How Drones are Elevating the Trade

By Adam Cabrera. 

Despite the upfront costs, drone technology can lead to significant cost savings through safer, more efficient job sites and more accurate estimations. 

The emerging technology of drone imagery is revolutionizing the roofing industry, as talked about in a recent installment of our RLW series. There Heidi J. Ellsworth had the opportunity to chat with Greg Bloom from Beacon Building Products and John Kiesel from Division 7 Roofing and Imagine Technologies. Together the group discussed technology and the recent developments in aerial imagery reporting using drones.  

In the roofing industry having a top-down view of your project creates obvious advantages. However, the use of drone technology is sometimes overlooked by roofing contractors. John points out that while Google Earth is a useful starting point, it is not sufficiently accurate for most roofs, often leading to inaccurate measurements. Drone technology, on the other hand, can offer precision to the inch, depending on the equipment used.  

"What we are doing is not just about a report, it's about having that digital twin to be able to manipulate, measure and utilize for plenty of processes down the road," John says. 

One primary obstacle for drone technology adoption in the industry, according to John, is the initial investment in training, equipment and software. However, the cost savings realized through safer, more efficient job sites and more accurate estimations quickly offset the initial outlay. Drone technology can also attract younger talents into the roofing industry by presenting an appealing, technology-driven career path. 

Greg affirmed the usage of aerial imagery in distribution for ensuring job site safety. "We have used aerial imagery to help keep our team safe as we're delivering materials on the job site. And again... measurements, estimating tools, these are all things that distribution is bringing to the table... It's very important that we continue to evolve in distribution and bring value to our contractors," he explains. 

Listen to the RLW to hear more about drone technology as well as other innovative roofing technologies that are changing the industry.