Drone-Assisted HAAG Protocol

A site-wide inspection standard used by Inspector Roofing and Restoration when safety, roof complexity, or homeowner preference calls for limited or no foot traffic—while preserving documentation quality and claim credibility.

Homeowner Roof-Access Preferences Are Built Into Our Protocols

Across our service areas, many homeowners prefer limited or no roof walking—especially after storms, on older systems, or on steep/complex designs. Our inspection protocols are designed to respect that preference while maintaining standards-based documentation.

Common reasons homeowners request limited access include:

• Concern about wear or brittleness on shingles, tile, or older components
• Steep pitch, height, or complex roof geometry
• Post-storm safety concerns
• Previous negative contractor experiences
• Desire for a cleaner, more controlled inspection process

Scope and Limitations (Site-Wide Standard)

The Drone-Assisted HAAG Protocol uses high-resolution aerial imagery to evaluate roof surfaces consistently across slopes, ridges, valleys, and penetrations. It is especially effective for documentation coverage and pattern recognition, including areas that are unsafe or impractical to access on foot.

Depending on roof type, suspected damage type, and carrier expectations, limited physical verification may still be recommended to improve defensibility and clarity. Our reports explicitly state what was observed, how it was verified, and what limitations apply (if any).

Protocol Workflow (How It Runs)

Phase 1: Aerial Documentation

• High-resolution imaging of all slopes and key roof features
• Review for storm-related indicators (hail patterns, wind indicators, displacement)
• Consistency review across facets (pattern, directionality, clustering)
• Documentation of collateral components (vents, flashing, gutters, soft metals)
• Flagging any areas that warrant closer confirmation

Phase 2: Targeted Verification (Only If Needed)

If imagery indicates conditions that require confirmation, we may recommend limited and targeted access—always discussed and agreed upon first. The goal is verification with minimal disruption.

• Hands-on checks only where necessary
• Material-level confirmation where it improves clarity (as applicable)
• Seal integrity / uplift indicators where accessible and appropriate
• Close-angle documentation suitable for carrier review

Phase 3: Reporting & Documentation Package

• Organized photos with labels and context
• Method statement: drone-only, limited verification, or combined approach
• Clear notes on observed conditions and limitations (if any)
• Claim-ready documentation when storm indicators support that path

Insurance Use (How Drone Documentation Helps)

Drone documentation can support an insurance claim, with important caveats. Carriers evaluate claims based on damage causation and policy coverage, not imagery alone. Drone imagery is most helpful when it demonstrates storm-related indicators clearly and is presented in a standards-based, method-transparent report.

Drone documentation is most effective when it:

• Shows consistent patterns across slopes
• Includes collateral indicators consistent with the event (when present)
• Is clearly labeled, organized, and explained
• Is tied to standards-based inspection methodology

Our reports always state the inspection method used, observed conditions, and any limitations. That transparency is a key factor in maintaining credibility during carrier review.

When This Protocol Is Commonly the Right Fit

• Post-storm documentation capture
• Steep, unsafe, or complex roofs
• Large roofs where consistent coverage matters
• Homeowner preference for no roof walking
• Preliminary documentation before deciding whether to file

When Limited Physical Verification May Be Recommended

• Conditions where material-level confirmation improves defensibility (material-dependent)
• Wind indicators where tactile verification adds clarity
• Seal integrity considerations where accessible and appropriate
• Disputed causation or higher-scrutiny claim environments

In all cases, recommendations are explained clearly before proceeding. We do not “upgrade” methods or introduce additional steps without homeowner agreement.

FAA Compliance & Documentation Standards

Drone-assisted inspections are performed in compliance with FAA regulations and operated by properly credentialed professionals. Drone usage is documented transparently in inspection reports as part of our site-wide protocol standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Start With the Inspection Protocol

If safety, roof complexity, or roof-access preference is a concern, the Drone-Assisted HAAG Protocol is often the correct starting point. The goal is standards-based documentation—so you can choose the right next step with clarity.