Roof Evidence & Repair Guide
What an inspection can document, what a drone can and cannot show, and what you should receive at the end of one.
How a roofing inspection differs from a building survey in scope, purpose and the documentation you receive.
Why a roof-specific inspection often goes further than a general survey, and what it can tell a buyer before exchange.
The short answer
A thorough inspection works from the outside in: the roof surface and its details, ridges, verges, valleys, flashings and chimney, then rainwater goods, then the loft where access allows. The inspector records what was seen, where, and what could not be reached. You should receive photographs and a written summary.
Photographs of specific details, not just general views of the roof.
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The most useful part of any inspection report is the section describing what could not be seen. It tells you where the remaining uncertainty sits.
An inspection reports on what could be seen and reached on the day. Areas behind intact coverings, inaccessible lofts and concealed timbers remain unknown, which is why the report should state what could not be examined.
Before booking, ask what the inspection includes, whether loft access is needed and what documentation you will receive.
The short answer
Three things: visibility, documentation and a record you keep. A drone reaches ridges, valleys, chimneys and rear slopes that cannot be seen from the ground, often without scaffolding, and it does so without anyone walking a fragile or storm-loaded roof. You are left with imagery you can revisit and compare later.
Close aerial imagery of ridge, valley, flashing and chimney details.
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The retained record is the underrated part. Imagery from today is what makes a change next year obvious rather than debatable.
Aerial imagery documents visible external condition only. It cannot confirm concealed timber defects, hidden underlay failure, moisture paths inside the structure or how firmly a fixing is holding.
Ask what imagery and report you receive, and whether the files are yours to keep and share.
The short answer
It sees external surfaces and details clearly: slipped, cracked or missing coverings, failed or lifted flashings, cracked ridge and verge bedding, blocked or damaged valleys, chimney condition, debris in gutters and the general state of each slope — including areas no ladder would reach safely.
Close imagery of a specific defect with the surrounding roof for context.
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Context shots matter as much as close-ups. An image that shows where on the roof a defect sits is far more useful than a tight crop of the defect alone.
Everything it records is on the outside surface. Nothing beneath the covering is visible to a camera.
Ask for both a wide view and a close view of every defect identified, so you can see where each one is.
The short answer
It cannot see through the roof. Concealed timber decay, the condition of underlay beneath intact coverings, how firmly fixings are holding, moisture paths inside the structure and structural adequacy are all outside what a camera can establish. Those need loft inspection, physical access or, for structure, an engineer.
An apparently sound roof surface in aerial imagery.
Monitor · Inspection needed to confirm
This is why aerial inspection is best treated as one input among several. It answers what the outside looks like, thoroughly — and leaves other questions open.
Any claim that imagery alone proves a concealed defect, or proves that no concealed defect exists, goes beyond what the evidence can support.
Where damp is present but the roof looks sound from above, ask for loft inspection alongside the imagery.
Reviewed by Aaron, Owner, Elite Roofing Services Cumbria Ltd — last reviewed .
