Exeter Drone Roof Inspections
100MP aerial roof inspections across Exeter and the surrounding villages. CAA registered, fully insured, detailed report within 48 hours. No scaffolding, no ladders, no risk.
Why drone-based inspection
Every tile, ridge, and flashing — in detail you can't get any other way
Inspecting a roof properly used to mean either climbing on it, putting up scaffolding, or peering through binoculars from across the street. None of those work well in Exeter. Terraces in Heavitree and St Thomas are too narrow for cherry pickers. Conservation rules in the cathedral quarter rule out invasive access. Modern estates in Pinhoe and Beacon Heath have steep pitches and shared boundaries that make scaffolding a logistical headache.
A drone roof inspection sidesteps all of it. Our DJI Mavic 4 Pro carries a 100MP Hasselblad camera — the same medium-format sensor technology used in professional architectural photography. It picks up hairline cracks in slate, displaced ridge tiles, deteriorating mortar, and lead flashing failures that you physically cannot see from ground level, even with binoculars.
On-site time is typically 30–60 minutes. Report turnaround is 48 hours. The whole process costs a fraction of what scaffolding alone would, before anyone climbs it.
What we look for
A complete picture of your roof's condition
Every inspection covers the full external envelope. Here's what we're checking, in detail, across every flight.
Roof Coverings
Every slate or tile photographed in 100MP. We identify cracks, slips, missing units, biological growth, and weathering patterns invisible from below.
Ridges, Hips & Verges
The first parts of a roof to fail. We check mortar bedding, dry-fix systems, ridge tile alignment, and verge detail across every roof line.
Flashings & Lead Work
Around chimneys, abutments, soil pipes and dormers. Aged or lifting lead is one of the most common sources of leaks in Exeter's Victorian housing stock.
Chimneys & Pots
Stack condition, pointing, flaunching, and pot stability — all photographed close-up. Critical for older Exeter properties where stacks are often original.
Valleys & Junctions
Where roof planes meet — debris build-up, lead corrosion, and pooling. Hidden from ground level, captured clearly from above.
Gutters & Rainwater Goods
Blockages, sagging, broken brackets, and overflow staining. We assess condition without anyone needing to climb a ladder.
Roof Geometry & Movement
Visual indicators of structural movement — sagging ridge lines, deformation, settlement around chimney stacks.
Thermal Imaging (optional)
640×512 radiometric thermal sensor reveals moisture ingress, insulation gaps, and cold bridges that visual inspection can't detect.
Areas we inspect in Exeter
Across every postcode in the city
We inspect properties across the full range of Exeter neighbourhoods — from grand Victorian villas in St Leonard's to compact modern family homes on the city's outskirts. Common areas covered:
Beyond the city, we also cover Topsham, Exmouth, Crediton, and the wider Devon area — see all areas served.
Our process
Booking to report in under 72 hours
Get in Touch
Send us your Exeter property address and any specific concerns. We'll confirm the quote and book a suitable slot, usually within the same week.
Aerial Inspection
Our CAA-registered pilot arrives on-site, briefs you on the flight, and captures comprehensive 100MP imagery in 30–60 minutes.
Detailed Report
Within 48 hours, you receive a PDF report with annotated images, condition assessment, and recommended actions — written in plain English.
Equipment
Professional gear, not consumer drones
DJI Mavic 4 Pro Creators Edition
- • 100MP Hasselblad medium-format CMOS sensor
- • 4K+ HDR video capture
- • Up to 51 minutes flight time per battery
- • Used for every standard roof inspection
DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced
- • 640×512 radiometric thermal sensor
- • 48MP visual camera
- • Detects moisture ingress, insulation gaps, cold bridges
- • Available as an add-on for any inspection
Common questions
Exeter Drone Roof Inspection FAQ
How much does a drone roof inspection in Exeter cost?+
Every Exeter property is different — a Victorian terrace in Heavitree, a detached home in Pennsylvania, and a modern estate house in Pinhoe all have different roof complexities. We provide a tailored quote based on your property, usually within a few hours of you getting in touch. No site visit needed for the quote.
How long does a drone roof inspection take?+
On-site time for a typical Exeter residential roof inspection is 30–60 minutes. Your detailed PDF report, with annotated 100MP imagery and recommended actions, lands in your inbox within 48 hours of the flight.
Do you cover all areas of Exeter?+
Yes. We routinely inspect properties across central Exeter, Heavitree, St Leonard's, St Thomas, Pennsylvania, Pinhoe, Wonford, Beacon Heath, Alphington, Topsham, and the surrounding villages. The only restriction is airspace — Exeter Airport's proximity affects some areas, which we check before booking.
Is a drone inspection allowed in Exeter conservation areas?+
Yes. Drone inspections are entirely non-invasive — no contact with the building, no scaffolding fixings, no disruption — which makes them ideal for conservation areas around the cathedral quarter, St Leonard's, and Topsham. We're fully CAA registered and comply with all flight rules and privacy considerations.
Can you inspect terraced houses in Exeter?+
Absolutely. Exeter's many Victorian terraces in Heavitree, St Thomas, and Newtown are ideal candidates for drone inspection — scaffolding on narrow terraces is expensive and often needs road closures. A drone captures the entire roof, including shared valleys with neighbouring properties, in a single 30-minute flight.
What if my Exeter property is near the airport?+
Properties in Clyst St Mary, Sowton, and parts of Pinhoe sit within Exeter Airport's restricted airspace. We check every booking against the NATS drone safety map and CAA airspace data before confirming. In most cases we can still fly with the right permissions; if not, we'll tell you straight away.
Do you provide reports suitable for mortgage lenders or insurers?+
Yes. Our reports include timestamped, geotagged 100MP imagery, condition ratings, and clear written assessments — formatted to be accepted by mortgage lenders, insurance companies, and surveying firms. Many Exeter homebuyers use our reports to support pre-exchange negotiations.
Are you CAA registered?+
Yes. We hold a valid CAA Operator ID and Flyer ID, carry full public liability insurance, and comply with every UK drone regulation. We're not weekend hobbyists — drone roof inspection is what we do.
Ready to Book Your Drone Survey?
Get a detailed aerial inspection of your roof without scaffolding, ladders, or risk. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.