For building owners and facilities managers with responsibility for commercial or industrial buildings, understanding the condition of a roof can be essential to managing long term roof maintenance costs. Drone roof surveys, also known as aerial roof surveys, can provide a detailed overview of your roof’s condition, covering large roof areas efficiently and with minimal disruption to the building and its occupants. This guide covers what a drone roof survey involves, the benefits it may offer, and what one is likely to cost.
What is a Drone Roof Survey?
A drone roof survey uses an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a high-resolution camera to gather detailed roof imagery from above. The aircraft is guided methodically across the full roof area, capturing footage and photographs that record the condition of several areas of the roof which may include the waterproofing membrane, flashings, outlets, rooflights, upstands, parapets, and other elements.
Benefits of a Drone Roof Survey
Removing the Cost of Roof Access Equipment
With the UAV gathering detailed roof imagery, the requirement for roof access equipment is often removed entirely, which can reduce both expenditure and on-site disruption considerably while still producing a thorough assessment of the roof’s condition. Elevated or awkward areas that may be hazardous or impractical to reach on foot may be covered far more easily through aerial roof inspection, helping to ensure that no section of the roof goes unassessed.
High Quality Roof Imagery
Drone roof surveys capture high quality roof imagery at close range, producing detailed photographs of the roof surface and its components. This level of image quality can allow roof defects, deterioration, and areas of concern to be clearly identified and documented, giving those responsible for the building a precise report on the roof’s condition.
Minimal Disruption to Building Operations
For occupied commercial or industrial buildings, keeping disruption to a minimum during any roof inspection activity is understandably a priority. Drone and aerial roof surveys require little in the way of on-site preparation, meaning they can generally be completed quickly with minimal disruption.
Large Roof Areas Covered Efficiently
A drone can move across large roof areas quickly and methodically, capturing detailed roof imagery across the entire roof surface. This can make aerial inspections particularly well suited to warehouses, industrial units, and other large buildings where a full assessment is needed in a single visit.
Comprehensive Roof Condition Report
The output of an aerial roof survey is typically a roof condition report: a record of the roof observations supported by photographs of the various elements of the roof, accompanied by recommendations for any remedial works or ongoing maintenance that the roof may require. For facilities managers and building owners, a roof condition report may prove a useful tool for prioritising works, briefing roofing contractors, and planning future roof maintenance works.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drone and Aerial Roof Surveys
How Much Does a Drone Roof Survey Cost?
Pricing for a drone or aerial roof survey may vary according to the scale and complexity of the roof, the scope of reporting required, and any particular logistical considerations specific to the site. Speaking directly with a roof survey specialist can help you establish what a drone survey is likely to cost for a particular building.
What Does a Drone Roof Survey Report Include?
A drone roof survey report, often known as a roof condition report, typically includes an overview of your roof’s condition, a photographic record of any roof defects or areas of concern identified during the roof inspection, and a schedule of recommended remedial works prioritised by urgency.
How Long Does a Drone or Aerial Roof Survey Take?
Many aerial roof surveys can be carried out within a few hours, though more extensive roof areas may require additional time on site.
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