Tensorflight Poland Sp. z o.o. is proud to introduce an innovative Automated Roof Cover Inspection Service, developed and implemented as part of a project co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (Measure 3.2.1 POIR). Our cutting-edge service leverages advanced satellite and aerial imagery analytics to deliver precise, efficient, and scalable inspection of roofing materials.
This service is specifically designed for insurance companies and photovoltaic industry stakeholders, enabling accurate risk assessment, policy valuation, optimized PV installation planning, and streamlined operational processes.
Our sophisticated deep learning algorithms automatically analyze imagery, eliminating costly and time-intensive physical inspections.
Developed in collaboration with Warsaw University of Technology, our model ensures unparalleled accuracy in identifying roofing attributes, significantly reducing the potential for human error.
Powered by cloud infrastructure and distributed processing systems, we can rapidly handle large data volumes, processing millions of addresses nearly in real-time (under 60 seconds per new query).
We utilize the latest satellite and aerial images from industry-leading providers:
Airbus (primarily Pleiades Neo satellites)
Nearmap
This diversity ensures robust and credible information delivery.
Our remote analysis capability allows us to offer global coverage without geographical constraints.
Our solution identifies a broad spectrum of roofing materials, including specialized types crucial for specific industries, such as:
Ceramic tiles
Metal sheets
Asphalt shingles
Bitumen
Eternit (asbestos-cement)
Trapezoidal sheets
Green roofs
We also provide detailed condition assessments for asbestos-cement roofs.
By eliminating the need for physical site visits, our solution dramatically reduces operational expenses and inspection timelines.
Service Scope: Automated detection and classification of roofing materials
Data Sources: Current satellite and aerial imagery
Analysis Technology: Deep Learning image analysis
Accuracy Indicator: Model accuracy of 86.4% (validated on a random test dataset of 1,000 samples according to the POIR project methodology)
Response Time: Under 60 seconds for individual, previously unprocessed addresses
Throughput: Capacity to analyze up to 1,000 buildings per hour using parallel processing
Identifiable Materials: Extensive range including ceramic tile, metal roofing, asphalt shingles, bitumen, asbestos-cement, trapezoidal sheets, and green roofs
Additional Analysis: Condition assessment for asbestos-cement roofing
Availability: Remote service via API or dedicated web application (compliant with WCAG 2.0 standards)
Geographical Coverage: Global, subject to image availability
This service is the result of pioneering R&D conducted by Tensorflight Poland Sp. z o.o. in collaboration with Warsaw University of Technology. Our joint efforts developed an innovative deep learning model for precise roofing material detection.
This offering emerges from the successful completion of the project “Implementation of Automated Roof Cover Inspection Service,” co-financed by the European Union under the Intelligent Development Operational Programme 2014-2020, Sub-measure 3.2.1 Market Research.
Introduce an innovative, R&D-based automated roof inspection service aimed at insurance and photovoltaic companies, enhancing Tensorflight’s competitive edge domestically and internationally.
Deployment of advanced technological solutions
Expansion of the company’s product portfolio
Acquisition of new clientele
Achievement of 85% accuracy in roof material identification
Total: PLN 1,867,312.00
EU Funding: PLN 1,053,360.00
The global model identifies a broader range of roof materials. Values returned by this model are later mapped to AIR standard and underwriting standard used by our Australian clients. Results of the roof material model can be seen in the fields roof_material in the API or Roof Material in the app for properties located outside of the USA. See the table for reference:
Roof material class |
AIR mapping |
Roof Material (AU) mapping |
Description |
“CERAMIC_TILE” |
Clay/concrete tiles (3) |
Tile |
Ceramic tile roofs are renowned for their durability, visual appeal, and extended lifespan, often lasting 50 years or more. As a property insurance underwriter, it’s essential to recognize the benefits of these materials, including their resilience to fire and weather-related damage, as well as their low maintenance requirements. |
“CEMENT_TILE” |
Slate (5) |
Tile |
Slate roofing is a premium roofing material known for its longevity and natural beauty, making it a popular choice for high-end residential and commercial properties. As a property insurance underwriter, it’s important to recognize that slate roofs offer exceptional durability, often lasting more than a century, withstanding harsh weather conditions, and providing excellent fire resistance. |
“BITUMINOUS_TILE” |
Asphalt Shingles (1) |
Tile |
Asphalt shingles are a widely used, cost-effective roofing material commonly found in residential properties. In property insurance underwriting, it’s essential to consider that while asphalt shingles are generally durable and easy to repair or replace, they have a shorter lifespan compared to other premium materials, typically ranging between 15-30 years. |
“STEEL_TILE” |
