Drone roof and facade inspection
A drone survey of roofs, chimneys and high-level facades that cannot be reached safely from a ladder, with high-resolution images and a defects summary.
About this service
A drone roof and facade inspection lets us see high-level parts of a building close up without scaffolding. We fly over the roof, chimneys, parapets, gutters and upper elevations, capturing high-resolution photographs and video. You receive a clear photo record and a summary of visible defects with their locations, so you know what is there before paying for access or repairs.
In London, many roofs simply cannot be viewed from the ground. Valley gutters between terraced roofs, rear slopes behind butterfly roofs and chimney stacks on tall townhouses are hidden from the street. Scaffold for a quick look can cost more than the inspection itself and take weeks to arrange. A drone gets the information in a single visit, from angles a ladder could never reach safely.
The survey is useful before buying, before planning roof or loft work, after storms, and as a dated record before works start next door. It starts from £300 + VAT, confirmed in writing first. The images can be shared with roofers, surveyors and your engineer, which often makes their quotes and advice more accurate because everyone is working from the same evidence.
When you need it
- You need to see the condition of a roof or chimney without scaffolding
- A building survey or inspection needs high-level access
- You want a photographic record before works start
What's included
- Drone flight over the roof and high-level elevations
- High-resolution photographs and video
- Summary of visible defects with locations
How it works
- Check the site and airspaceWe review the location, nearby buildings and any airspace restrictions, confirm the permissions needed for the flight, and agree the scope and a fixed fee in writing.
- Plan the flightWe agree which roofs, stacks and elevations to capture, and pick a time and weather window that allows safe flying, clear light and good image quality.
- Fly and captureThe drone is flown over and around the building, taking high-resolution photographs and video of each roof slope, chimney, gutter, parapet and upper facade from several angles.
- Review and reportWe review the images, mark visible defects and their locations, and issue the photo record with a defects summary you can pass to contractors or your engineer.
What you receive
What a drone can show, and when you still need hands-on access
A drone shows what can be seen from the air: slipped or missing slates, cracked flaunching, open joints in chimney stacks, vegetation in gutters, failed flashings and damaged parapets. It cannot test how firmly something is fixed, measure moisture, or see under coverings. Where images raise a structural question, such as a leaning stack, the next step may be a chimney stability report. Repair design and scaffold or roped access inspections are separate.
Flying in London needs planning. Parts of the city fall within controlled airspace around airports, and some sites are near sensitive locations or busy public spaces, which may require permissions or affect timing. Weather also matters, since wind and rain limit safe flights. If you are planning a roof terrace or loft, drone images of the existing roof help the design team understand its condition early. Our roof terrace guide explains why.
Not included
- Scaffold or roped access inspections
- Repair design
Frequently asked questions
Can a drone survey replace a roofer's inspection?
It can replace the initial look, which is often the expensive part because of access. A drone shows the visible condition of slates, tiles, flashings and chimneys clearly. However, it cannot lift tiles or check fixings, so a roofer may still need access to confirm hidden problems before carrying out repairs.
Do you need permission to fly a drone over a house in London?
It depends on the location. Some parts of London sit within controlled airspace around airports or near restricted sites, where additional permissions are needed before flying. We check the location, arrange any necessary permissions and plan the flight to keep a safe distance from people and neighbouring property.
Will the drone footage show my neighbour's property?
Some neighbouring roofs may appear in the images, especially in terraces. We focus on your property and avoid recording people or private gardens unnecessarily. Where a neighbour's roof is relevant, for example a shared chimney stack or valley gutter, it helps to let them know about the survey in advance.
How quickly can a drone roof inspection be done?
Once any airspace permissions are confirmed, the flight itself usually takes well under an hour. Timing depends mainly on weather, as wind and rain limit safe flying. We then review the images and prepare the defects summary, and confirm the turnaround in writing with the fee before booking.