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FAQ's - Still Have Questions?
Pricing & Services
How much does a drone roof inspection cost?
What services do you offer?
We specialise in three main areas:
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Drone Roof Inspections: Detailed surveys for homeowners, insurance companies, surveyors, and property professionals
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Construction Progress Monitoring: Regular site visits (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) with safety documentation (RAMS)
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Property Marketing: Stunning aerial photography and videography for estate agents and property developers.
What areas do you cover?
We cover all of London, Surrey, Sussex, and Kent, including:
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South London: Croydon, Purley, Bromley, Sutton, Wallington, Crystal Palace, Dulwich, Streatham
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Southwest London: Wimbledon, Wandsworth, Putney, Battersea, Clapham
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Southeast London: Brixton, Beckenham, and surrounding areas
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Central, North, East, and West London
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Flights near London airports can be arranged (additional fees may apply)
Regulations & Safety
Do I need planning permission for a drone roof survey?
No, you don't need planning permission. Drone roof inspections are conducted from public airspace and don't require planning consent. However, our CAA-licensed pilots ensure all flights comply with:
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Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations
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UK Drone Code requirements
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Local airspace restrictions
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Privacy and data protection laws
We handle all necessary permissions and notifications, so you don't need to worry about the legal side.
Are your pilots qualified and insured?
Yes, absolutely. All our pilots hold:
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CAA Commercial Drone License - Full operational authorisation
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A2 Certificate of Competency (A2CofC) - Allows operations in congested areas
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General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC)
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CSCS Card - Construction site safety certified
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Health & Safety Awareness training
£5 Million Public Liability Insurance - We carry comprehensive insurance covering all our operations
What safety measures do you take on
construction sites?
Safety is our top priority. For construction projects, we provide:
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RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statements) before every site visit
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Pre-flight safety briefings with site managers
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Hazard identification and reporting
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Compliance with CDM regulations
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CSCS-certified personnel
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Site-specific safety protocols
Can you fly in all weather conditions?
We can only fly in good weather conditions, We cannot fly in:
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Heavy rain or storms
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High winds (above 30mph)
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Snow or freezing conditions
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Very low visibility or fog
If weather conditions prevent flying on your scheduled date, we'll reschedule at no extra charge. Our 48-hour delivery guarantee is always subject to safe flying weather.
The Inspection Process
How long does a drone roof inspection take?
What happens during the inspection?
How long does a drone roof inspection take?
Most residential roof inspections take 30-45 minutes on site, including:
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Pre-flight briefing and safety checks (10-15 minutes)
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Drone flight and photography (15-20 minutes)
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Post-flight discussion and questions (5-10 minutes)
Larger commercial properties or construction sites may take 1-2 hours depending on size and complexity. We'll give you an accurate time estimate when you book.
How quickly will I receive my photos and report?
Photos and videos: Delivered within 48 hours via secure email link or cloud download
Basic Reports: 3-5 working days after inspection
In-Depth Reports: 5-7 working days after inspection
RICS Reports: 7-10 working days (timescale confirmed at booking)
All timeframes are subject to weather conditions allowing the flight to take place. We'll keep you updated throughout the process.
What format will I receive the images in?
You'll receive:
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High-resolution photographs: 48MP JPEG files, suitable for zooming and detailed inspection
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4K video: MP4 format, compatible with all devices
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Reports: Professional PDF documents with embedded annotated images
All files are provided via secure cloud download links. We can also provide images on USB drive if preferred (small additional charge).
What Can Drones Detect?
What roof problems can a drone inspection find?
Our drone inspections can identify:
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Roof damage: Missing, cracked, or slipped tiles/slates
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Flashing issues: Damaged or deteriorating lead work around chimneys and valleys
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Gutter problems: Blockages, sagging, or damaged guttering
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Chimney defects: Cracked pots, missing mortar, structural issues
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Water damage: Staining or pooling indicating leaks
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Structural concerns: Sagging ridge lines, bowing, or deflection
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Vegetation growth: Moss, plants, or biological growth
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Solar panel condition: Damage, soiling, or installation issues
Our detailed reports categorise issues by severity and urgency, helping you prioritise repairs.
Is a drone inspection as good as having someone physically on the roof?
