Home inspection drones are one of the most significant improvements in the home inspection field in recent years. Using high-resolution imagery and the ability to fly anywhere without disturbing the property, our technicians can use home inspection drones to analyze roofs, chimneys, and attics like never before. 

Learn more about the benefits of a home inspection drone for your Northeast Pennsylvania property and why it pays to partner with a home inspector that uses the latest drone technology. 

What Are Home Inspection Drones?

Home inspection drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with high-resolution cameras and additional sensors, such as thermal imaging, to assist in property inspections. These drones can provide detailed aerial views of properties, including difficult-to-reach areas such as roofs, tall chimneys, and the upper portions of large homes, without disturbing these areas.

With recent improvements in drone technology, these cameras can provide high-resolution images that surpass ordinary cameras. Furthermore, thermal imaging and multispectral sensors allow drones to determine home heat patterns to see where heat loss may occur. 

These advancements allow home inspectors to dive deeper beyond traditional means to give you a genuinely 360-degree look at any property you get inspected. 

Benefits of Using Drones in Home Inspections

Home inspection drones offer numerous advantages compared to traditional inspection methods. Below are some of the key benefits:

1. High-Resolution Imagery

Modern drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras that can capture crisp images and videos, allowing inspectors to identify and illustrate potential issues to their clients. As previously stated, many of these cameras are even more sophisticated than you will find on modern iPhones and professional cameras, allowing technicians to provide crystal-clear documentation of any issues they find. 

2. Improved Access to Hard-to-Reach Areas

Roofs, chimneys, and other high-up places may be difficult for inspectors to access, preventing them from getting an accurate image or risking their safety. Even if an inspector can make their way to a roof, it can be difficult to examine every part, such as the top of a chimney or gable that may be on a steep pitch. Drones bypass these obstacles, allowing inspectors to gain full access to these areas without any limitations. 

3. Increased Safety for Inspectors

Home inspection drones are also safer for inspectors, reducing liability for each party. Inspectors often have to climb ladders, walk on sloped roofs, and navigate precarious heights to complete an inspection. Drones eliminate these demands, placing everybody in greater safety. 

4. Time and Cost Efficiency

Drone inspections save both time and money, which can save the client time and money. A typical roof inspection might take an inspector several hours, especially if it involves climbing and documenting various sections. With a drone, the same inspection can be completed in a fraction of the time and at a lower cost. 

5. Thermal Imaging

Many home inspection drones are equipped with thermal sensors that allow inspectors to diagnose the heat profile of a property. This enables them to determine if there is anywhere where heat is escaping, or cool drafts are entering, which could impact your energy bills and comfort. 

Common Examples of How Drones Are Used in Home Inspections

Drones are versatile tools that can perform a variety of inspection tasks. Here are some examples of how they are commonly used in home inspections:

1. Roof Inspections

Our team at Mountain to Valley Home Inspections uses home inspection drones for roof inspections daily. Using home inspection drones, we can assess the condition of shingles, check for cracks, look for leaks, analyze flashing, and identify any potential leaks. The aerial view provides a comprehensive picture of the entire roof, which is often hard to achieve with traditional methods.

2. Gutter Assessments

Drones can also be used to inspect gutters, which many homeowners don’t think much about. However, blocked or misaligned gutters can cause drainage issues that impact your foundation

An aerial view of your gutters can identify blockages caused by leaves or other debris. It can also be used to videotape drainage patterns as water escapes to see where any potential issues may lie. 

3. Heat Loss and Energy Efficiency Checks

Drones equipped with thermal cameras allow us to analyze a home’s thermal profile and provide a more accurate assessment of its energy efficiency. 

4. Structural Assessments

Finally, drones can also help us assess the general structural integrity of a property. We use them to look for cracks in the foundation, assess siding conditions, or evaluate the overall exterior of the home.

A home inspection drone benefits inspectors in many ways, which then gets passed on to the consumer. For more information about our home inspection drones, contact us today to see how they can assist you on your next home inspection. 

FAQs

Are drone inspections safe?

Yes, drone inspections are generally safer than traditional methods since they eliminate the need for inspectors to climb ladders or walk on roofs, reducing the risk of accidents.

Do drone inspections provide accurate results?

Absolutely. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors provide detailed images and data, making it easier to identify issues that might be missed during a traditional inspection.

Are drones allowed to inspect any property?

The use of drones is subject to regulations, which can vary by location. Inspectors need to follow guidelines set by aviation authorities and may need permission to fly in certain areas.