How Much Does a Drone Roof Inspection Cost

A drone roof inspection can cost as little as $150 and as much as $500, depending on how the activity is charged. Some companies or individuals may charge by the square foot while others may charge based on the flight time.

Hello everyone! My name is Lavelle and I am a licensed drone pilot with more than 10 years of experience flying drones both commercially and recreationally. I have also conducted several roof inspections for roofing contractors in the aftermath of hurricanes along the Gulf Coast.

In this article, I will cover the variables that contribute to the cost of a drone roof inspection and go over some of the reasons why choosing a drone roof inspection is beneficial. 

Key Takeaways

  • Drone roof inspections are efficient and cost-effective.
  • Drone roof inspection prices vary significantly depending on the complexity and size of the project.
  • In order to conduct a successful drone inspection, roof accessibility is important.

What Is the Price for Drone Roof Inspection Dependent on?

Here are some of the factors that contribute to the price of a drone roof inspection.

Type of Property

Whether the property is a commercial or an individual, may determine how the price is derived for a drone roof inspection. 

Generally speaking, commercial properties cost more for inspections. Individual property owners, especially those getting an annual inspection for preventative maintenance-type issues, may be priced lower.

Size of the Roof Inspection

Another obvious factor is the size of the roof that needs to be inspected. In some instances, the inspection price is based on a square foot price, therefore, the larger the roof, the higher the price. 

In other instances, the flight time determines the price to be charged, and a larger roof will take more time to cover and may be priced higher.

Roof Accessibility

One of the most important aspects of roof inspections, especially on commercial buildings, is accessibility to the roof

For instance, a high-rise commercial building in a busy downtown area may have limited access to the roof. Therefore the price for a drone roof inspection would be higher. 

Additionally, gaining access to the roof with traditional equipment may be costly and timely. This is where drone roof inspections come in handy. 

Also Read: Best Drones for Roof Inspection

Why Choose a Drone Roof Inspection?

There are several reasons to choose a drone for a roof inspection. Here are a few of the benefits of a drone roof inspection.

More Efficient

Efficiency is one of the most important elements when considering a drone for a roof inspection. Drones take less setup time and can maneuver easily to get above the roof for an inspection. 

Less Equipment

Another benefit to using a drone for roof inspection is that the drone is a stand-alone piece of equipment. Unlike traditional roof inspections, where ladders, a lift bucket, and a camera may be required, the drone is able to lift above the roof, move to all areas, and take pictures and video

Time-saving

The setup time for a drone inspection is much less than that of a traditional roof inspection. Getting equipment off of a truck, moving it to a spot to climb up on the roof, then relocating the equipment to a different spot on the roof, plus bringing a camera up on the roof is quite time-consuming.

With the drone, you simply unpack the drone, check the area, then launch the drone for the inspection. The time saved can be exponential.

FAQs

Here are a few answers to some of the frequently asked questions about drone roof inspections.

How Much Does a Thermal Drone Inspection Cost?

The national average for a thermal drone inspection ranges between $400 and $650. Thermal inspections can capture issues that are not found by a traditional video or photography inspection.

Are Drones Good for Roof Inspections?

Yes, drones are great for roof inspections. Drones can maneuver to different locations and provide different angle shots. Drones can also inspect roofs that are traditionally difficult to access.

What Is the Best Drone for Roofing Inspections?

The best drone for roofing inspection varies depending on the particular needs. Generally speaking, drones with good range, FPV, GPS, a good camera, and good flight times, are the best ones for a roof inspection.

Final Thoughts

Drone roof inspections are efficient, require less equipment, and are time savers. The cost of these inspections varies depending on several factors, however, the final cost is very competitive and in many cases, more cost effective than traditional inspections.

Do you have any expertise in using drones to inspect roofs? Feel welcome to leave a comment below sharing your experience with other readers.

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