Laws and Regulations for Drones in Roofing Businesse

Nowadays drones have a broader meaning and it is getting used in many useful works. Drone technology has been effectively utilized by professional roofers. Without running the danger of climbing onto the roof yourself, a drone can let you swiftly check or measure a roof.

Even in the winter, when ice and snow increase your danger of falling, you might be able to survey your roof using a drone. Precision is another benefit of the most recent drone technology for roofing. Your drone could be able to accurately measure the roof’s surface area and slope, which would make estimating your roofing work much simpler.

Additionally, you might be allowed to utilize drone-created photographs in your marketing with the homeowner’s consent. A before-and-after photo of a roof replacement may be highly persuasive to potential consumers and help your marketing efforts.

However, you must be aware of and compliant with several rules and regulations in order to enjoy all of the benefits of roofing drones. Nowadays, a roofer is regarded as a commercial drone user in the majority of nations. He must thus obtain a license and abide by a number of regulations in order to fly the drone.

Although it may seem difficult, using a roofing drone is actually much simpler than you may expect. You will learn the fundamentals of drone legislation through this guide.

Laws and regulations to maintain when flying a drone as a roofer

A drone is considered an Unmanned Aircraft System under US law (UAS). The laws governing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in the US are more complex and rigid than those in many other nations. These laws are controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

1. A license is required for commercial drone pilots who use aircraft that weigh less than 55 pounds. Since you are using a drone for both commercial and professional reasons as a professional roofer, you will need a license to operate one. Unless your drone is under 250 grams in weight. Since tiny drones aren’t often used for roofing, you’ll probably need a license.

2. To operate a drone for business reasons anywhere in the United States, you must get a Remote Pilot Certificate. To be qualified for this license, you must:

• be older than 15 years old.
• be able to fly the drone safely.
• English proficiency, including writing and reading (medical exceptions can be made).

And after all this, you need to pass-

• Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) security screening
• The Aeronautical Knowledge Test, which is called the Part 107 test

3. There are privacy regulations in many states and provinces that prohibit flying a drone over someone else’s house without that person’s consent. Additionally, just verbal permission to operate your drone might not be sufficient to safeguard your company.

We advise you to obtain written consent and waivers from homeowners rather than relying just on verbal consent. Have a lawyer create a contract that specifies the homeowner’s consent and that places restrictions on your liability for harm.

4. Your drone only has to adhere to “Part 107” drone regulations if it is lighter 55 pounds. Among these guidelines are:

• A Remote Pilot Certificate is required for commercial pilots.
• The FAA requires commercial drones to be registered. Visit FAADroneZone and sign up.
• To inspect residential rooftops, you must fly below 400 feet, which is a sufficient altitude.
• Flying is only permitted in Class G Airspace (uncontrolled air space.) An airport does not manage Class G airspace.
• It’s essential to maintain a line of sight with your drone when flying it safely.
• You cannot fly your drone while riding in a moving car.
• Flying at night is prohibited. It cannot be night until the sun has completely sunk below the horizon. So, you may fly during dusk.
• You should avoid flying over individuals currently.
• Aircraft must be given the right-of-way.

You also have to maintain a speed limit in the States if you have a commercial drone

and it is 100 mph. You won’t likely be in danger of exceeding this speed restriction as you’ll be flying in a rather small area.

5. There are serious repercussions if drone rules and regulations are broken in the US. The FAA is only permitted to inform you of a rule you have breached. But they may also suspend your license or fine you up to $27,500 for civil penalties and $250,000 for criminal ones.

6. We all know that the US has many states and it is natural to have different laws in different states. So as a roofer one should be aware of the state-specific laws

  Georgia laws and  regulations for drones

Historical places cannot be flown over. You might need to obtain a special permit to fly your drone if you’re fixing the roof of a house that has been declared a historic property.

Minnesota laws and regulations for drones

For drones, Minnesota has extra certification, licensing, and budget.

Arizona laws and regulations for drones

Flying is prohibited 500 feet or less from important structures. These include things like power plants, water treatment facilities, medical facilities, and courthouses. The development of local drone regulations is prohibited in Arizona.

Iowa laws and regulations for drones

Additionally, Iowa requires a charge for drone registration and licensing. To inspect a property using a drone, you must additionally have written authorization as compared to verbal authorization.

Texas laws and regulations for drones

Within 25 miles of the American border, drone use is prohibited. Depending on how close some of your client’s roofs are to the border, if you operate in a border town, you might not be allowed to inspect their roofs with a drone.

Oklahoma laws and regulations for drones

Flying is prohibited at 400 feet away from important structures.

Your use of a drone for roofing may be prohibited by additional state laws. Check to see whether your town has enacted any local drone rules and restrictions before you start flying.

You might gain greatly if you can safely and legally use drones in your roofing business. Just make sure to keep informed of any changes to laws or license requirements. Given how recent drone technology is, things will undoubtedly alter in the future.