Drone-assisted Inspection
Drone-assisted Inspection | Storm Damage Restoration | Roofing | Guild
When high winds, hail, or driving rain leave your roof’s condition in doubt, HEP’s FAA-certified drone team rises to the challenge—literally. Our cutting-edge drones capture ultra-high-resolution imagery of every shingle, valley, and flashing without anyone setting foot on your roof. In minutes, we can spot hidden leaks, punctures, and structural concerns that traditional inspections often miss, then share crystal-clear visuals so you see exactly what needs attention.
That same speed and precision carry through to our storm damage restoration service: from detailed insurance-ready reports to expert repairs completed by our licensed craftsmen, we streamline the entire process. With HEP, you get transparent communication, faster approvals, and a roof restored to better-than-pre-storm condition—backed by warranties and the neighborly care you expect from a local team.
FAQs
How does a drone-assisted roof inspection work and why is it better than traditional methods?
Our Civil Aviation Authority–licensed pilot flies a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) a few metres above your property, capturing 4K video, high-resolution photographs and infrared imagery of every section of the roof, gutters and chimney. Because the drone can hover inches from the surface and change angles instantly, we collect more detail than a ladder inspection while eliminating the risks, scaffolding costs and time delays associated with manual access. The digital files are then processed with AI-powered software to highlight cracked tiles, lifted flashing, punctures or moisture pockets that may be invisible from the ground.
What kinds of storm damage can your drones detect on roofs in Guild?
The on-board sensors clearly identify hail impact bruising, wind-displaced or missing slates, bent or detached ridge caps, punctures from flying debris, granular loss on asphalt shingles, torn membranes on flat roofs and early signs of water ingress or mould. Thermal imaging also pinpoints hidden insulation voids and trapped moisture, allowing us to recommend targeted repairs before leaks appear inside your home.
Is a drone inspection safe and compliant with UK aviation regulations?
Yes. All flights are carried out by holders of an Operational Authorisation issued by the CAA under UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947. We conduct a detailed on-site risk assessment, maintain a 50 m horizontal separation from uninvolved people, and carry £5 million public liability insurance. Our aircraft weigh less than 2 kg, feature GPS stabilisation, return-to-home failsafes and propeller guards to ensure maximum safety for residents and neighbouring properties.
How quickly will I receive my storm-damage report and what will it include?
You’ll get a comprehensive digital report within 24 hours of the flight. It contains: annotated high-res photos and thermal images, a condition grade for every roof section, a CAD-generated roof plan with measurements, a summary of detected defects, and a prioritised repair/restoration estimate. We also attach a short video walkthrough so you can see exactly what the drone saw, making it easy to understand the scope of work.
Can the drone survey help with my insurance claim for storm damage?
Absolutely. Insurers increasingly accept drone imagery because it provides objective, timestamped evidence of damage. Our report meets the documentation standards of all major UK home-insurance providers. We can supply additional stills or metadata on request, and our staff will liaise directly with your loss adjuster to speed up approval of emergency repairs or full roof replacement if required.
How much does a drone roof inspection and restoration estimate cost in Guild?
A standalone residential drone survey starts at £195 + VAT for properties up to 200 m² roof area. Larger or complex roofs (multiple elevations, chimney stacks, dormers) are priced after a quick phone assessment. The fee is fully credited against any storm-damage repair or replacement work you authorise us to perform. There are no hidden charges for travel within a 25-mile radius of Guild and no extra fee for the written insurance report.