Skyshutter were recently contacted by the estate management team of a Stately Home to help with a leaking roof.

The Buckinghamshire property was built in 1909 and there was internal evidence of water ingress. A full roof inspection was needed but access would have been dangerous and difficult without full scaffolding.

Using drones was the obvious answer and that's where Skyshutter stepped in. Skyshutter have been established in the drone industry for many years and carry out roof inspections for clients on a regular basis.

Operating a variety of different UAV's (unmanned aerial vehicles), Skyshutter are uniquely placed to be able to operate in both rural and urban areas. High definition cameras on all drones allow detailed capture of damage to allow managers, surveyors and specialists to identify areas of concern and plan remedial action.

Before any drone operation, full planning and risk assessments are carried out and mitigation strategies put in place. This covers everything from the safest place for take off and landing, to identifying risks from other aviation and ground hazards. For example, this location was very close to Heathrow Airport as well as three other smaller airfields.

In addition to creating the safest operating environment, focus on the needs of the client is essential. Prior to commencing the inspection, a full walk through of the site was carried out with Estate Manager Shane O'Hara. Areas of significant concern were identified so extra attention was given in certain locations.

After the final safety checks, the aerial inspection commenced. The dji Mavic 3 was used first. Initially some wider photography and video shots were taken to help place the property and surrounding area.

The drone was then brought in closer for the full inspection. A methodical grid pattern was initially used to create a single, vertical image. This is done by powerful software stitching together many image to create one high definition orthomosaic map.

Additional photographs were taken around chimneys to allow detailed inspection as well as angled images around the property to enable a 3d model to be created.

3D models use a process called Photogrammetry. This is where many images are stitched together by software to create the model. Clients can then rotate and explore the model. Should damage be spotted, the original images can be recalled for a higher definition look.

The lower level inspections, especially on the north west corner of the property required the use of a smaller drone, the dji Mini 3 Pro. This was because of the proximity to a public road and the current regulations. Although weighing under 250g, this capable drone produces great imagery to supplement the Mavic 3.

In all, around 2000 images were taken, along with some video footage. On a project this size, how those images are delivered is very important to the client. We have a range of options available, most of which result in the production of a pdf document that the client creates over time showing the areas of damage, along with close up images, a severity scale and a cost to repair.

The feedback at the end of this project demonstrated it's success. Estate Manager Shane O'Hara simply said:

 "Thank you its great. Just what we needed. Very happy indeed"

Skyshutter Ltd is located in the East Midlands, conveniently located for National deployment. If you have assets that need safe, efficient and detailed inspection then why not get in touch for a free quotation. www.skyshutter.co.uk