Camera-assisted Roof Inspections
Camera-assisted Roof Inspections | Roof Inspections | Roofing | Kingston
From slate cottages in Sydenham to waterfront condos at Portsmouth, HEP captures every inch of Kingston’s rooftops with state-of-the-art drones and 4K zoom cameras. Our certified technicians stream the footage in real time, spotting loose flashing, hidden moisture pockets, and weather fatigue without ever setting foot on your shingles. This fast, non-invasive approach keeps your property safe, delivers crystal-clear evidence for insurance claims, and gives you an expert plan of action before small flaws grow into costly leaks.
Because roofs defend everything you value, our camera-assisted roof inspections finish with a clear digital report, high-resolution photos, and a friendly walk-through of repair priorities. Whether you manage a heritage storefront downtown or a growing family home in Cataraqui, HEP turns routine roof inspections into a stress-free, data-rich experience—so you can make confident decisions and keep Kingston covered for years to come.
FAQs
What is a camera-assisted roof inspection and how does it work?
A camera-assisted roof inspection uses high-resolution cameras—often mounted on drones or telescopic poles—to capture detailed images and video of every section of your roof. Our certified inspector pilots the drone (or positions the pole camera) to record the shingles, flashing, valleys, chimneys, and gutters from multiple angles. The imagery is streamed to a tablet on-site, then reviewed frame-by-frame back at the office with specialized software that highlights potential defects. This method lets us assess your roof’s condition safely and comprehensively without walking on the surface.
Why is camera-assisted inspection better than a traditional manual roof walk-through?
1. Safety: No one needs to climb steep, slippery, or fragile roofs, reducing fall risk. 2. Thoroughness: Cameras can zoom in on hard-to-reach areas (e.g., dormers, ridge vents) that an inspector might miss or be unable to access. 3. Documentation: You receive dated high-resolution photos and a video report, which are useful for insurance claims and warranty issues. 4. Speed: A typical drone survey of an average Kingston home takes 15–20 minutes versus 45–60 minutes for a manual inspection. 5. No damage risk: Foot traffic can dislodge granules or crack tiles; our method leaves your roof untouched.
Is drone use for roof inspections legal in Kingston?
Yes. We operate under Transport Canada’s RPAS regulations and hold an Advanced Operations Pilot Certificate. Before each flight we file a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) if required, respect altitude limits, and maintain visual line of sight. Kingston’s Class E controlled airspace around Norman Rogers Airport generally allows flights below 400 ft with proper procedures. We also secure written permission from property owners and inform nearby neighbours of the planned flight to maintain transparency.
What kinds of roof problems can your cameras detect?
Our 4K optical and infrared (IR) cameras can identify: missing, curled, or broken shingles; granular loss; lifted or rusted flashing; soft spots or sagging decking; ponding water on flat roofs; blocked or damaged gutters; chimney crown cracks; sealant failures around vents; and hidden moisture intrusions revealed by temperature anomalies in the IR overlay. After analysis you’ll receive a defect map that pinpoints every issue for easy reference.
How much does a camera-assisted roof inspection cost in Kingston and what’s included?
For a typical single-family dwelling up to 3,000 sq ft, the service is $275 + HST. The fee covers: drone flight planning and insurance, on-site image capture, up to 50 annotated photographs, a narrated HD video walkthrough, an IR moisture scan (weather permitting), a written condition report with repair recommendations, and a 15-minute post-inspection consultation. Larger or more complex roofs are quoted individually before any work begins.
Do I need to be home during the inspection and how long will it take?
You don’t have to be present—as long as we have exterior access to your property—but many clients like to watch the live feed. The field portion usually takes 15–30 minutes for sloped roofs and up to 45 minutes for large or multi-level structures. We spend additional time off-site analyzing the footage and preparing your report, which you’ll receive electronically within 24 hours.