The roofing industry has seen a significant transformation due to technological evolution. While things like using drones for roofing are gaining popularity, they are not a replacement for roofers. And, roofing contractors are not shying away from technology as well. In fact, they are embracing numerous technological tools to keep up with the trend, become more productive, and keep their business running smoothly.
If you are one of the roofing contractors who is still getting used to the technological development in the roofing sector this blog is for you. Ladders and scaffolds can help you access and repair roofs, but advancements like drones offer the potential to take a look at the roofing problems without even setting your boots on the roof.
Here’s everything you need to know about technology in the roofing industry.
Technology is growing at a faster pace
It is agreed that the roofer’s job has become more productive and safer with new tech equipment. Roofing companies that embrace technology have simplified their business processes and enhanced their employees’ work efficiency. Listed below are some technological advancements that can help roofing businesses sustain and stay up with their rivals.
Roofing software
Manually drawing a roof layout, style, and design were tedious and time-consuming until the automated roof rendering software came along. Thanks to the advancements, various types of roofing software are now accessible to aid with the current hedging tactics. They also allow roofers to show the range of options available to their customers so that they can find the perfect roof for the home together.
Calculating roofing estimates is a complex task. Roofing contracts need to consider an array of factors like the nature of the roof, roof measurements, roof repair or replacement, and other estimated costs to create an accurate estimate. However, sometimes, hand-drawn roofing estimates tend to be inaccurate. This is where roofing estimating software comes into play. An ideal commercial roofing software can easily churn out estimates.
Drones
Drones and rovers have made the process of roof repairs and maintenance simpler for roofing contractors and businesses. Drones are helpful when you need to get detailed pictorial graphs of a roof and measure its accurate dimensions. Drones detect any noticeable objects that are obscuring the roof and damaging the roof surface.
Some details like shingle patching and structural splints would be more brutal to spot when your roofer climbs on the roof. An aerial view photograph can instantly give you an accurate and clear view of any roof helping roofers gain the bigger picture when they are about to solve roofing problems.
Rovers
Robots in the form of rovers have been employed in the roofing industry to make projects safer with no effort. It allows roofers to take photographs of damaged roofs (even one millimeter), assess shingle thickness, and measure temperature. Rovers give detailed reports on roofing problems like roof damage to assess them properly and provide accurate estimates. In some cases, rovers can also be used to install items.
But, if you think it can be a substitute for roofers, then it’s time to reconsider. Using technological advancements would give you apparent benefits, yet there are some limitations, and of course, you need a human on the ground who can use tech tools like a pro.
Where these technological tools fall short
Roofers’ jobs are still simplified, yet their skills and experience are necessary for roofing construction. While you can still do a roofing project without the tech tools, there is no alternative for the years if the experience is gained over decades.
A good roofer knows drones and rovers are not a substitute for years of experience. For instance, a roof health evaluation demands attention to detail. While rovers and drones can identify problems on the surface they cannot dig in deeper and identify the root cause. Similarly, during roof installations, drones cannot detect soft spots or hidden cracks, only the eyes of a trained roofing contractor can detect those roofing problems.
Conclusion
So can we conclude that technology replaces the real human connection in roofing? No. It is just an assumption of many that AI and technology would rule the roofing industry. Though it excels and makes the entire process more manageable, it can never be a complete substitute for roofers.
The roofing industry flourishes with the craftsmanship of roofers, but there is a growing demand for technology. For the last decade, technological advancements have made significant changes in the industry and these changes cannot be resisted. Improving efficiency and implementing the tech tools can help roofing contractors save time and deliver excellent customer service.
