Drone and Visual Inspection : A Complete View of Your Roof

At Ernest Hotte Inc., we combine technological innovation with proven expertise to deliver accurate, efficient roof inspections tailored to your needs. Using drones equipped with advanced sensors and visual inspections conducted by our on-site experts, we provide a complete, detailed analysis of your roof's condition. Our hybrid approach allows us to identify both visible and hidden problems, and develop tailored solutions to extend the lifespan of your roofing systems.

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1. Drone Inspection : An Unmatched Overview

Drone inspection is ideal for :

Collecting advanced visual data: High-resolution images, 3D modeling, and orthomosaics (2D plans).
Analyzing hard-to-reach areas without disrupting your operations.
Aerial thermography: Identifying leaks, heat loss, or areas of water buildup using thermal sensors.

Key Benefits :

Speed: A complete inspection can be carried out in just a few hours.
Safety: Eliminates the risks associated with manual inspections at height.
Historical documentation: Regular visual monitoring to track your roof's condition over time.

«Thanks to the drone, we detected a water-damaged area in the insulation of a roofing system, avoiding costly repairs»

Stéphane Poissant president

2. On-Roof Visual Inspection : Irreplaceable Human Expertise

Our specialists climb onto the roof to closely examine every detail the drone may not always capture, such as :

Open joints or cracked membranes.
Physical damage caused by equipment or debris.
Blocked or non-functional drains.

Key Benefits :

Hands-on and visual detection of subtle problems (e.g., cracks not visible in photos).
Ability to perform immediate repairs when needed.
Validation of drone-collected data through a thorough physical inspection.

«The drone is a powerful tool, but nothing replaces the trained eye of a technician on site.»

Stéphane Poissant President

Why combine both approaches?

By combining drone inspection with visual inspection, you get :

Complete Coverage

A comprehensive aerial view and detailed ground-level examination that leaves nothing to chance.

Greater Accuracy

Data collected by the drone is validated and enriched by hands-on expertise.

Better Planning

These inspections help prioritize necessary interventions, whether targeted repairs or preventive maintenance.

Real-World Applications

Our combined inspections are especially useful for :

Planning major work such as reroofing or resurfacing.
Maintaining your warranties by meeting manufacturer requirements.
Preventing costly leaks through early detection of potential issues.

Real-World Example : During a combined inspection, our teams detected a water leak invisible to the naked eye using the drone, which was then confirmed by a visual inspection that revealed a cracked joint requiring immediate repair.

Step-by-Step Process

Drone Inspection

Flight Planning

Regulatory authorizations (e.g., Transport Canada and Nav Canada) and site preparation.

Data Collection

High-resolution aerial and thermographic imagery as needed.

Internal Analysis

Data compiled into a detailed report with recommendations.

Step-by-Step Process

Visual Inspection

Roof Access

Physical assessment of critical components (joints, drains, membranes).

Cross-Validation with Drone Data

Confirmation or adjustment of observations made from the air.

Final Detailed Report

Report with before/after photos and a recommended action plan.

What are the specific advantages of drone inspection? The drone provides a fast, safe, and precise overview, ideal for detecting problems invisible to the naked eye, such as leaks or water buildup.

Why also do a visual inspection? Certain subtle details, such as cracks or damaged joints, can only be detected during an on-site physical inspection.

How much does a combined inspection cost? Costs vary depending on the size and complexity of the project, but generally start around $1,500 to $2,000 per inspection.

How often do you recommend these inspections? We recommend two annual inspections (spring/fall) to maintain your warranties and prevent problems before they become critical.