How does a roof inspection using a drone work?
Short answer. A drone roof inspection uses a camera drone, flown by a pilot who should hold an FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate when it is done as a business, to photograph every slope from above and up close without anyone climbing. It is excellent for steep or fragile roofs and overall condition, and many inspectors pair it with an on-roof check to confirm hail and wind damage.
How the inspection runs
- Pre-flight check: the pilot checks weather, nearby trees and power lines, and airspace. Much of metro Atlanta is controlled airspace near airports, which may require an authorization before flight.
- Overview flight: a high orbit captures the whole roof, its layout, and the condition of each slope.
- Close-up passes: the drone flies lower over each slope, ridge, valley, chimney, and vent, capturing detailed photos.
- Optional measurements: some software turns overlapping photos into a 3D model with roof areas and pitches.
- Review: the inspector reviews the images, marks findings, and shares them with you.
What drones do well
- Steep roofs where walking is dangerous.
- Fragile materials such as old brittle shingles, tile, or slate that can crack underfoot.
- Chimney crowns, high dormers, and areas that are hard to reach by ladder.
- Big-picture documentation of the whole roof for comparison over time.
What still needs hands and eyes
Hail bruises are often felt rather than seen, broken shingle seals show up when a tab is lifted, and flashing problems may hide under counterflashing. That is why a drone works best as part of an inspection rather than the whole thing. Robust Roofing, for example, pairs drone documentation with an on-roof check; see its guide on when drone inspections help and when they miss damage. For the homeowner's side of any inspection, read what to expect from a roof inspection.