For visual inspection, yes - often better. Here's why:
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Comprehensive coverage: Drones can photograph 100% of the roof surface, including dangerous or inaccessible areas
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No roof damage: No risk of breaking tiles by walking on them
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Better angles: Multiple viewing angles show details a person standing on the roof might miss
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Documented evidence: Permanent photographic record with date stamps
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Safety: No risk of falls or injuries
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Limitations: Drones cannot test materials by touch, check under tiles, or examine hidden structural elements. For issues requiring physical access, we'll recommend follow-up inspections by roofers or surveyors.
Can you inspect flat roofs?
Yes, absolutely. Flat roofs are ideal for drone inspection because we can capture detailed overhead views showing:
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Surface condition and deterioration
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Ponding water (a major cause of leaks)
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Blistering or cracking in felt or membrane
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Drainage system functionality
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Edge details and upstands
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Penetrations and flashings
Flat roofs often have access issues that make drone inspections particularly valuable.
Comparing Options
How much cheaper is a drone inspection than using scaffolding?
Dramatically cheaper. Here's a typical comparison for a standard London semi-detached house:
Scaffolding + Manual Inspection: £800-£1,500
(£600-£1,200 scaffolding hire + £200-£300 surveyor fee)
Drone Inspection with Report: £248-£318
(£179 inspection + £69-£139 report)
You save 70-85% compared to traditional methods, while getting faster results and comprehensive photographic evidence.
Even for properties where physical roof access is eventually needed, a drone inspection first can identify specific problem areas, reducing scaffolding time and costs.
When would I need a traditional survey instead of a drone inspection?
Consider a traditional survey when:
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You need a full RICS Home Survey (Level 2 or Level 3) for mortgage purposes
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Physical testing of materials is required
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Interior roof structure (rafters, trusses) needs inspection
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Loft insulation or ventilation assessment is needed
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Timber decay or pest investigation is required
Best practice: Many surveyors now use drone inspections as a first step, then arrange physical access only for areas needing detailed investigation. This hybrid approach is faster and more cost-effective.
Booking & Practical Information
How do I book an inspection?
Booking is simple:
1. Contact us:
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Phone: 0208 191 2344 or 07907 761866
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Email: info@southlondondrones.co.uk
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Website contact form
2. Tell us your needs: Property address, what you want inspected, any specific concerns
3. We'll provide a quote: Usually immediately, sometimes within 24 hours for complex sites
4. Choose your date: We'll arrange a convenient time, weather permitting
5. Pre-flight briefing: We'll call you before the visit to confirm details
Most inspections can be scheduled within 3-5 working days, often sooner for urgent situations.
Do I need to be present during the inspection?
No, you don't have to be there. We can conduct the inspection without you being present, as we operate from outside the property boundary.
However, many clients choose to be present because:
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You can point out specific areas of concern
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We can show you live footage during the flight
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You can ask questions immediately
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It's interesting to watch!
If you can't be there, simply provide us with the address and any specific instructions, and we'll handle everything.
What if you can't fly on the scheduled day due to weather?
We'll contact you as soon as possible (usually the evening before) if weather conditions are unsuitable. We'll then:
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Reschedule for the next available suitable day
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There's no additional charge for weather-related rescheduling
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Keep you updated on alternative dates
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Prioritise your booking for the next available slot
We monitor weather forecasts continuously and will always aim to give you maximum notice if conditions aren't safe.
Can you provide documentation for insurance claims?
Yes, we work with insurance companies regularly. Our reports are accepted by major UK insurers and include:
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Date and time-stamped photographs
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Detailed fault identification
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Annotated images showing specific damage
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Professional assessment of condition
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CAA operator details and insurance information
Many insurance companies specifically request drone surveys because they provide comprehensive visual evidence. We can work directly with your insurance assessor if needed.
Do you offer discounts for multiple properties?
Yes! We offer competitive rates for:
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Multiple properties in the same area
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Estate agents requiring regular property photography
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Property management companies with multiple sites
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Construction companies needing ongoing monitoring
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Housing associations with large portfolios
Contact us to discuss your requirements and we'll provide a tailored quote. Weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly monitoring packages are available at reduced rates.