Emergency Roof Inspection After Storm Eowyn
Following Storm Eowyn, we conducted a comprehensive drone roof inspection, uncovering damage including dislodged tiles and cracks, providing fast, detailed data for insurance purposes.
Project Overview
Client Type: Private Client
Location: North West UK
Services: Infrastructure Inspection
Deliverables: High-Resolution Oblique & Top-Down Imagery and Video
Challenges
Urgent response required:
The storm caused visible damage to the roof. The client needed fast, safe inspection data to begin insurance claims and schedule repair contractors.
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Unsafe manual access:
With loose materials and water pooling, the roof was hazardous to access manually.
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Widespread damage assessment:
The client needed independent, clear visual data across the full roof structure to determine the scale of damage and prioritise repairs.
Our Approach
Rapid mobilisation:
Our team prioritised this work and conducted a flight assessment and safely captured high-resolution oblique and nadir (top-down) imagery using our long-zoom capable drone.
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Detailed visual documentation:
We focused on areas with visible impact - including lifted tiles, broken fixings, and drainage blockages. Using zoom lenses and varied flight angles, we delivered a clear visual record of the roof’s condition, without the need to fly dangerously close to the building.
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Airspace coordination:
As the site was not within restricted airspace, we were able to fly without delay - but still informed local authorities and local stakeholders to ensure a safe, professional operation.
Results & Outcomes
Faster insurance claim initiation:
Client was able to submit detailed imagery much sooner than had they used the cherry-picker/scaffolding traditional way of conducting a roof survey, accelerating the insurance process.
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Safe damage assessment:
Drone inspection avoided the need for scaffold or roof access during early storm recovery stages when winds were low enough for safe drone ops, but still too dangerous for a traditional inspection.
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Clear repair prioritisation:
Visuals helped the client and their contractors agree on an effective repair plan without ambiguity.
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High client satisfaction:
Fast, professional service reduced stress for the property manager during an already chaotic period.