The Benefits of Drone Inspection

Home inspection tools of the trade include the increasing use of drones to inspect the roof of homes. Drones have become an important tool for home inspectors as they can provide video and photos of the entire roof from above. Inspectors can fly overhead and zoom into areas of concern, such as chimney flashing. 

Traditional walk-on roof inspections can be limited due to the steepness of a roof because it is unwise for inspectors to walk on high steep roofs for safety concerns. On wet or snowy days, inspectors cannot walk on roofs because it is too slippery, or some areas of the roof are simply not easily accessible. Drones can easily fly over two or three-story homes, and see things not visible from a ladder at the eaves, or binoculars from the ground.

Walking on residential roofs is also limited by the type of roof covering. Shingle roofs are ok to walk on, but roof materials such as metal (can cause dents), slate (can break or slip), or clay (can break the tiles) are not walked on by inspectors as per guidelines set by the CAHPI standard of practice. 

Clay Roofs

At Home Inspector M.D. Inc., we will fly a drone over the home at the end of the inspection and take video/photos of the roof using the drone's camera when it is possible. Drone inspection may be used in addition to inspection from the ladder, telescopic camera, or walking on the roof.
 

What are the limitations of drones?

Drone inspections are very useful, but they are not perfect. It may be difficult to inspect roofs with large tree canopies or electrical lines that can interfere with the flight. It is a visual-only inspection. That means the inspector is not touching the roof material, flashing, or any penetrations. Drone flying may not be possible in bad weather, high winds, freezing rain, or extreme high/low temperatures. There is also the possibility that certain jurisdictions may not allow drone flight, or neighbours may have an issue with drones flying close to their homes. We think of drones as another tool for inspecting roofs, not the only tool.

Emergency Shut-off Valves

Know their locations in your house!

Main Water Shut-Off Valve
A water leak can happen at any time, anywhere, and when you are not home. If you experience a water leak and cannot ID the source of the problem immediately (faucets should have their own shut-off valves), always go to your main water shut-off and close that valve. It is usually in the basement near the front of the house beside the water meter. If your family will be away from your house for more than a day, you may want to shut off the main water before you leave.

Electrical Main Disconnect
Any electrical problem will often result in a trip breaker/fuse, but there are occasions where for safety reasons, you need to shut off power to the entire house. This is done with a safety disconnect (usually with a fuse box) or a main breaker near your main panel.

Gas Shut off Valve
A gas leak can be fatal, if you sense a gas leak, leave the house immediately and call for help. Knowing where the main gas valve is, is important in stopping more gas from entering the home. Frequently found outside, it is combined with the gas meter. There should be a shut-off valve close to it. 

Drone Frequency Asked Questions