Drone Inspections
Drone Inspections | Storm Damage Restoration | Roofing | Huntsville
When fierce Alabama weather leaves your Huntsville roof bruised, battered, or suspiciously leaky, HEP’s FAA-certified drone team lifts off to capture every angle in ultra-high resolution. We hover safely above shingles and valleys you can’t see from the ground, mapping hail strikes, wind-torn flashing, and hidden moisture pockets in minutes—without ladders, guesswork, or extra liability. Our real-time footage arms you with undeniable visual evidence for insurance claims while letting you stay comfortably on the porch.
Once the drones touch down, our roofing specialists translate the aerial data into a clear game plan for storm damage restoration. Whether it’s a targeted repair or a full-scale roof replacement, we coordinate permits, materials, and timelines with the same precision we bring to our flights, ensuring your home is watertight and weather-ready before the next storm front rolls into the Rocket City.
FAQs
How does a drone roof inspection work and what advantages does it offer over a traditional inspection?
Our FAA-certified pilot launches a small, high-resolution drone to capture 4K photos and thermal images of every slope, valley, and penetration on your roof. The flight takes 15–30 minutes, requires no ladders or foot traffic, and gathers data that a person on the roof would struggle to see—such as hairline cracks, hidden moisture, and lifted shingles. This means faster service, a safer process for both your property and our team, and a more comprehensive damage record.
Is a drone inspection legal and safe in Huntsville, and are your pilots licensed?
Yes. We operate under Part 107 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, which governs all commercial drone activity in the U.S. Our pilots hold current FAA Remote Pilot Certificates, carry liability insurance, and follow strict safety protocols regarding flight altitude, weather conditions, and no-fly zones around Redstone Arsenal and Huntsville Executive Airport. We also obtain any required airspace authorizations before your appointment.
What types of storm damage can a drone identify on my roof?
High-resolution optical and thermal imaging allows us to spot broken or missing shingles, hail bruising, lifted or creased shingle tabs, granule loss, punctures from wind-blown debris, and hidden moisture trapped beneath the roof surface. Thermal cameras highlight temperature anomalies that indicate water infiltration, while zoom lenses document dents in flashings, gutters, and ridge vents.
Will my insurance company accept a drone inspection report for a storm-damage claim?
Almost all major carriers operating in Alabama now recognize drone data because it provides timestamped, geo-referenced imagery and objective measurements. Our reports include annotated photos, thermal maps, and a detailed summary that aligns with Xactimate estimating standards. We also provide your adjuster with an online link to the imagery and, if needed, meet them on-site to review findings.
How soon after a storm can you conduct the inspection and when will I receive the results?
We monitor Huntsville weather alerts and can usually deploy a drone crew within 24 hours of the event—often the same day if conditions allow. Because no setup or teardown of ladders is required, the inspection itself is quick. You will receive a digital report within 24 hours of the flight, complete with high-resolution images, damage map, and our professional recommendations.
Does a drone inspection replace a physical inspection, and what happens if damage is found?
The drone inspection is the first, non-invasive step. If the imagery reveals significant damage, one of our HAAG-certified roof inspectors will perform a limited physical verification to confirm shingle type, layer count, and decking condition—only where necessary. We then create a full repair or replacement estimate, assist you with the insurance claim, and schedule restoration work using locally sourced materials that meet or exceed Huntsville building codes.