Drones were invented specifically for military missions. Today, any person, military or not, can purchase these unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs. Because of the recent interest in drones, businesses like Dependable Construction are becoming more aware of the practical benefits drones can provide for their industry. The roofing industry is no exception to this.
Dependable Construction has listed below 5 ways drones are helping and impacting the roofing industry:
- Providing accurate estimates for customers.
One challenge for roofing contractors is providing an accurate estimate for their clients. There might be areas on a homeowner’s roof that are inaccessible. Other roofs have extreme heights, creating more risk for the contractor to climb up the ladder and inspect the damage.
With a drone, these problems can go away quickly. Drones help provide accurate visuals with a high-resolution camera to tape and take pictures of the roof, especially in the hard-to-reach areas. Contractors can estimate more accurately because of the drone’s ability to gather general and specific information on that particular roof’s damage. All while showing the homeowner any damage that is found on the roof.
- Less liability.
Every time a contractor is on the roof, there is a risk of falling. Contractors could break their arm or leg. A broken arm or leg should be the least of everyone’s worries, but this and other injuries — and lawsuits — that follow will create problems for both the client and the contractor.
Drones help prevent these injuries from happening to v. Drones record the roof from a bird’s eye view, keeping everyone on the ground during the initial quoting process. Not only will this prevent broken bones, drones are faster than setting up a ladder and climbing on the roof.
- Great return on investment.
Most drones are inexpensive for businesses, coming in at $1,500 or less. Drones take less time to gather data from multiple view points and slopes.
Even though companies save time on the quoting process, there is still a learning curve for any person willing to fly their brand new UAV. As a drone pilot for Dependable Construction, operating a Parrot Bebop 2 Drone. Took over 40 hours of practice, before felt comfortable enough to fly it in front of customers. Even if contractors don’t have enough time to practice, there are some drones who can fly on autopilot, using software and other technology to fly without a pilot. The newest one on the market is the Lilly Drone
- Unclear guidelines.
Even though drones are great for businesses in general, the government has been behind on passing regulations concerning drones and other UAV’s. As of now, there are only 17 states that regulate drone flights, and there are other states considering the same legislation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cannot track and monitor these devices, and they also don’t have enough manpower to regulate the restrictions.
The FAA has provided a few exceptions for businesses. The insurance company State Farm has been granted one of these exceptions, using drones to assess roof damage for insurance purposes.
- Fun factor.
More businesses are purchasing drones because they are fun to fly. No further explanation is needed. Today’s technology makes it easier for roofers to provide accurate estimates to their customers. Drones create less liability for contractors, have a great return on investment, and are fun to fly. Once clearer regulations are passed, drones will be on the rise for businesses across the country.
To see Dependable Construction’s drone in action call today at (937) 318.9572 for your free roof estimate. You can also visit us on Facebook to keep up with the latest jobs we are working on.
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