Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (sUAV) or drones as most commonly referred to have made a significant impact in various industries. Drone inspections have been a game-changer when it comes to performing roofing or building envelope inspections and infrared thermal surveys. They have drastically reduced the safety hazards to the inspectors, and have proven to save time and money.
Optamiss is big on technology and counts with the ‘bird’s eye view’ that can only be captured through its state-of-the-art drones. We deploy the latest in today’s drone technology to better document the present condition of both
commercial and residential roofs throughout South Florida. Our goal is simple, to provide you better documentation and give you a good visual representation as to the condition of your roofing asset. A licensed FAA pilot will quickly and safely put the drone in the air and take the needed pictures or video.
WHAT SERVICES CAN AERIAL DRONE INSPECTIONS PROVIDE?
AERIAL ROOF INSPECTIONS
Though the traditional method of personally getting on a roof and performing a roof inspection is often necessary, drone photography is a valuable complement. It allows for inspection of locations that are often inaccessible or dangerous to access. More importantly, aerial roof inspections provide photos that help document the bigger picture. The visual data collected by the sUAV is then reviewed in detail by the inspector and included in the roof inspection report.
- The utilization of an sUAV during all phases of your commercial roofing project allows the inspector to perform Quality Assurance, record work progression and even take videos of the actual installation.
- Aerial drone roof inspections help pinpoint deficiencies such as: missing shingles, cracked or broken roof tiles, clogged gutters, the condition of rooftop equipment, areas of ponding water, etc.
- They are also very good at obtaining a bird’s eye view of completed roof repairs.
Undoubtedly, drones are a valuable addition to the inspector’s toolbox. Even Property Managers find these aerial images especially helpful when sending updates to condo residents. Hiring a roof consultant that regularly uses drone technology will prove to be a valuable asset.
INFRARED THERMAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO IMAGERY
Infrared thermography has become an industry standard and is the preferred, non-destructive method to identify water intrusion on commercial flat, insulated, and low sloped roofs. Infrared imaging technology works well on TPO, EPDM, Modified Bitumen, Built-Up Roof assemblies. We will deploy a drone fitted with a FLIR IR camera to take thermal images of your roof structure. The thermal camera will capture the temperature differences in your roofing system. Areas holding moisture will give off more heat, pointing out areas of concern. For a more accurate reading, OptaMiss will even take core samples and run a gravimetric analysis.
A moisture survey report will map out the areas of high moisture content in your roof, pinpointing the locations and percentage of roof areas that must be replaced. In turn, this information will allow you to know what action plan to take with your roof. For example, most, if not all manufacturers recommend that all wet areas be replaced prior to applying a roof coating in order for their product to work. Also, the Florida building code states that a roof deck that is found to have more than 25% of ‘high’ moisture content, cannot be repaired, it must be replaced. Infrared moisture scans allow the building owner to make informed decisions.
ASSET PROTECTION
The relatively low cost of high-quality and professional imagery has made asset protection an invaluable commodity for commercial building owners and property managers. An annual photographic record of the condition of your assets will facilitate any loss or damage claims. Optamiss can help you document the condition of your current assets with aerial and infrared drone inspections.
Hurricane season in South Florida always comes with peak months of tropical storm activity and torrential rain. Imagine the peace of mind in knowing that you are armed with a thermal scan of your roof. If a hurricane or other high wind event caused water intrusion, you could simply provide your insurance carrier with the documentation. The aerial drone photography and thermal imaging will prove handy when claiming funds to restore your structure to pre-disaster condition. Don’t pass up the opportunity to have annual drone imagery of your assets.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ADVANTAGES OF DRONE ROOF INSPECTIONS?
SAFETY
The safety factor is one of the most attractive benefits. Rooftop falls account for the majority of deaths in the construction industry and some fatal home accidents. Drone-assisted roof inspections removes the human element from the equation. Using this method of inspection eliminates the danger of a person falling, thereby eliminating the liability of injury and the potential risk of loss of life.
CONSERVATION
Certain roof coverings tend to break or become damaged when stepped on. Fortunately, the drone inspection can often be performed without ever getting on the roof. This permits real-time data without the risk of breaking additional roof tiles or bending the metal roof panels.
CHOOSE SAFETY AND EXPERIENCE
An aerial drone roof inspection can speed up the inspection process, and reduce the risk of work accidents and damage to the commercial or residential property. It is also incredibly dependable for work flow documentation and asset protection.
Our FAA licensed drone pilot is available in Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Monroe County. We service the cities of Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Hialeah, Doral, Sunny Isles, Star Island, Aventura, Fisher Island, Bay Harbor, Bal Harbor, Kendall, Cutler Bay, Coral Gables, Homestead, Hollywood, Sunrise, and many more. To request a no-obligation consultation about your commercial roof, contact us at info@OptaMiss.com
