When North West Roof Surveys carries out a roof inspection, we use drone technology as standard where it adds value to the survey. For most properties, this means a faster, safer, and more thorough inspection than a traditional ladder-based approach — without compromising on the quality or professional standing of the report.

This post explains how our drone roof surveys work, when we use them, and what you receive at the end.

What Is a Drone Roof Survey?

A drone roof survey — also referred to as an aerial roof survey or aerial roof inspection — uses an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a high-resolution camera to inspect the condition of a roof from above. The surveyor controls the drone from ground level, capturing detailed photographs and video footage of every accessible roof surface.

At North West Roof Surveys, drone technology is one tool in our inspection process. It allows us to inspect roofs that would otherwise require scaffolding or specialist access equipment, and to capture angles and details that a ground-level inspection would miss entirely.

When Do We Use Drone Surveys?

We assess each property individually and use drone technology where it is the most effective method of inspection. Common situations include:

Multi-storey and tall properties where ladder access is impractical or unsafe
Flat roofs where a ground-level inspection cannot assess the full surface
Properties with restricted access — for example, where scaffolding cannot be erected or where the vendor or estate agent is unable to facilitate internal access to roof spaces
Commercial and industrial buildings with large or complex roof structures
Pre-purchase surveys where the buyer wants a thorough inspection before exchange without the cost and delay of scaffolding
Insurance inspections where the insurer or loss adjuster requires photographic evidence of the roof condition

For standard residential properties, we will often combine a drone inspection with a ground-level assessment to ensure nothing is missed.

What Does a Drone Roof Survey Cover?

Our aerial roof inspections assess all the key elements of the roof structure and covering, including:

Condition of tiles, slates, or flat roof membrane
Ridge tiles and hip tiles
Chimney stacks, flaunching, and lead flashings
Fascias, soffits, and bargeboards
Gutters and downpipes
Roof windows and skylights
Parapet walls and copings on flat roofs
Evidence of moss, lichen, or organic growth
Signs of previous repair work or patch pointing

Every inspection is supported by high-resolution photography. Where we identify defects or areas of concern, these are documented clearly in the written report with photographic evidence.

What Do You Get at the End?

You receive a full written roof inspection report delivered by email, typically within 24 hours of invoice payment. The report covers:

An overview of the roof construction and covering type
A condition assessment of each element inspected
Photographic evidence for all noted defects or areas of concern
Recommendations for any remedial work required
A clear summary suitable for use with mortgage lenders, insurers, or solicitors where required

Our reports are written in plain English. You will not receive a document full of technical jargon — you will receive a clear, factual account of what we found and what it means for you.

Are Drone Roof Survey Reports Accepted by Mortgage Lenders?

Yes. Our reports — whether produced using drone technology, ground-level inspection, or a combination of both — are prepared to the same professional standard and carry the same evidential weight. The method of inspection does not affect the standing of the report.

North West Roof Surveys is fully independent. We carry out inspections and produce reports only — we do not carry out repair or maintenance work, and we have no commercial relationship with any contractor. This means our reports are unbiased, which is what mortgage lenders and insurers require.

We also hold professional indemnity insurance voluntarily — most independent roof surveyors are not required to carry PI cover and many do not. Our PI insurance means that if an error in our report causes financial loss, there is a formal means of redress. You can find out more about our PI cover here.

How Much Does a Drone Roof Survey Cost?

Prices start from £350 for standard residential properties. The final cost depends on the size and complexity of the roof, the location of the property within our coverage area, and any specific access requirements.

We provide clear, upfront pricing once we understand the property. There are no hidden charges.

Coverage: Drone Roof Surveys Across the North West

We carry out drone roof surveys across the North West of England, covering:

Cheshire — including Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Chester, Crewe, Warrington, Stockport
Greater Manchester — including Manchester, Salford, Oldham, Rochdale, Bolton, Wigan
South Lancashire — including Preston, Blackpool, Burnley, Chorley
Merseyside — including Liverpool, Wirral, St Helens
North Lancashire and Cumbria — including Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth, Kendal, Barrow

If you are unsure whether we cover your area, call us and we will confirm. For Part 35 expert witness and litigation work, we accept instructions from across the UK.

Book a Drone Roof Survey

To arrange an aerial roof inspection or discuss your requirements, contact North West Roof Surveys:

Cheshire, Greater Manchester, South Lancashire and Merseyside: 01625 360 306
North Lancashire and Cumbria: 01539 260 060
Email: info@nw-rs.co.uk

We respond within one working hour and can often book surveys within a few days. See our full aerial roof surveys page for more information.