What Happens During a Professional Drone Roof Inspection?

Written By Paul Deeman

Inspecting a roof can be difficult, expensive and potentially dangerous. In many cases, scaffolding, ladders or access platforms may be needed before the extent of a problem is even understood.

A professional drone roof inspection offers a faster and safer way to obtain detailed photographs and video of areas that may be difficult to see from the ground. It can help homeowners, landlords, property managers, roofers and commercial building owners identify visible defects and decide what action may be needed next.

What is a drone roof inspection?

A drone roof inspection uses a camera-equipped unmanned aircraft to capture high-resolution images and video of a roof from a range of angles.

The drone can photograph areas such as:

  • Roof tiles and slates

  • Chimneys and chimney pots

  • Flashing

  • Ridge tiles

  • Gutters and downpipes

  • Flat roof coverings

  • Valleys and drainage channels

  • Fascias and soffits

  • Skylights and roof windows

  • Solar panels

The inspection is normally carried out from outside the property, with the pilot remaining on the ground throughout the flight.

The purpose is to provide a clear visual record of the roof’s condition. It does not replace the expertise of a qualified roofer, surveyor or structural engineer, but it can provide useful evidence and help them decide whether closer physical investigation is required.

Why use a drone instead of a ladder?

A ladder may provide access to part of a roof, but it will not always give a clear view of every surface. Large, steep, fragile or complex roofs can be particularly difficult to inspect safely.

A drone can often view several elevations of the building during one visit. It can also capture close-up images without anyone needing to walk across the roof.

This can offer several advantages:

  • Reduced need to work at height

  • Faster initial inspection

  • Access to difficult or awkward areas

  • Detailed photographs that can be enlarged

  • A permanent visual record of the roof

  • Useful information for contractors preparing quotations

  • Reduced disruption around the property

In some situations, a drone inspection may help determine whether scaffolding is needed before the cost of installing it is incurred.

Paul Deeman
Next

10 things to consider when buying a used drone