- Case Study -
Heritage Property in Wooler, Northumberland
Introduction
Roof inspections are a critical part of property maintenance.
Traditionally, they were performed by professionals using ladders, scaffolding, or cherry pickers.
These methods, however, can be risky, time-consuming, and expensive - particularly when dealing with fragile or hard-to-reach structures.
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The advent of drone technology has revolutionised the way roof surveys are conducted, offering a safer, faster, and more cost-effective solution.
This case study explores a drone roof survey conducted on a heritage property with a red pantile roof in Wooler, Northumberland.
Background
The property in question is a historic building featuring a red pantile roof, a traditional roofing material known for its curved shape and historical significance.
These tiles are common in certain regions of the UK but are fragile and prone to cracking or displacement over time, making regular inspections essential to maintain roof integrity.
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Traditional inspection methods — such as scaffolding or ladders — can be risky for both the inspectors and the roof itself.
This customer had recently instructed a local contractor to renew the sarking felt, recover the roof with the original red pantiles, and renew the mortar fillets around the chimney and abutments.
The purpose of this survey was a quality inspection, to assess the standard of work carried out.
Project Objectives
The primary objectives of the drone roof survey were to:
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Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the red pantile roof.
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Identify potential issues such as cracked, displaced, or damaged tiles.
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Provide the property owner with a detailed report to guide future maintenance and repairs.
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Reference the quality inspection report against BS 5534:2014 (A2:2018) – Slating and Tiling for Pitched Roofs and Vertical Cladding – Code of Practice.
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Avoid causing any further damage to the roof during inspection — a critical requirement as this was a post-works quality check.
Challenges
The project presented several key challenges:
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Fragility of the Roof: Red pantile roofs are delicate, and physical contact could cause damage.
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Height and Accessibility: The building’s height made traditional inspection methods dangerous and impractical.
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Weather Conditions: Northumberland’s unpredictable weather - including high winds and rain - could impact both survey quality and drone safety.
Solution: Drone Roof Survey
Given the challenges, a drone roof survey was the most appropriate solution.
The drone used was equipped with a high-resolution camera capable of capturing detailed images and videos from various angles.
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Key Features of a Drone Roof Survey
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High-Resolution Imaging: Enabled close examination of tiles with zoom functionality, without losing clarity.
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Multiple Angles: Captured views of ridges, valleys, chimneys, and other hard-to-reach areas.
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Real-Time Monitoring: Allowed the surveyor to assess conditions live and adjust as needed.
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Non-Invasive Approach: Ensured the roof was never touched, preventing further damage during the inspection.
Execution
The drone survey was conducted by certified drone operators and roofing specialists in the following stages:
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Pre-Survey Assessment: Identified potential hazards (e.g., overhead power lines, nearby trees) that might interfere with the flight.
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Flight Planning: Detailed the drone’s flight path, altitude, and target areas, factoring in safe weather conditions.
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Survey Execution: The drone was deployed and completed the inspection in less than an hour, much faster than a traditional inspection.
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Data Analysis: Roofing specialists analysed the captured data, identifying areas of concern and preparing a comprehensive report for the property owner.
Results
The drone roof survey successfully identified several findings:
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Cracked Tiles: A number of tiles showed cracks, likely due to age and weathering.
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While the roof was structurally sound and watertight, the quality of workmanship was aesthetically poor, which disappointed both the surveyors and the homeowner.
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The property owner received a comprehensive report with high-resolution images and clear recommendations for improvement.
Benefits of Drone Roof Surveys
This case study highlights the significant advantages of using drones for roof inspections:
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Safety: Eliminated the need for inspectors to climb onto the fragile roof, reducing the risk of accidents.
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Speed: Completed far more quickly than traditional methods, with minimal disruption.
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Cost-Effectiveness: Avoided the expense of scaffolding, ladders, or cherry pickers, and enabled more targeted (hence cheaper) repairs.
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Precision: Delivered detailed, high-resolution images that improved the accuracy of the assessment.
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Non-Invasive: Protected the roof from further damage during the inspection.
Lessons Learned
Key takeaways from this project include:
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Pre-Survey Planning is Crucial: Thorough preparation ensures safety and effectiveness, including hazard assessment, weather checks, and clear survey objectives.
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Technology Complements Expertise: Drones provide powerful tools, but expert roofing analysis remains vital for interpreting the data and making actionable recommendations.
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Adaptability: Real-time drone monitoring allows swift adjustments for changing conditions, such as weather or unexpected site challenges.
Conclusion
The drone roof survey in Wooler, Northumberland demonstrates how drone technology is transforming property inspections - especially for heritage buildings.
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By providing a safer, faster, and more cost-effective solution, drones reduce risk for inspectors and protect fragile structures.
Historically, surveyors relied on binoculars for rooftop assessments.
The aerial perspective now provided by drones ensures no detail is missed, revolutionising the standard of roof surveys.
If workers need to access a roof, it should only be for necessary remedial work — not initial inspections — making drone surveys the safest choice.
If you need an in-depth survey like this, please find more info on our Drone Roof Survey page.