Drone Inspections for Commercial Roofs in Yorkshire

Flat roof commercial building in Leeds, West Yorkshire, captured during a detailed drone roof survey highlighting roof condition.

We receive two main requests for commercial roof inspections:

  • Aerial Condition Inspections for existing commercial roofs
  • Aerial QA Inspections for roofs still under construction

During construction, it’s vital to verify that the build is progressing to specification—especially when it comes to your commercial roof. Our drone-based inspections provide rapid, detailed insights into roofing works, helping ensure quality control, track progress, and catch issues early before they become costly.

Why Use Drone Inspections for In-Progress Roofs?

Inspecting rooftops on incomplete buildings presents unique challenges—from accessibility and safety to documentation. Our drones can safely capture high-resolution images and thermal data (if needed) from above, giving you a clear view of construction quality without interrupting the workflow on-site.

Benefits:

  • Progress Documentation
    Track roofing milestones with time-stamped aerial photos and video footage.
  • Quality Assurance
    Verify that roofing materials are installed correctly, to plan and specification.
  • Early Issue Detection
    Spot installation defects, damage, or design deviations before finishing works proceed.
  • Safe & Non-Disruptive
    No need for ladders, scaffolding, or workers accessing partially completed rooftops.
  • Professional Reports
    Receive visual reports with annotations, geotagging, and optional thermal overlays for client/ stakeholder updates.
Drone inspection of a flat roof commercial building in Leeds, West Yorkshire, assessing roofing materials and potential maintenance issues.
Commercial roof photographed from above

How It Works

  • Pre-Flight Assessment
    We work with your site team to understand project timelines, access constraints, and inspection goals.
  • Drone Survey
    Our drone will carry out a thorough flight over the rooftop area—even during ongoing construction (if safe to do so).
  • Analysis & Reporting
    You’ll receive high-resolution images, optional thermal data, and a QA report aligned with your project specifications.
  • Repeat Visits (Optional)
    Ideal for long-term projects—schedule inspections at key phases to build a full photographic record.

Perfect For:

  • Ongoing commercial developments
  • New office, retail, or industrial builds
  • Roofing contractors and QA managers
  • Developers needing visual records for clients or insurers
  • Main contractors handing over to stakeholders

Keep Construction on Track

Don’t leave rooftop quality to chance. Our drone inspections help you deliver projects on time, on spec, and with complete confidence.

Common Roof Issues Identified by Drone Inspections

Our drone inspections provide a detailed and accurate overview of your commercial roof’s condition, helping you catch problems early and plan maintenance effectively. Some of the most common issues we detect include:

  • Membrane Damage or Blistering
    Drones can capture high-resolution images revealing cracks, tears, or bubbles in roofing membranes that may lead to leaks if left unaddressed.
  • Ponding Water and Drainage Problems
    Standing water is a major cause of roof deterioration. Our aerial surveys identify areas where water is pooling, helping you address drainage issues before damage occurs.
  • Flashing Failures
    Flashing around roof penetrations and edges is critical to preventing water ingress. We spot areas of missing, damaged, or improperly installed flashing.
  • Insulation Defects
    Thermal imaging can highlight insulation gaps or moisture penetration that compromise energy efficiency and increase heating or cooling costs.
  • Thermal Bridging and Heat Loss
    Using infrared data, we detect thermal bridging points where heat escapes through the roof structure, enabling targeted repairs to improve building performance.

By identifying these and other issues early, our drone inspections help you save on costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your commercial roof.

How much does it cost?

We can provide you with a full roof survey from just £245*

*This starting price applies to commercial properties, including flat roofs, metal-clad buildings, and industrial units. For pitched roofs or residential properties, please contact us for a tailored quote.

Service Areas

We proudly offer our commercial rooftop inspection services across:

  • York
  • Leeds
  • Harrogate
  • Ripon
  • Sheffield
  • Newcastle
  • Durham
  • Sunderland
  • Hull
  • Middlesbrough
  • Whole North East and Yorkshire region

If you’re working on a project in the North of England and need a professional drone survey for your roofing project, we’re ready to help.

How Drone Roof Inspections Compare to Traditional Methods in Yorkshire and the North East

For businesses across Yorkshire and the North East, drone roof inspections provide a modern, efficient alternative to traditional inspection methods:

  • Faster Turnaround Time
    Whether in Leeds, Newcastle, or Sheffield, our drones quickly survey commercial roofs across the region—saving valuable time compared to manual inspections that require scaffolding or lifts.
  • Safer for Workers
    The diverse industrial and commercial sites throughout Yorkshire and the North East often present challenging rooftop access. Drone inspections remove the need for personnel to climb or navigate hazardous areas, greatly reducing safety risks.
  • More Comprehensive Data
    Using high-resolution imaging and advanced thermal sensors, our drone surveys capture detailed visual and infrared data that traditional inspections may miss, ensuring thorough condition assessments.
  • Reduced Site Disruption
    Drone flights are swift and non-intrusive, allowing ongoing construction or daily business activities across the region to continue uninterrupted.

For companies throughout Yorkshire and the North East, drone inspections offer a cost-effective, safe, and reliable way to maintain roof integrity and ensure project success.

Contact us to get a professional drone roof inspection in Yorkshire and the North East

T-Hathaway Aerial Photograpy

Professional Drone Services across Yorkshire