Paul Davis of Long Island deploys aerial spherical camera system to expedite catastrophic damage insurance claims

Mark Gunthner, owner of Paul Davis of Long Island has deployed an alternative technology for capturing roof damage photos that eliminates the need for the controversial use of drones in the restoration industry. The new technology is provided by PanoTech Solutions, Inc. and is currently available exclusively through the Paul Davis network of restoration contractors.

The new camera system expedites and improves structural and rooftop photographic views for insurance claims processing. Gunthner developed the PanoTech software after Superstorm Sandy to provide faster claims settlement solutions for adjusters and policyholders following catastrophes. The new technology is superior to drones for quickly gathering critical insurance survey information in catastrophic and hurricane damaged areas, in part, because there are no FAA restrictions or certification requirements for its use in any location.

In examples below, the technology provides dramatic, high resolution virtual reality imagery that allows adjusters to specifically inspect every inch of damage to the roof or interior from any location as if adjusters were at the site:

Roof Inspection, Format 1

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B316yPYj8UTXdF8yOTh3VlJBclE/view?usp=sharing

Roof Inspection Format 2

https://panono-app-test.herokuapp.com/temporary/paul-davis-demo-2

* Note - Click on photos in the samples above to view interactive, high-definition virtual reality images. In Format 2, click on icons in “Roof Layout” to see photos at different locations and click on “Get Roof Inspection” to download interactive printable report.

Gunthner is now deploying teams equipped with the new technology to Texas and Florida due to damage from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The PanoTech system includes a mast-mounted camera with 36 separate lenses.

The camera captures individual photographs with software that stitches images together to create high resolution, 360-degree photos of damaged structures, including roofs, exterior walls, interiors rooms and yards. Insurance adjusters can use the 360-degree PanoTech images to thoroughly inspect losses from their office and pinpoint damages with greater accuracy than standard drone still photos. Each highly specialized camera weighs only one lb. and the tripod mast telescopes to more than 27 feet and weighs 13.5 lbs.

“PanoTech cameras don’t interfere with local, state and federal recovery missions. Drones have many useful applications, but the PanoTech system is a far superior technology for disaster situations where unrestricted rapid response and scalability are essential,” said Gunthner. “PanoTech improves upon the drone industry by capturing high resolution aerial photographs from the ground using a specialized tripod, so it is not necessary to fly an unmanned aerial vehicle,” he said.

Gunthner added, the system does not interfere with aircraft and is not invasive to neighbors. Additionally, unlike drones the new land-based technology is not under scrutiny by military personnel, first responders and other officials because it does not create any hazard to any aircraft. “More and more drones are being restricted from use in areas affected by catastrophes like wildfires and hurricanes because they create a dangerous environment in valuable air space required for use by rescue aircraft,” said Gunthner.

More than 50 PanoTech operators will be available in areas damaged by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma through the Paul Davis franchise network of locally owned and operated restoration, repair, and reconstruction offices. Additionally, Paul Davis offices in Rochester, NY, Baltimore, MD, Washington DC, and Norfolk VA have purchased PanoTech systems for use in disaster and other damage restoration claims.

According to Gunthner, a trained inspector using the PanoTech system can capture aerial photos of an entire typical residential roof in approximately 20 minutes. Additionally, interior 360-degree virtual reality photos can be captured in less than one minute per room. Paul Davis professionals can be dispatched to storm ravaged areas to assist in claims immediately after a storm and capture roof images without the issues of drone flight restrictions and job delays.

Typical costs to insurance carriers for PanoTech emergency roof inspections provided by an independent inspector in catastrophe areas range from $250 to $400, depending on location, square footage, and other specifications. And, up to 30 roofs per day can be processed by a single inspector using the PanoTech system. Completed reports with fully interactive, high resolution virtual reality photos can be accessed by adjusters from any location within two to four hours after photos are captured. Through this system, an adjuster can inspect dozens of roof losses per day without leaving the office. The system offers a significant savings compared to each adjuster driving to the site and inspecting a maximum of three to four roof damage claims per day.

Also, insurance companies can equip their own claims personnel with the PanoTech technology. The cost of purchasing the camera, the 27-foot carbon fiber mast, and accessories is approximately $3,500 to $4,000. There also is a monthly subscription fee and processing charge for each inspection.

The technologically-advanced equipment further positions Paul Davis as an industry leader in restoration, repairs and reconstruction along with remodeling for properties damaged by fire, water, mold, storms, and other disasters. Full-time technicians at each Paul Davis office are all highly-trained and certified experts in the complex process of recovering from property damage. For more information, contact Gunthner at (631) 434-1717.

For more than 50 years, Paul Davis Restoration has restored residential and commercial properties damaged by fire, water, mold, storms and disasters. The experts at Paul Davis understand the complex process of recovering from property damage and provide complete services; there is no need for the expense and confusion of hiring multiple contractors. Paul Davis is a one-stop shop for disaster damage and restoration. Paul Davis Restoration has over 375 independently owned franchises in the USA and Canada. The professionals at Paul Davis are certified in emergency restoration, reconstruction and remodeling. Visit the website at http://pauldavis.com.