are the Limitations?
A drone cannot evaluate everything. It may not determine:
- Whether roofing materials are properly secured
- The condition of concealed materials
- The firmness of the roof decking
- The cause of a thermal pattern
- Conditions hidden beneath snow or debris
Wind, precipitation, extreme temperatures, trees, power lines, and airspace restrictions may also prevent a drone from being used.
When a roof or component cannot be inspected, the inspector should identify that limitation in the report.
A Helpful Inspection Tool
When conditions allow, a drone can make a roof inspection safer and provide useful views of difficult-to-access areas. It supplements observations made from the ground, roof edges, windows, attics, and other safely accessible locations.
Inspecta-Homes has served Twin Cities homeowners, homebuyers, and real estate professionals since 1981. Call 651-641-0641 to schedule your home inspection.
