Drone Imagery
Drone Imagery | Roof Inspections | Roofing | Jamestown
When Jamestown’s whipping winds and icy winters put your shingles to the test, HEP’s drone-powered roof inspections give you the clarity you need—without anyone ever leaving the ground. Our FAA-certified pilots launch high-resolution drones that glide over every valley, seam, and flashing, capturing crystal-clear imagery that traditional ladder work can’t match. Within hours, you’ll receive a detailed digital report that pinpoints storm damage, aging materials, and hidden leaks, so you can make confident decisions before small issues balloon into costly repairs.
Skip the hassle of scheduling multiple visits or risking a climb onto a steep slope. With HEP, you get a fast, non-invasive assessment that insurance adjusters trust and homeowners love. Whether you’re preparing to sell, filing a claim, or safeguarding your home for the seasons ahead, our drone-based roof inspections deliver the accuracy, speed, and peace of mind Jamestown residents deserve.
FAQs
What is a drone roof inspection and how does it work?
A drone roof inspection uses a small unmanned aircraft equipped with high-resolution cameras (and, when needed, thermal sensors) to capture detailed images of every section of your roof. Our FAA-certified remote pilot programs the aircraft to follow a pre-planned flight path that covers the entire roof surface. Once the imagery is collected, we process it with photogrammetry software to create precise 2-D orthomosaics, 3-D models, and measurement reports. This gives you, your insurance company, or your contractor an accurate, up-to-date view of the roof without anyone needing to climb a ladder.
Why choose drone imagery over a traditional on-roof inspection?
1. Safety – No one has to physically walk the roof, eliminating fall risks. 2. Speed – A typical Jamestown residential roof can be scanned in 15–20 minutes; commercial roofs in under an hour. 3. Detail – 4K imagery reveals minor cracks, lifted shingles, and sealant failures that can be overlooked from the ground. 4. Documentation – You receive date-stamped images, measurement files, and a condition report that can be shared with insurers or contractors. 5. Cost – With no ladders, scaffolding, or additional labor, drone inspections are generally 25–40 % less expensive than manual inspections.
Are drone roof inspections legal and safe in Jamestown?
Yes. Our pilots hold current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certificates, which authorize commercial drone operations. We secure all required airspace authorizations before flying and carry $1 million in UAV liability insurance. Jamestown has no additional municipal restrictions beyond standard FAA rules, so flights conducted below 400 ft AGL, within visual line of sight, and away from bystanders comply fully with federal law. We also run a site safety briefing and use propeller guards where needed to further reduce risk.
How accurate are the measurements and reports produced from drone imagery?
Using ground-control targets and RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) GPS, our drones achieve positional accuracy within ±1 inch horizontally and ±1.5 inches vertically. The photogrammetry software then calculates square footage, slope, ridges, hips, and valley lengths with 99 % confidence. For insurance claims or material estimates, these numbers are more precise than hand-taped measurements and are accepted by major carriers and shingle manufacturers.
What weather conditions are suitable for scheduling a drone roof inspection in Jamestown?
We can safely fly in winds up to 22 mph and temperatures from ‑10 °F to 95 °F, which covers most Western New York weather. However, we avoid heavy rain, snow, and icy precipitation because it can obscure imagery and compromise flight safety. Winter inspections are still possible on clear days—our drones are equipped with self-heating batteries—but we may ask homeowners to clear excessive snow if it hides roof features.
How much does a drone roof inspection cost and what is included?
Pricing in Jamestown starts at $249 for single-family homes under 3,000 sq ft and $499 for commercial roofs up to 20,000 sq ft. The fee covers: • On-site flight by an FAA-certified pilot • 4K visual imagery and optional thermal scans • A color-coded damage/defect map • Measurement report (area, pitch, linear feet of ridge, hip, and valleys) • Cloud-based photo gallery and downloadable PDF summary • 30-minute post-inspection consultation to review findings. We also offer annual or semi-annual inspection plans at a discounted rate for property managers and HOA boards.