Drone Inspections
Drone Inspections | Roofing | Manchester
Whether you’re responsible for a single heritage townhouse or an entire industrial estate, HEP brings a smarter approach to roofing inspections in Manchester. Our licensed pilots deploy cutting-edge drones to capture crystal-clear imagery and thermal data, reaching every ridge and hidden valley without scaffolding, ladders or road closures. The result is a rapid, disruption-free survey that keeps your team safely on the ground while giving you an eagle-eye view of your asset.
Within hours, you receive a detailed digital report that pinpoints even hairline cracks, slipped tiles and blocked gutters, complete with high-resolution photos and 4K video you can zoom in on from your desk. By uncovering issues early and prioritising repairs, you extend the lifespan of your roof, avoid surprise call-outs and keep budgets under control. For property owners and facilities managers across Greater Manchester, HEP’s drone inspections turn reactive maintenance into proactive peace of mind—delivered with precision, speed and a genuine passion for protecting the city’s skyline.
FAQs
What are the main benefits of using drones for roof inspections in Manchester?
Drone inspections let us capture high-resolution images and 4K video of every inch of your roof without ladders, scaffolding or cherry-pickers. This means faster surveys (often under 30 minutes), zero risk to personnel, minimal disruption to you or your neighbours and a significantly lower overall cost. The detailed imagery also allows us to spot issues such as slipped slates, damaged flashing, blocked gutters and heat-loss points that might be missed during a ground-based visual check.
Are drone roof inspections legal in the UK and do you have the necessary permissions?
Yes. We operate under the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) specific category authorisation for commercial drone flights (Operational Authorisation: GVC/ PfCO). All our pilots are fully insured with £5 million public liability cover, follow CAP 722 guidelines and carry out site-specific risk assessments before every flight. We also liaise with Greater Manchester Police, local councils and Manchester Airport’s Air Traffic Control when required to ensure full regulatory compliance.
How accurate are drone inspection reports compared with traditional survey methods?
Our drones are equipped with 20-48 MP cameras, RTK GPS receivers and Li-Po stabilised gimbals, enabling imagery accurate to ±2 cm. Post-processing in photogrammetry software generates orthomosaic maps and 3D models that surpass the detail obtainable from manual inspections. Combined with thermographic add-ons we can detect hidden moisture or insulation failures. You receive a cloud-hosted report with annotated images, zoomable 3D models and maintenance recommendations, giving you objective evidence for insurance claims or repair quotes.
Will the inspection disrupt my household, tenants or business operations?
Very little. A typical domestic roof takes 15–20 minutes of actual flight time; larger commercial sites may need several short flights totalling under an hour. Because no scaffolding is erected, access to driveways, footpaths and entrances remains open. The drones we use create about 60 dB of noise—similar to normal conversation—and are flown high enough to be unobtrusive. We schedule flights around your preferred times and can operate outside business hours if required.
Can drones still inspect roofs during Manchester’s frequent rain and high winds?
Safety is our priority. We can fly in light drizzle and steady winds up to 22 mph (10 m/s) thanks to IP-rated aircraft and high-torque motors, but we postpone when conditions compromise image quality or safety. Because drone inspections are quick, we can often wait for a dry window the same day or reschedule at no extra charge. Winter low-light isn’t a concern—our drones have large sensors and HDR settings that capture clear images even on overcast days.
How much does a drone roof inspection cost and what is included?
For residential properties in Greater Manchester, prices start at ÂŁ195 + VAT. This covers flight planning, CAA notifications, on-site survey, 4K photo/video capture, a written condition report, annotated defect imagery and a download link to all media within 24 hours. Commercial and multi-unit sites are quoted individually based on roof area, complexity and any thermal or 3D modelling add-ons. All packages include public liability insurance, data storage for 12 months and a follow-up call to discuss findings.