Reading · London and the South East
Drone Roof Survey in Burghfield Bridge
We take a careful look at the roof at your property in Burghfield Bridge, with photos and a written report.
- Cracked slates and tiles out of sight from below
- Loose ridge and hip tiles
- Wind damage high on the roof
What a drone roof survey does not cover
Our survey is not a RICS Level 2 or Level 3 survey, a structural engineer’s report or an asbestos survey. Other limits to bear in mind:
- Structural calculations (that is a structural engineer’s job)
- What’s under the slates, tiles or felt
- A flight on a day when the weather is not safe
If you’re not sure which survey you need, ring 07833 053749 or use the contact form and we will give you a straight answer before booking. The full list of what we check.
What this survey covers
- Fragile roofs
- Chimney stacks
- Tall and steep roofs
- Large and complex roofs
- Valleys and parapet gutters
- Flat roofs on upper floors
About our drone roof survey in Burghfield Bridge
Before any flight, we check the airspace. Near protected airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton, flight restriction zones mean permission is needed first. Parts of central London have restricted areas too, where NATS permission is needed. If permission isn’t given, we inspect by other means and explain why. Prison sites also have drone restriction zones. We are frequently asked to look into blistered or cracked flat roof coverings and cracked slates and tiles out of sight from below, across tall and steep roofs, fragile roofs and large and complex roofs.
In a small place like Burghfield Bridge, open ground can mean strong wind. A small drone cannot fly safely in high wind or heavy rain, and thermal imaging works best with little wind. We plan the journey, access and timing around the weather. A change in the forecast can mean moving the visit to another day.
Pictures do a lot of the work in our reports, so you can see each defect rather than just read about it. If something couldn’t be seen safely, the report is clear about it.
- Location
- Burghfield Bridge (RG30)
- Region
- Reading
- Cost
- From £400 inc. VAT
- Report
- Emailed report with photos and recommendations
- Appointments
- Weekdays and weekends
- Insured
- PI and public liability insurance
- Phone
- 07833 053749
- Updated
- 27 October 2026
Your questions about drone roof surveys in Burghfield Bridge
Is drone flying allowed in Burghfield Bridge?
Usually it comes down to two things: the airspace at the address and the weather. Every flight is checked against the Drone Safety Map first. Strong wind or a downpour also stops a small drone flying.
Is my home in Burghfield Bridge listed or in a conservation area?
Start with Historic England’s list for listing and your council for conservation areas. It’s worth checking before planning roof work, as both can affect what’s allowed.
What happens next?
We email you the written report with photographs and recommendations. You can use it to talk to a seller, an insurer, a roofer or a managing agent, whichever applies.
Does the weather affect the survey?
It can, depending on the survey. Drone flights need calm, dry weather, and thermal imaging works best after a sunny day, with a dry roof and little wind. If the conditions aren’t right, we will talk to you about another date.
What will the report tell me?
It works through the roof part by part, in writing and with photos, finishing with recommendations. Points are put by urgency where it matters.
Will you walk on the roof?
Not unless it’s safe. Safe viewpoints, the roof space and a drone where applicable cover most of what’s needed, and the report notes anything we couldn’t see.
How much is a survey?
Our price is from £400, including VAT. What you pay for your roof depends on its size, height, access and the package, and it’s agreed before booking.
Tips from our surveys
A little preparation and a few simple habits help. Some pointers:
- Clear a spot on the drive or lawn
- A word with neighbours beforehand helps
- Clear the loft hatch so we can check inside too
- Shut pets inside while we fly
There’s a follow-up after 12 months with the Premium Survey. It helps you see how the roof has changed over the year.
Keep gutters, valleys and outlets clear, particularly in autumn. On high roofs, leave clearing to a professional. Blocked hidden gutters cause many leaks.
The survey, step by step
Once we have finished looking, we write up our findings as a photo-illustrated written report, sent to you by email. On timing, most surveys take about 1–2 hours for a house, and longer for a large or complex roof. In a hamlet or village like Burghfield Bridge, a postcode doesn’t always lead to the right gate, so a few directions, or a note of a nearby landmark, help us arrive on time. After that, the survey runs as it would anywhere.
