How drone surveys help us inspect the hard-to-reach parts of historic buildings

We use drone photography and videography for high-level inspections, giving us a quick, safe way to inspect parts of a building that are otherwise difficult to reach or see from ground level.

Team members plan and carry out flights, with appropriate insurance in place and in line with current Civil Aviation Authority requirements.

The drone is particularly useful during church quinquennial inspections and condition surveys of historic buildings, where roofs, chimneys, rainwater goods, and high-level masonry can all form an important part of understanding the building’s overall condition.

Inspecting these areas from the air gives us an early overview of potential defects or signs of deterioration. It can assist in identifying areas that need closer investigation and gives us a clearer picture of what repair intervention may be required.

The drone captures high-definition photographs and 4K video, which we review alongside the information gathered during the rest of the building inspection. We then incorporate our findings into the written condition report, providing a fuller record of the building at that point in time.

We can also supply the photographs and video to the client, creating a useful visual record of areas they may rarely, if ever, be able to see themselves.

While drone inspection doesn’t replace a detailed understanding of the building or the need for closer inspection where defects are identified, it gives us another way to inspect historic and ecclesiastical buildings safely and to build a clearer picture of their condition.