How Much Does a Drone Roof Inspection Cost?
GET A FREE INSPECTIONHow much does a drone roof inspection cost? The price ranges from $120 to $320. However, it may go as high as $600 depending on roof size, complexity, location, and whether you need advanced reporting. Many providers charge for drone flight time and reporting, but RoofClaim offers no-cost drone roof inspections, based on availability.
In a drone roof inspection, building professionals or contractors use a small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), aka a “drone” to inspect your roof. These drones offer a lot of advantages over traditional roof inspections, which we’ll cover in this article.
When you’re in need of a roof inspection, you have the option of a traditional roof inspection where a roofing expert climbs up on your roof and does a physical inspection, or a drone roof inspection which is completely “hands off.”
But, what’s the difference? Is there any benefit to getting a drone roof inspection over a traditional inspection? Let’s take a look.
How a Drone Inspection Works?
Roof inspection drones have a high-definition camera and can be controlled using a remote as well as a predetermined flight plan.
During the inspection, the drone provides an aerial view of the roof while also having the ability to maneuver into small areas (especially those difficult or more dangerous to reach).
The drone allows the inspector to examine the status of the roof structure, covering materials, gutters, downspouts, vents, flashings, skylights, chimneys, and other roof penetrations while simultaneously capturing high-definition photos and videos.
Additionally, the drones can take accurate measurements, all without requiring an inspector to physically climb the roof.
Is a Drone Roof Inspection cheaper and better than in-person Roof Inspection?
In-person roof inspections are performed manually by a professional roofer, who physically walks the roof and checks for each damages. Whereas, drone roof inspections use advanced aerial imaging technology that provides more complete, high-resolution documentation of your roof’s condition. As a result, drone inspections are quickly becoming the preferred method for many roofing professionals and homeowners because they are safer, faster, and less invasive. Best of all, at RoofClaim, both In-person roof inspections and drone roof inspections are offered at no cost to the homeowner.
Advantages of Drone inspections:
- Contactless inspection and speed
- Avoiding roof-walk risks and additional damage
- Documenting storm-related roof condition
Advantages of In-person inspections:
- Leak diagnosis needs interior confirmation
- Attic moisture checks are needed
- Structural issues require hands-on verification
Cost of a Drone Roof Inspection
Roof inspection costs depend on the type of inspection. The price ranges from $120 to $320. However, it may fluctuate as high as $600 depending on the roof perimeter, size of the structure, slope, type of the roof material, and the location of the house.
Most roofing companies will charge you for their roof inspection services. For the traditional method, costs range from about $75 to $200. Drone roof inspections may range from $80 to $150 per hour flight time.
At RoofClaim, we offer free traditional inspections. All you have to do is fill out a form to book a schedule. But, if you want a better and more accurate drone inspection, we have a standard drone roof inspection package you can choose.
Keep in mind that drone inspection prices change depending on the size of your property and your location, so all provided prices are estimates.
What affects drone roof inspection cost?
1) Roof size and complexity: Larger roofs (multi-story, complex valleys, steep sections) require more flight time and more reporting.
2) Roof material and detail requirements: Tile, metal, and flat roofing often require additional detail shots at edges, penetrations, and seams.
3) Reporting depth (basic photos vs full report): A true “drone roof analysis” often includes:
- labeled/annotated photos
- measurement outputs
- condition summary + recommended actions
4) Travel and scheduling: Rural areas or urgent scheduling can raise pricing.
5) Add-ons (if offered): Some providers offer thermal/IR scans or 3D modeling. Those can increase cost.
Who do the Drone Roof Inspection?
If you’re interested in a drone roof inspection, you’ll need to hire a certified roofing professional.
Make sure the drone pilot you hire has a valid and current FAA 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and the drone being used to fly is FAA registered. Ensure the drone pilot has drone liability insurance as well. The most common liability insurance policy offered today is one million dollars.
At RoofClaim, we require that all drone pilots have the experience, certifications, and liability insurance required. If you’re ready for a drone inspection and want to hire trusted, proven experts, then choose RoofClaim.
We also manage the entire roofing process for you beyond the inspection and we’re experts at working with insurance companies to get you the best absolute coverage for your claim.
Does a Drone Roof Inspection Help Your Insurance Claim?
The answer is yes, a drone roof inspection definitely helps your insurance claim. The data from a drone inspection can provide an accurate calculation of the damage and will be the basis as to whether or not there is coverage on it from your insurance company.
Providing a detailed damage report will get you a higher chance of getting your roof insurance claim approved. Additionally, drones make it easy to get routine inspections. It’s a good idea to order roof inspections regularly, especially after a natural disaster or a significant storm.
Showing proof of regular and timely inspections along with documented records of roof maintenance will give you a higher chance of approval from your insurance company should you need to file a claim.
What’s included in a drone roof inspection report?
A homeowner-friendly report includes:
- High-resolution roof photos covering all slopes
- Closeups of key components (flashing, vents, chimneys, skylights)
- Documented visible storm impacts (wind/hail/debris)
- Clear explanation of findings and recommended next steps
RoofClaim’s drone inspection service page describes a process with a local drone pilot, a report review, and guidance on next steps.
How to get the best “value” (not just the lowest cost)
Before you compare prices, ask:
- Do I get an inspection report or only photos?
- Are the photos organized by slope/area?
- Will someone explain the findings to me?
- Is there a clear plan for repair vs replacement?
RoofClaim notes it schedules a virtual review to discuss report/photos/next steps.
Drone Roof Inspection FAQs
- How much does a drone roof inspection cost?
It start from $120-$320, but vary by roof size, complexity, and report depth. Some providers charge for flight time and reporting; RoofClaim offers no-cost drone inspections all over USA based on availability. - Is a drone inspection accurate?
Yes for visible surface issues (missing shingles, flashing problems, storm impacts). Some cases may require in-person follow-up. - Do I need to be home while roof inspection?
Often no, but access and local rules may apply. - Can drones detect roof leaks?
They can identify common leak entry points (damaged shingles, flashing). Some leaks need interior diagnostics, for those in-person is recommended - Is it safer than climbing the roof?
Yes, absolutely, no roof-walk is required. - How long does the inspection take?
The drone flight is typically quick ; reporting depends on review and scheduling. - Can it help after a storm?
Yes drone photos help document roof condition and visible storm impacts. - Will it help with roof insurance?
It can provide documentation, but outcomes depend on policy and insurer review. No claim approval is guaranteed. - What should I do after the report?
Review repair vs replacement options and act quickly if active leaking is present. - How do I schedule with RoofClaim?
Use the request form or call; RoofClaim promotes no-cost drone inspections in many areas.
The Bottom Line: Scheduling a Drone Roof Inspection
Now that you are considering getting your roof checked, you need to hire a trusted roofing company to assist you. If you need expert roofing help or a quality drone roof inspection, we’re happy to help.
Order your drone roof inspection today or schedule a free traditional inspection. Either way, we’re here to help!
