Drone Roof Inspections (Optical & Thermal — UK)
RTK-controlled drones capture optical and qualitative thermal data to locate defects, ponding, blocked outlets, and heat loss — all with minimal disruption.
Deliverables include annotated imagery, GeoTIFF orthos, optional DWG roof plans, and a defect register.
UK-wide optical and thermal capture → evidence-ready roof condition reports.
Capture
RTK-controlled drones capture high-resolution optical and thermal imagery for accurate roof analysis.
Analyse
Process imagery into orthomosaics and thermal layers to identify moisture, heat loss, and defects.
Deliver
Supply annotated imagery, orthos, DWG roof plans, and defect registers ready for FM or handover.
RTK/PPK Controlled
CAA CAP 722 Compliant
Measured to RICS Standards
Optical + Thermal Capture
Why Drone Roof Inspections with SkyScan
Early Detection, No Disruption
Identify leaks, wet insulation, and defects early — without scaffolds, lifts, or roof closures.
Thermal + Optical Insight
Combined RGB and qualitative thermal imagery reveals trapped water, missing insulation, and blocked outlets.
Evidence-Ready Outputs
Deliverables include annotated imagery, GeoTIFF orthos, and defect registers for warranty, FM, or insurance records.
Repeatable & Comparable
Conduct repeat surveys for year-on-year condition tracking and performance assessment.
Safety & Compliance
CAA CAP 722 compliant operations, qualified pilots, and RICS-aligned QA checks.
Cost-Effective Coverage
Large roof areas surveyed quickly, reducing access costs and disruption.
From Flight to Report
Scope & Safety
- Review roof build-up, obstructions, and airspace. Confirm weather window (dry roof, low wind, stable temps).
- Define required outputs — optical, thermal, or both — based on the project goal.
Control & Planning
- Establish RTK/PPK control linked to OS Net or site grid.
- Design flight plan to achieve required GSD and coverage.
Capture
- Fly optical grid for orthomosaic.
- Capture thermal passes at dawn or dusk for temperature contrast.
Processing & QA
- Generate orthomosaic GeoTIFF and align thermal frames.
- Apply acceptance checks and verify residuals against control points.
Reporting & Handover
- Deliver annotated imagery, defect register, and recommendations.
- Optional DWG roof plan and GIS-ready layers for asset management systems.
Accuracy You Can Measure
Accuracy & Control
OSGB36 / BNG Control
RTK/PPK QA Verified
Optical ±20–30 mm Tolerance
Feature | Output | Typical tolerance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Optical inspection |
Ortho (GeoTIFF) |
±20–30 mm |
RTK/PPK + GCP improves results |
Thermal survey |
Qualitative layer |
— |
Relative temperature anomalies |
Georeferencing |
OSGB36/BNG |
— |
UK grid alignment |
Weather window |
Flight condition |
— |
Dry roof; stable temps for thermal |
Coordinate system: OSGB36 / BNG · Optical ortho accuracy ±20–30 mm (RTK/PPK + GCP improves results) · Thermal output qualitative only · Weather-dependent (dry roof, stable temps).
Project Deliverables & File Formats
File/Format | Purpose |
|---|---|
Annotated JPG/PNG |
Visual evidence for defects and pooling |
Ortho (GeoTIFF) |
Measurable base map for CAD/GIS |
Thermal anomaly layer (GeoTIFF/PDF) |
Qualitative heat/retention patterns |
DWG roof plan (OSGB36) |
Outlets, penetrations, parapets, gradients |
Defect register (CSV/PDF) |
Issue list with severity & location |
Pricing & Cost Factors
Pricing varies with roof area, access, airspace permissions, weather constraints, and whether thermal capture is required. Fixed-price options are available once scope, control strategy and flight windows are agreed. Ex. VAT; subject to access and safety constraints.
Scope | Typical size | LOD | Guide price | What drives cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Small unit / retail |
≤1,000 m² |
200-300 |
£2,500-£6,000 |
Access hours, occlusions, tight tolerances, sheet count |
Office (3-6 storeys) |
2,000-8,000 m² |
300-350 |
£6,000-£18,000 |
Stairs/cores, plant rooms, glazing, façade complexity |
Industrial shed |
3,000-15,000 m² |
200-300 |
£4,000-£12,000 |
Column grid accuracy, services density, eaves height |
Campus / mixed-use |
10,000 m²+ |
300-350 |
£18,000-£40,000+ |
Multi-building control, phased access, coordination |
Add-ons |
N/A |
N/A |
£350-£1,200 ea |
Orthomosaic, extra sheets, LOD 400 elements, urgent turnaround |
Note: Prices exclude VAT; subject to site access and safety constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is thermal capture effective?
During stable, dry conditions with sufficient temperature differential—typically at dusk or dawn on flat roofs.
Is thermal output quantitative?
It is qualitative; it shows relative temperature patterns that suggest moisture or insulation issues, not moisture content.
Do you provide DWG files?
Yes—an optional OSGB36/BNG-aligned DWG roof plan can be supplied with layers for outlets, defects and notes.
What control do you use?
RTK/PPK with check points. Residuals and acceptance checks are reported in the QA pack.