- HEP Roofing
- Drone Tech

Drone Tech
Drone Tech | Roof Inspections | Roofing | Riceville
Wondering what’s really happening above your ceiling tiles? HEP’s cutting-edge drone tech takes Riceville roof inspections to a whole new level, capturing crystal-clear images and thermal readings without anyone ever having to set foot on your shingles. Our FAA-certified pilots zip over every ridge and valley, detecting loose flashing, hidden leaks, and storm damage in minutes—delivering the kind of detail that used to require ladders, climbing gear, and a whole lot of guesswork.
Within 24 hours you’ll receive a comprehensive digital report, complete with photos, annotated problem areas, and an easy-to-understand condition grade. That means you can make fast, informed decisions about repairs or replacements, often before minor issues balloon into costly headaches. Safe, swift, and remarkably accurate, HEP’s drone-powered service is redefining peace of mind for homeowners and property managers across Riceville—one roof at a time.
FAQs
How does a drone roof inspection work and what information will I receive?
A licensed FAA Part 107 pilot flies a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over your roof, capturing high-resolution photos, 4K video, and thermal imagery if requested. The data is fed into specialized roofing software that creates detailed elevation models, pitch measurements, and damage maps. Within 24–48 hours you receive a digital inspection report that includes annotated images, measurements accurate to ±1 inch, and maintenance or repair recommendations.
Is using a drone for roof inspections legal and safe in Riceville?
Yes. Our pilots are fully insured and certified under FAA Part 107 regulations, which apply nationwide, including Riceville and the greater McMinn County area. We secure any required airspace authorizations before flight, follow OSHA fall-protection guidelines by keeping personnel on the ground, and maintain a safe perimeter around the property. The drone carries redundant GPS and obstacle-avoidance sensors to ensure safe operations even in tight neighborhood spaces.
What kinds of roofs can be inspected with drone technology?
Drones can survey virtually any residential or commercial roof in Riceville—shingle, metal, tile, membrane, or flat roofs. Steep-slope and multi-story structures that are hard to walk are ideal candidates because the UAV can hover inches above all surfaces, capturing areas humans often miss, such as valleys, chimneys, and dormers. Large industrial buildings, barns, and churches can also be mapped quickly without staging heavy equipment.
How accurate are drone measurements compared with traditional hand measurements?
Our drones use high-resolution sensors and ground-control point calibration to achieve measurement accuracy within 1–2 percent (±1 inch on most homes). That is equal to or better than handheld tape or wheel measurements and far safer for complex or fragile roofs. The software automatically calculates square footage, slope, parapet heights, and penetrations, minimizing human error.
How long does the inspection take and when will I see results?
Most residential drone flights last 15–25 minutes; large commercial roofs may take up to an hour. Because data processing is cloud-based, you will usually have a complete inspection packet by the next business day. Urgent storm-damage assessments can often be turned around the same day so you can file insurance claims quickly.
What does a drone roof inspection cost in Riceville, and do you work with insurance companies?
Residential drone inspections start at $199, which includes flight, data processing, and a comprehensive PDF/online report. Commercial pricing is based on roof square footage and complexity, averaging $0.05–$0.10 per square foot. We provide insurer-ready documentation and will coordinate directly with your adjuster to streamline claims for hail, wind, or tree damage. If you choose us for repair or replacement, we credit the inspection fee toward the project.