- HEP Roofing
- Drone-assisted Inspection

Drone-assisted Inspection
Drone-assisted Inspection | Metal Roofing | Roofing | Crab Orchard
From 400 feet above Crab Orchard, HEP’s FAA-certified pilots guide agile drones across every valley and ridge of your roof, capturing ultra-high-resolution images that reveal what a ladder can’t: hairline seam separations, hidden rust blooms, and the slightest panel uplift. Our swift, no-touch inspection means zero foot traffic on your shingles or panels—just crystal-clear data delivered to you within hours, along with a detailed repair or replacement plan crafted by our veteran roofing pros.
Whether you’re safeguarding a barn, cabin, or commercial warehouse, you’ll see why more locals trust drone insights before investing in metal roofing upgrades. By pinpointing trouble spots early, we help you extend the lifespan of existing panels, streamline insurance claims, and make confident decisions about color, gauge, and fastener systems—all while keeping your feet safely on the ground. Ready for a smarter view of your roof? HEP is just a call or click away.
FAQs
Why should I choose drone-assisted inspection for my metal roof in Crab Orchard?
Drones let us capture high-resolution photos and video of every seam, fastener and panel without anyone stepping on your roof. This eliminates the risk of slips on often-slick metal surfaces, lowers labor costs and shortens the inspection time. Because Crab Orchard experiences high winds, hail and seasonal temperature swings, frequent inspections are important, and drones make it easy to document the roof’s condition after each severe-weather event.
How accurate are drone inspections compared with a traditional walk-through?
Our drones carry 20- to 48-MP visible-light cameras and optional thermal sensors that reveal hidden moisture beneath panels. By flying pre-programmed grid patterns, we achieve sub-inch ground-sampling distance, allowing us to zoom in on loose screws, corrosion, lifted flashing and micro-cracks that can be missed from the ground. After the flight we run the images through AI-assisted software that flags defects and produces a detailed, geo-referenced report—often more comprehensive than a manual inspection.
What specific issues on metal roofs can a drone detect?
High-resolution aerial imagery can identify: • Oxidation, rust spots and finish degradation • Loose or missing screws, rivets and clips • Panel uplift or oil-canning caused by wind or thermal movement • Seam separation or failed sealant beads • Impact dents from hail common in the Cumberland Plateau • Blocked gutters or debris accumulation in valleys • Heat loss or trapped moisture with optional thermal imaging. Catching these problems early helps avoid leaks and extends the roof’s life.
Will the drone or its prop wash damage my metal roof?
No. The aircraft never touches the roof; it hovers several feet above the surface. Propeller wash is minimal—less than a light breeze—and won’t disturb fasteners or lightweight debris. All pilots are FAA Part 107 certified and maintain safe stand-off distances from vents, antennas and power lines in accordance with Crab Orchard’s municipal guidelines.
How long does a typical drone inspection take and what can I expect afterward?
A standard residential metal-roof inspection in Crab Orchard takes 20–30 minutes of flight time and about an hour of on-site setup and data verification. For larger commercial facilities we may need multiple battery swaps but still finish the same day. Within 24–48 hours you’ll receive a digital report that includes annotated photos, 3-D roof model, measurements (ridge length, panel area, slope) and repair recommendations. We’ll also schedule a follow-up call to walk through the findings.
Does a drone inspection help with insurance claims or warranty work?
Absolutely. The time-stamped, high-resolution imagery and measurement data meet most insurers’ documentation standards for storm-damage claims, helping you prove loss after hail or wind events. Manufacturers often require photographic evidence when filing metal-roof warranty requests; our report provides exactly that, reducing back-and-forth and speeding up approval.