See the roof without unnecessary access equipment
High-resolution aerial inspection of roofs, chimneys and other hard-to-reach building elements where ground-level views are limited. Drone imagery can help identify defects, document condition and decide whether closer access or repair work is justified.
Useful where the important detail is above normal inspection height
A drone is an inspection tool, not a substitute for judgement. It is most useful where better visibility of roofs and high-level construction can materially improve the assessment.
Pre-purchase roof inspection
Additional high-level visibility where roof condition is important to a property purchase and safe ground-level views are limited.
Known roof leak
Aerial inspection of coverings, flashings, chimneys and junctions where internal staining suggests a high-level water-entry route.
Chimney condition
Detailed views of pots, flaunching, masonry, pointing, leadwork and other chimney components that are difficult to assess from the ground.
Maintenance planning
Condition records to help owners understand where high-level maintenance or repair is likely to be needed.
Post-repair review
Visual review of completed roof or chimney work where the finished detail can be assessed safely from the air.
Targeted defect investigation
Supporting a specific defect survey where a high-level element may be contributing to moisture ingress or deterioration.
High-level building elements in closer detail
The exact flight and image set depend on the building, surrounding environment and purpose of the inspection.
- Roof tiles, slates and other coverings
- Lead flashings and abutments
- Valleys, gullies and roof junctions
- Chimney stacks, pots and flaunching
- Parapets and high-level masonry
- Dormers and rooflights
- Ridge, hip and verge details
- High-level gutters and rainwater defects
- Localised areas associated with leaks or staining
A short, targeted inspection process
We establish the purpose of the flight first so the imagery collected is relevant to the question you actually need answered.
Send the property details
Provide the address, photographs or listing link and explain what you want inspected.
Review feasibility
We consider the building, surrounding area, likely flight conditions and whether drone inspection is an appropriate method.
Capture imagery
Relevant high-level elements are photographed or filmed where lawful, safe and operationally practical.
Provide findings
Imagery is supplied with the agreed level of surveyor commentary or incorporated into the wider survey report.
Drone inspection can strengthen a Level 3 survey
High-level imagery is particularly useful on older or altered properties where roof geometry, chimneys, valleys and junctions may otherwise be difficult to inspect adequately from accessible ground positions.
Used where it adds value
Drone imagery may be used as part of a Level 3 Building Survey where it is appropriate, safe and practicable. It is not flown automatically on every property and operational conditions can prevent use on the day.
Drone use is always subject to conditions on the day
Safe operation comes before obtaining imagery. A flight cannot be guaranteed simply because it has been requested.
Weather
Wind, rain, visibility and other weather conditions can make flight unsuitable or prevent useful imagery being obtained.
Airspace & surroundings
Airspace restrictions, nearby sensitive sites, surrounding buildings, people, trees and other obstacles may limit or prevent operation.
Privacy & third parties
Flights and imagery must be planned with appropriate regard to neighbouring property, privacy and people in the surrounding area.
Visual evidence only
Drone imagery does not expose concealed construction or replace scaffold access where touching, lifting, probing or opening-up is required.
Drone surveys across Bristol and South Wales
Standalone drone inspections and survey-supported flights are available across our core Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire and South Wales service area, subject to site suitability.
Before booking a drone survey
Can a drone survey replace scaffolding?
It can often avoid unnecessary access equipment where the requirement is visual inspection only. Scaffolding or other close access may still be necessary where materials need to be touched, lifted, tested or repaired.
Will I receive the photographs?
The agreed output can include high-resolution still images and, where useful, video. For surveys carried out as part of a wider Hunter Ellis inspection, relevant imagery may instead be incorporated directly into the report.
Can you fly in bad weather?
No. Wind, rain and poor visibility can make flight unsafe or produce poor inspection evidence. If conditions are unsuitable, the flight may need to be omitted or rearranged depending on the instruction.
Can you inspect a chimney that is difficult to see from the ground?
Often, yes. Chimneys are one of the strongest use cases for aerial inspection because pots, flaunching, pointing, masonry and flashings can often be viewed far more clearly from above.
Is a drone included with every Level 3 survey?
No. Drone use is based on whether it will materially improve the inspection and whether safe, lawful and practical operation is possible at the property on the day.
What should I send before asking for a quote?
Send the property address, a listing link if available and a short description of the area or defect you want inspected. Ground-level photographs are useful where you already know the part of the roof or chimney involved.
Need a closer look at a roof or chimney?
Send the property address and tell us what you need inspected. We will review whether drone inspection is suitable and confirm the appropriate scope.