Drone Imaging
Drone Imaging | Roof Inspections | Roofing | Lake City
From historic bungalows near Lake DeSoto to new builds along U.S. 90, Lake City roofs face blistering sun, pounding rain, and the occasional tropical storm. HEP’s drone imaging team delivers crystal-clear, bird’s-eye visuals that reveal what ladders and flashlights miss—hairline shingle cracks, hidden ponding, chimney gaps, and uplifted flashing. Our FAA-certified pilots capture high-resolution photos and 4K video in a single, swift flight, letting you see every inch of your roof without risking a climb or tying up an entire afternoon.
Whether you’re filing an insurance claim, documenting a recent reroof, or just craving peace of mind before hurricane season, our roof inspections turn data into confident decisions. You’ll receive a detailed digital report, annotated imagery, and prioritized repair recommendations from HEP’s seasoned roofing experts—all delivered within 24 hours. It’s the smarter, safer way Lake City homeowners stay a step ahead of Florida’s unpredictable weather.
FAQs
How does drone imaging improve roof inspections compared to traditional methods?
Using high-resolution drones allows us to capture detailed aerial imagery of every square foot of your roof in minutes—without ladders, scaffolding, or the risk of walking on fragile shingles. Our drones can be programmed to fly precise grid patterns, producing ultra-clear photos and 4K video that we stitch into an orthomosaic map. This digital map lets us zoom in on flashing, valleys, vents, and edges to detect cracked tiles, granule loss, hail strikes, or improper installations that might be missed from the ground.
Is drone roof inspection safe and compliant with regulations in Lake City?
Absolutely. All of our pilots hold current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificates, carry commercial liability insurance, and follow airspace restrictions published for Lake City and Columbia County. We submit LAANC authorizations when required, maintain visual line of sight at all times, and operate below 400 feet AGL. Since the drone never touches your roof, there is no risk of damage that can occur with traditonal foot-traffic inspections.
What types of roofing issues can be identified with your drone inspections?
Our thermal and RGB sensor package can reveal: • Missing, broken, or lifted shingles/tiles • Granule loss and UV degradation on asphalt roofs • Ponding and seam separation on flat or low-slope membranes • Soft spots, rot, or moisture intrusion detected through thermal anomalies • Damaged flashing, vents, chimneys, and gutters • Hail, wind, or tree-impact marks. Each finding is tagged on an annotated map and accompanied by still images so you can see exactly where repairs are needed.
What is the turnaround time for receiving the inspection report and images?
For most residential properties in Lake City, the on-site flight takes 20–30 minutes. We process the imagery the same day using cloud-based photogrammetry software and deliver a full PDF report—complete with annotated photos, measurements, and a condition grade—within 24 hours. Larger commercial roofs may require up to 48 hours for data processing and quality assurance.
Do I need to be home during the drone inspection, and will it disturb my neighbors?
You do not have to be present, as long as we have flight permission over your property and a clear takeoff/landing area. We coordinate the exact time window in advance and send a text when we arrive and depart. Our drones are compact and operate for short intervals, producing about the same noise level as a household vacuum—typically not disruptive to neighbors or pets. We also follow privacy guidelines, keeping cameras pointed strictly at your roof.
How much does a drone roof inspection cost in Lake City, and will insurance cover it?
Residential drone inspections start at $249 for roofs up to 3,500 sq ft, which includes the flight, high-resolution imagery, thermal screening, and a comprehensive written report. Larger homes and commercial buildings are quoted per square foot. If you are making an insurance claim for storm damage, many carriers will reimburse or credit the inspection fee when the imagery is submitted with your claim. We provide all the documentation your adjuster needs, and can bill certain insurers directly upon approval.