Paul Davis disaster restoration firms are training new recruits. These modern experts shrug off long hours and work tirelessly. They’re suited up for hard duty seconds after arrival at a job site and quickly airborne as near perfect colleagues when it comes to evaluating roof damage and planning restoration efforts.
The industry experimented with these “unmanned aerial vehicles”, as they are called, about six years ago, finding them extremely useful for processing property claims. Their deployment and importance has grown rapidly. Given another few years, these talented machines may be as essential as computers and cellphones for assessing property damage.
It’s easy to see why. These sturdy little workhorses offer five unbeatable advantages:
Speedy damage evaluation. Drones need not wait until conditions are completely safe. They easily navigate difficult terrain or debris and don’t need special equipment – ladders, harnesses – to access damaged roofing. When disasters affect larger buildings and communities, drones really shine by assessing sizable areas rapidly and enabling responders to prioritize activities.
Improved documentation. Equipped with high-tech, high-resolution cameras, drones produce detailed visual records that aren’t just packed with more information than photos, they’re geo-referenced for location accuracy.
Faster claims and restoration work. Faster evaluation supported by better documentation translates into faster claim settlements and speedier restoration work.
Safer. Even intact roofs are notoriously hazardous to inspect - steep, weathered, slippery, elevated – and damaged roofs are particularly dangerous for human inspectors. Drones not only access unsafe areas, they often capture footage of roofing features that are rarely accessible such as cupolas, cornices, turrets.
Reduced costs. Extremely capable and durable assistants, drones require fewer people to evaluate roof damage, conserve per diem costs and reduce worker compensation budgets.
Operating drones takes skill, practice – we’ve all heard about unscrupulous operation near airports – but used properly, these little machines are certain to revolutionize disaster evaluation and restoration. Because This Is No Time for Second Best®, Paul Davis continues to explore and apply innovative technology like drones to help customers grappling with disasters of all kinds.