Light Metal Panels (4) |
Tile |
Light metal panel roofs, such as steel tiles, provide a durable and lightweight roofing option that is increasingly popular in both residential and commercial properties. In property insurance underwriting, it’s important to consider that steel tile roofs typically have a lifespan of 40 to 70 years, offering resistance to fire, wind, and hail damage. |
“FLAT_SHEET” |
Standing Seam Metal Roofs (8) |
“Iron on wood” if the construction type is “wood frame.” “Iron on steel” otherwise. |
Flat sheet metal roofs are a high-performance roofing option known for their durability, sleek appearance, and long lifespan, often lasting 40 to 60 years or more. In property insurance underwriting, it’s essential to recognize the benefits of standing seam metal roofs, including their resistance to fire, wind, and weather-related damage, as well as their low maintenance requirements. |
“CORRUGATED_METAL” |
Light Metal Panels (4) |
“Iron on wood” if the construction type is “wood frame.” “Iron on steel” otherwise. |
Corrugated metal roofing is a cost-effective, lightweight, and durable option often used in residential, commercial, and industrial properties. In property insurance underwriting, it’s important to consider that corrugated metal roofs typically have a lifespan of 25 to 40 years, offering resistance to fire, wind, and weather-related damage. |
“BITUMINOUS_WATERPROOFING” |
Single Ply Membrane (7) |
Concrete |
Bituminous waterproof roofing, often used for flat or low-slope roofs, is a durable and versatile material that provides excellent waterproofing capabilities. In property insurance underwriting, it’s essential to consider that single ply membrane roofs typically have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, offering resistance to fire, wind, and weather-related damage. |
“SHINGLE” |
Wooden shingles (2) |
Wood |
Wooden shingles, known for their natural beauty and rustic charm, are a traditional roofing material often used in residential properties. In property insurance underwriting, it’s important to consider that wooden shingles typically have a lifespan of 20 to 40 years, but may be more susceptible to fire, rot, and pest damage compared to other materials. |
“ASBESTOS__CEMENT_FLAT_SHEETS” |
Asphalt shingles (1) |
Asbestos |
Asbestos cement flat sheets were once a popular roofing material due to their durability, low cost, and weather resistance. In property insurance underwriting, it’s important to note that these sheets have an average lifespan of 25 to 40 years, but are now considered obsolete and hazardous due to the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. |
“GREEN_ROOF” |
Unknown/default (0) |
|
A green roof is a rooftop garden designed to absorb rainwater, provide insulation, and create a habitat for wildlife. While it can reduce insurance risk by mitigating stormwater runoff and improving building energy efficiency, its average lifespan of 20-30 years depends on proper maintenance and waterproofing. |
“MODIFIED_BITUMEN_ROLL_ROOFING”: A durable, weather-resistant material made from reinforced asphalt.
“SINGLE_PLY_TPO_PVC”: Thermoplastic roofing membranes known for their durability and energy efficiency.
“STANDING_SEAM_METAL”: Metal roofing with concealed fasteners, offering excellent weather resistance and a sleek appearance.
“CLAY_TILE”: A classic, long-lasting roofing material with excellent thermal properties.
“CONCRETE_TILE”: A strong, energy-efficient roofing material available in various styles and colors.
“WOOD_SHAKE_SHINGLE”: A rustic, attractive roofing material made from split wood.
“SHINGLE_3_TABS”: Traditional asphalt shingles with a uniform appearance and a lower price point.
“ARCHITECTURAL_SHINGLES”: High-quality asphalt shingles with a dimensional appearance and enhanced durability.
“CORRUGATED_METAL”: A cost-effective, lightweight metal roofing option.Results of roof material US model are returned only for properties in the USA, as the name suggests. You can see it in the API in the field roof_material or in the UI under the “Roof Material” field:
The Japan model focuses on five primary roof materials:
Roof material class |
Japanese description |
English description |
メンブレン屋根 (MEMBRANE_ROOFING) |
メンブレン屋根は、合成ゴムや熱可塑性ポリマーを使用して作られ、軽量で耐久性がありますが、火災リスクが高い場合があります。 |
Membrane roofing is made from synthetic rubber or thermoplastic polymers, providing a lightweight and durable roof solution but may have a higher risk of fire. |
金属屋根 (METAL) |
金属屋根は耐久性があり、耐火性に優れていますが、悪天候時にはハイリスクになることがあります。 |
Metal roofing is durable and fire-resistant, but may present higher risks during severe weather conditions. |
タイル屋根 or 瓦 (TILES) |
タイル屋根は重量があり、耐火性に優れていますが、地震や強風に対して脆弱です。 |
Tile roofs are heavy and have excellent fire resistance, but are vulnerable to earthquakes and strong winds. |
石綿屋根 or アスベスト含有屋根 (ASBESTOS) |
石綿屋根は耐火性が高いものの、石綿の粉塵が健康リスクを引き起こす可能性があり、保険リスクが高まります。 |
Asbestos roofing has high fire resistance, but the asbestos dust can pose health risks, increasing the insurance risk. |
ソーラータイル (SOLAR_TILE) |
ソーラータイルは、太陽光発電を組み込んだ屋根材で、環境に優しいですが、保守や修理に高いコストがかかることがあります。 |
Solar tiles are roofing materials that incorporate solar power generation, providing an eco-friendly option but may have higher maintenance and repair costs. |
In the future, we plan to expand this list and look forward to your feedback.
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