- We confirm whether a drone suits your roof.
- A visit is booked for a weekday, Saturday or Sunday, weather permitting.
- Aerial photos are taken of your roof only, not the neighbours’.
- If the loft can be reached safely, it’s checked too.
- The report sets out what we found, with photos and recommendations.
Getting ready for the survey
- Tell us about parking before the day
- Dig out any old roof reports or invoices
- Keep pets out of the way during the survey
How to book
If you’re buying, it helps to book soon after your offer is accepted, so there is time to use the report before exchange. Otherwise, simply phone 07833 053749 or send us an email whenever suits you.
Related advice
Rented homes, blocks and businesses
Where a roof is shared: we need access agreed with the freeholder or managing agent. Mention it when you get in touch and we’ll plan the visit with that in mind.
We also survey roofs for businesses and commercial landlords. Bigger roofs take more time.
Flying and imaging in Burghfield Bridge
The drone we use is under 250g, flown by a CAA-registered operator with a Flyer ID and Operator ID. In the open category, flights stay below 120 m (400 ft) and within sight. Before any flight, we check the Drone Safety Map for airspace restrictions, including zones around airports and prisons.
Shop and office owners around Broad Street Mall may find that a commercial roof can be photographed from above without anyone walking on it. Take an older house close to St Matthew's: tall stacks and steep slopes are easier to judge with close-up aerial photos than from the pavement. Historic houses like Mapledurham House, about 3.8 miles north, show how far back building around Burghfield Bridge goes. Older roofs nearby can be steep and hard to see from the ground, and a survey from above or with a thermal imager does not touch the roof itself.
Burghfield Bridge is about 2 miles south-west of Reading, in Reading. We provide drone roof surveys for homes and businesses in Burghfield Bridge and the surrounding area. We cover towns and villages across Reading, large and small.
All of RG30 is covered for drone roof surveys, from the main roads to the quietest streets. That includes homes and businesses on Mill Road, Green Lane and Burghfield Road. Nearby, we also carry out drone roof surveys in Fords Farm (1 mile north), Southcote (1 mile north-east), Horncastle (1 mile north), Pingewood (1 mile south-east) and Beansheaf Farm (1 mile north-west). Larger places within reach include Caversham (4 miles north-east), Shinfield (4 miles south-east), Arborfield Garrison (6 miles south-east), Caversham Heights (4 miles north-east), Whitley Wood (3 miles east) and Sonning Common (6 miles north).
Local landmarks in Burghfield Bridge
In Burghfield Bridge, that means homes and buildings near Calcot Park, Prospect School and Elvian School, among other places. The closest station to Burghfield Bridge is Reading Green Park station, about 1 mile east. Nearby you will also find Battle Hospital (2.2 miles north-east) and Broad Street Mall (2.7 miles north-east). The countryside around Burghfield Bridge includes Fobney Island Wetland Reserve and South Lake.
Roof by roof
Valleys and parapet gutters
A butterfly roof drains to a central valley gutter. It’s almost impossible to see from ground level, but it is plain to see from the air.
Ridges and hips
Loose ridge pieces can be lifted in a storm. Finding them early keeps them from coming down.
How we price drone roof surveys
What a survey costs depends on the time and equipment it needs. That comes down to:
- Whether you choose the Basic, Standard or Premium Survey
- The height of the building and how the roof can be seen safely
- Features like valleys, chimneys, dormers and parapets
- Extensions, dormers and garages with roofs of their own
All our prices include VAT. Drone roof survey starts from £400, including VAT. We confirm the exact price before booking.
Getting in touch
Some details help us point you to the right survey and price. When you contact us, let us know:
- Where water is showing inside, if it is
- Any photos you have, taken from ground level or a window
- When you need the report by
- What made you get in touch
Prices start from £400, including VAT. The exact figure depends on the roof and the package, so ring 07833 053749 or use the contact form with the details.