Getty Images
If you’re a homeowner on the coast, drones should be on your radar—especially if you want to protect your property during hurricane season.
While drones are widely used in commercial real estate, they’re becoming more popular in residential settings. Plus, insurance companies are getting in on the action as well, and if you’re not prepared, you may find yourself dropped from your coverage without ever knowing why.
By investing in a drone, you can uncover hurricane risks and take the proper steps to mitigate them.
How drones help homeowners spot potential hurricane damage risks
For starters, most homeowners don’t have the right tools to safely climb on their roofs and find signs of hurricane damage. That’s where drones come in.
“Drones allow homeowners to safely get a bird’s-eye view of their property after storms. They can show areas that might not be obvious from the ground, like loose shingles, deteriorating flashing, or standing water on a flat roof,” explains Sally French, drone expert at The Drone Girl in San Francisco.
With a drone, you can preemptively film your property before the storm to know what you’re working with. Documenting conditions ahead of hurricane season gives insurance claims adjusters that “before” footage to compare against potential “after” damage, which can be critical for insurance claims.
Also, drones (even simple drones that cost less than $500 that a kid could fly) can capture high-resolution imagery and video of roofs, gutters, siding, and surrounding trees. Additionally, drones are valuable tools for contractors who can use the footage to spot missing or damaged shingles, see if gutters are blocked, and determine whether water is pooling on the roof.
“It allows them to get a detailed visual before getting on the roof. This helps them avoid stepping on spots that may be made worse by being on the roof,” says Jim Marino, CEO at Pinnacle Home Improvements in Alpharetta, GA.
One step ahead of the insurance company
Headlines are dominated by horror stories of homeowners in places like Florida and California being blindsided and dropped from their coverage because of climate risks. One way to secure your coverage is to make sure everything is up to code.
“Drones make it easy for homeowners to see possible hurricane damage risks without stepping on the roof. You can get clear views of tough-to-reach areas and identify trouble spots before they get worse,” says Ken Lyons, founder at Ranch Roofing in Arlington, MA.
Drones have become a handy resource for quotes and proposals.
“With clear photos and videos using the drone, we can show homeowners what is damaged and explain why certain repairs are needed. And this helps build trust and prevents misunderstandings,” explains Lyons.
He knows firsthand how this can help folks. His roofing company recently used a drone after a big storm to help a homeowner spot missing shingles along with a clogged gutter—all without climbing any ladders.
“Our drone has also picked up water pooling on another flat roof that we wouldn’t have otherwise noticed from the ground, and fixed the issue before it got any worse,” explains Lyons.
Getting the most out of your drone inspection
If you do decide to invest in a drone, be sure to fly it on sunny or lightly cloudy days when the wind is minimal. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal because the lighting isn’t too harsh, and you won’t have to worry about shadows hiding problems.
As far as general flying tips, French recommends you capture both photos and video footage from multiple angles—straight down for roof detail, and oblique angles for siding and gutters.
“Keep a systematic flight path so you don’t miss areas, and make sure to save and date your files so you can compare them year after year,” says French.
Don’t forget to take advantage of smart flight modes.
“Smart flight modes with automatic circling or preset routes can make it easier to cover the entire roof without missing any spots. Homeowners can use these features to get in-depth footage from all angles, even if they are new to flying drones,” says Lyons.
When to call in a professional
While a drone can highlight visible issues—it won’t diagnose the underlying structural integrity. If your footage reveals things like missing shingles, cracks, pooling water, or sagging areas, it’s time to call a roofer or contractor.
“Similarly, if you suspect water intrusion or foundation compromise, a drone is only the first step—professional expertise is essential,” says French.