Introduction: Welcome to the "Useful Information" page of Nimbus Aerial Surveys, a leading drone surveying company. Here, we provide valuable resources, expert advice, and industry insights to help you understand the benefits and applications of drone surveys, property assessments, and related topics. Whether you're a property owner, real estate professional, or construction project manager, our aim is to empower you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your properties.

Key Topics:

  1. Advantages of Drone Surveys: Discover the numerous benefits of using drones for property assessments, including cost savings, enhanced safety, and accurate data collection.

  2. Roof Inspections Made Easy: Learn how drone surveys revolutionize roof inspections by enabling close-up inspections, identifying damage, and assessing overall roof condition without the need for traditional methods like scaffolding.

  3. Understanding Property Condition Assessments: Gain insights into property condition assessments, their importance for property management, and how drone surveys contribute to comprehensive assessments.

  4. Applications in Construction: Explore how drones are transforming the construction industry, from monitoring construction progress and site planning to conducting inspections for safety and quality control.

  5. Environmental Monitoring and Conservation: Discover how drones can be used for environmental monitoring, such as assessing vegetation health, monitoring wildlife habitats, and supporting conservation efforts.

  6. Insurance Claims and Documentation: Learn how drone surveys and detailed reports can support insurance claims by providing visual evidence, accurate measurements, and comprehensive documentation.

  7. Regulations and Compliance: Stay informed about the latest drone regulations, licensing requirements, and compliance guidelines to ensure legal and safe drone operations.

How to Survey a roof.

Traditionally roofs were inspected by roofers climbing up ladders and advising the Client what needs to be done. An element of trust was key in the process, unless the Client also climbed the ladder or ladders to see the condition or damage. Mainly with the progression of camera phones, roofers were able to take photos to show the Client with their explanation.

Now in the 21st Century we use drones to video closely the whole roof including all the important detailing such as flashings, mortar condition, upstands, material usage, lime mortars, concrete mortars and the list goes on. The issue with this is not normally the technology. The issue is entrepreneurial drone pilots offering to survey roofs with no knowledge of roofs and what the important details are to check. If you are going to appoint a pilot to survey a roof, make sure they are qualified to survey roofs. At Nimbus we are experienced MRICS surveyors who use drones to inspect difficult areas. Our Chartered Surveyors then review the video from the drone inspection and provide a valuable report on the condition of the roof and provide recommendations.

In some instances other methods of inspection are useful such as rope access, cherry pickers, scaffold, or simply using a ladder. The key part of this text is to advise you to understand who is inspecting the roof, how they know what to check and what they can offer you in terms of recommendations. Its also important to ensure they have Professional Indemnity Insurance.


My slate roof is leaking. What do I do?

If your roof is leaking whether it be a pitched, or flat, constructed of slate, cement fibre, clay concrete, felt or liquid plastic you need to inspect it as soon as possible then put in place a plan to remedy the leaks. Consider using an independent inspector rather than your local roofer. An independent Chartered Surveyor will provide impartial advise with no benefit to maximising the cost of repairs. MRCIS Surveyors or Chartered Building Surveyors obtain their qualification based on the highest ethical commitments and professional competence.

If your roof is leaking try to prevent further water damage by capturing the water in suitably sized containers. If there is electricity cabling or appliances near the leak it may be sensible to appoint an electrician to terminate until the leak is resolved.

Water damage can be expensive to repair so if you have the opportunity to temporarily cover the roof this is good although in most instances it will require access assistance such as scaffold. Before erecting scaffold you should know where to erect the scaffold so a drone survey is an ideal, quick and thorough way to inspect the roofs. This will ensure your scaffold is well placed. Errors in the scaffold erection can be costly.


How expensive is a roof survey or drone survey?

Depending on the complexity and location of the roof costs will vary. If you do not require a report or recommendations we can offer a drone survey from as little as £300 (Gross) The cost includes suitably trained and qualified Drone pilots flying under Nimbus Aerial Surveys Permission for Commercial Operations, (PFCO) insured works, a skilled and well equipped team with a wealth of knowledge and experience of roof repairs and replacements or varying sized roofs.