By Bill Kimbley, Owner Desert Sky Roofing, Tucson Arizona
I am the owner of Desert Sky Roofing, a local roofing company in Tucson, and I now understand the key benefits of drones and aerial photography for commercial roofing projects. In the realm of commercial roofing, we’ve seen firsthand how technology is transforming inspections, estimates, and project planning. One of the most impactful advancements for us has been the use of drones and aerial photography. For commercial roofing companies like ours and for building managers, drones offer a precise, efficient, and safe solution for assessing roof conditions and planning maintenance or repairs.
I met John Ott and learned of his drone company. I was intrigued and interested in discovering how drones could make our lives easier in our roofing company. When a project came up that needed John’s help, I called Desert Drones LLC. His exemplary work exemplified the benefits of using drones for roof inspections. John’s quick turnaround time, high-resolution imagery, and expertise in identifying roofing issues were a game changer for a complex inspection we conducted. We were tasked with inspecting a large apartment complex featuring 16 buildings with elastomeric-coated and tile roof portions. These roofs were difficult to ladder to, so using drone technology was the perfect solution. The collaboration between John’s drones and our roofing needs showed us just how valuable drone technology can be in commercial roofing projects. Here are a few of the benefits we learned by using drones for commercial roofing projects.
1. Drones and Aerial Photography is Safer for Commercial Roofing Projects
Commercial roofs often present unique challenges for inspections due to their height, steep angles, and structural complexity. In our experience, traditional methods requiring ladders, scaffolding, or lifts are not only time-consuming but also carry significant safety risks. By using drones, we can eliminate these hazards and achieve a bird’s-eye view of the roof without putting anyone in danger.
When we took on the task of inspecting the two-story apartment complex mentioned above, it was clear that a traditional approach would require extensive equipment and time. Instead, we partnered with Desert Drones LLC, who deployed their state-of-the-art drones to conduct a thorough inspection quickly and safely. This allowed us to focus on analyzing the detailed data they provided, rather than worrying about accessing precarious roof conditions.
2. Precise and Comprehensive Aerial Imagery
When we use drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, we’re able to capture clear, detailed images and videos of a roof’s surface. These visuals provide us with essential insights into the condition of roofing substrate, areas of wear, ponding areas, areas of high wear and tear, broken tiles, and other vulnerabilities. By identifying issues such as larger cracks, pooling water, or damaged tiles, we were able to make informed decisions about necessary repairs and replacements and provide a detailed estimate.
Desert Drones LLC was also able to provide us with accurate square footage of each of the roof surfaces. This was not only invaluable, but also cost effective when considering some of the satellite imagery companies that provide square footage of roofs.
3. Efficiency and Quick Turnaround with Drones for Commercial Roofing
Traditional roof inspections can take days or even weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the property. With drones, we can significantly reduce this timeline by covering large areas quickly and gathering data in a fraction of the time. Desert Drones flew over the buildings in less than an hour and by the next day I had a detailed read out and specific videos of all 16 buildings. Johns’ ability to deliver results within a short time frame was invaluable. This expedited process allowed us to keep our schedule on track, delivered timely results, and maintained the highest level of customer satisfaction that we pride ourselves on.
4. Cost-Effective Solution for Roof Inspections
By reducing the need for extensive manpower, equipment rentals, and safety measures, we’ve found drones to be a cost-effective alternative to traditional inspection methods. The savings we’ve gained can be redirected to other aspects of the roofing project, benefiting both us as contractors and our clients.
When we worked on the apartment complex project, using drones drastically minimized the logistical and labor expenses that come with manual inspections. The inspections for those roof would have taken our estimator probably a half of a day or more and would have cost me a pretty penny paying his salary. By using Desert Drones, we were able to free the estimator for other projects. This allowed us to allocate our resources more efficiently and offer competitive pricing for our services, all while maintaining the high standards we’re known for.
5. Advanced Analytics and Reporting with Drone Technology
When we use drones to capture images and videos, we’re not just getting a visual overview—we’re gaining access to detailed reports generated by specialized software. These include 3D models, thermal imaging, and precise measurements. For us, this data provides actionable insights that help us create accurate plans and estimates, ensuring every project runs smoothly.
Desert Drones LLC delivers exceptional high-resolution imagery for our estimators and clients, and their ability to integrate advanced analytics into future projects makes them an invaluable partner for our roofing needs. Their expertise ensures we will stay at the forefront of technology in the roofing industry.
A Case Study in Excellence
Desert Sky Roofing’s experience with Desert Drones LLC underscores the transformative power of drone technology in commercial roofing. Recently, we also partnered with Desert Drones to film a commercial showcasing our roofing services. Their drones provided stunning aerial footage of our team in action, capturing the precision and care we bring to every project. This video wasn’t just visually impressive—it highlighted our expertise and commitment to quality, making it perfect for sharing on our social media platforms.
The aerial coverage allowed us to show potential clients the full scope of what we do, from inspecting large commercial roofs to applying elastomeric coatings with precision. The feedback from our audience was overwhelmingly positive, and we were able to reach more people than ever before. This collaboration demonstrated not only how drones can enhance roofing projects but also how they can elevate our marketing efforts, connecting us with new clients and reinforcing trust with our existing ones.
Desert Drones – Tucson’s Best Drone Company
If you’re looking to take your roof inspections to the next level, we can’t recommend Desert Drones LLC enough. Their quick turnaround, clear and concise imagery, and expertise in identifying roofing issues have been game changers for us at Desert Sky Roofing. They’ve provided unparalleled support for our projects, big and small.
Reach out to Desert Drones LLC today to schedule an aerial inspection for your next roofing project. With their cutting-edge technology, you’ll experience the same outstanding results we have, ensuring your roofs are in expert hands.
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