What are Aerial Drone Surveys?

Façade Consultants

An aerial drone survey uses remotely operated drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal sensors to capture detailed imagery of buildings and structures from above. 

Drone condition surveys are particularly useful for assessing areas where traditional access is difficult, disruptive or costly. Common applications include: 

  • Inspecting façades, roofs and parapets on mid and high-rise buildings
  • Investigating defects such as cracks, displaced cladding, failed sealants or water ingress
  • Supporting planned maintenance through regular aerial condition surveys
  • Assessing buildings after storms, high winds or other extreme weather events
  • Inspecting industrial structures such as chimneys and flare stacks at a safe distance
  • Supporting refurbishment, remediation and compliance assessments

At Barry Jubb Associates, we use aerial condition surveys as part of our broader façade inspection approach. By combining aerial access with technical expertise, we can accurately assess façade condition and provide clear, practical advice based on the observations.

Learn more about Façade Inspections
Aerial Drone Survey

Aerial Drone Survey Services We Offer

Façade Consultants
Aerial Drone Surveys

All our drone surveys are led by an experienced façade consultant, not just a drone operator, ensuring a detailed inspection and the capture of accurate, comprehensive images.  

Conducted in accordance with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations, including flight planning, aviation permissions, safety assessment and controlled data capture, every aerial condition survey is both compliant and reliable.

Where required, drone surveys can incorporate aerial thermal surveys to help identify insulation defects, thermal bridging, or moisture-related issues affecting façade performance.

Benefits compared with traditional access methods

Compared with scaffold, rope access or MEWPs, aerial surveys using façade inspection drones offer several key advantages:

  • Safe access to difficult or high-level areas without working at height
  • Reduced cost, avoiding the need for scaffolding or specialist access equipment
  • Faster inspection, with most surveys completed in a single visit
  • Minimal disruption to building occupants or operations
  • Rapid deployment, particularly useful following storms or urgent defect investigations
  • Clear visual records, supporting accurate reporting and long-term condition monitoring
  • Reduced need for plant shutdowns or intrusive access, particularly on industrial buildings
Get in touch today

How our Aerial Drone Surveys work

Façade Consultants

Our aerial drone survey process is designed to capture clear, usable images and data that allow accurate façade inspection and condition assessment. 

Undertaking a drone façade inspection includes the following stages:

  1. Initial brief and site assessment

We begin by reviewing the building, understanding the inspection requirements and identifying the areas to be surveyed. This includes assessing flight conditions, access constraints, and any required permissions to conduct the aerial survey using drones. We’ll recommend an inspection schedule and suggested date. 

  1. Flight planning and data capture

On the day of the survey, an experienced façade consultant deploys the drone to capture high-resolution images and, where required, thermal or measurement data. This allows detailed inspection of façades, roofs, plant and other elevated structures without the need for scaffolding or access equipment.

  1. Post-processing and technical review

The façade consultant reviews the captured images and data to identify defects, deterioration or areas requiring further investigation. Where required, images can be enhanced, annotated or used to generate 3D models to support analysis.

  1. Reporting and deliverables

You’ll receive a structured aerial condition survey report with details of:

  • High-resolution images of inspected areas
  • Identification of defects or areas of concern
  • Photographs highlighting key findings
  • Recommendations for maintenance, repair or further investigation

The level of reporting can be tailored depending on the purpose of the survey. In some cases, drone surveys form part of a wider façade condition survey or investigation.

Turnaround time and integration with façade surveys

Aerial drone surveys can typically be arranged and completed more quickly than scaffold-based inspections, with image capture often completed in a single visit. Reporting times depend on the scale and complexity of the building, but drone surveys generally allow faster initial assessment compared with traditional access methods.

Enquire online today

High Level Facade Inspections for any Building

Façade Consultants

Defects affecting external wall systems often develop in areas that cannot be properly assessed from ground level. 

Upper floors, roof junctions, parapets and recessed façade details can conceal issues that only become visible once deterioration has progressed.

An aerial drone survey allows Barry Jubb Associates to inspect these areas closely, capturing detailed imagery to accurately assess elements such as:

  • Cladding panels, joints and fixing systems
  • Sealants, gaskets and weatherproofing details
  • Glazing interfaces and façade transitions
  • Parapets, roof edges and coping details
  • Areas showing signs of movement, damage or deterioration

This allows defects to be identified earlier, supporting informed maintenance planning and providing clear technical evidence where further investigation or remedial works may be required.

facade condition survey at police headquarters

Latest Projects

Façade Consultants

Look at the projects we have been involved with.

PAS 9980 FRAEW Report – Residential Tower, Canary Wharf, London

Find out more

Façade Condition Survey – Police Headquarters, Kent

Find out more

Offices London Fire Risk Appraisal External Walls

Find out more

View All Projects

Why choose Barry Jubb Associates for your Aerial Drone Survey?

Façade Consultants
Barry Jubb Associates footer logo

Our aerial drone surveys are planned around your building’s construction, access constraints and inspection objectives, ensuring you receive useful information relevant to the building’s design, materials and construction. 

Unlike drone operators who only capture images, we combine aerial access with more than 40 years of experience working with external wall systems. This allows us to identify defects, understand their likely causes and advise on appropriate next steps, whether that involves monitoring, maintenance or remediation.

We operate across London, the Midlands, and Southern England, supporting building owners, managing agents and consultants responsible for residential, commercial and mixed-use buildings.

Learn more about Barry Jubb Associates

Comments From Our Customers

Façade Consultants

  • Really appreciate the work you have done on project so far.

    Henrietta Horton

    Senior Consultant

    Buro Happold

  • Many thanks for all your assistance on the project.

    John Clarkson

    Design Manager

    Kingerlee Ltd

  • Thanks for this Barry, just had a quick read through and it’s very thorough – a great report so thank you!

    Emma Swan

    Facilities Manager

    Jones Lang LaSalle

  • Thanks Barry for looking after our interests.

    Sunil Kansagra

Aerial Drone Surveys - Frequently Asked Questions

Façade Consultants

What is drone surveying and aerial mapping?

Drone surveying and aerial mapping involves using remotely operated aircraft equipped with cameras and sensors to capture detailed images and data from above. An aerial drone survey enables safe inspection of buildings at height, providing accurate visual records of façades, roofs, and external wall systems.

This process supports aerial condition surveys, façade inspections and defect investigations by capturing high-resolution imagery that can be reviewed to assess condition, identify defects and support maintenance or remediation planning.

What is the cost of an aerial drone survey?

The cost of an aerial drone survey depends on several factors, including:

  • Building size and height
  • Complexity of the façade and access requirements
  • Survey objectives and level of detail required
  • Whether thermal imaging or additional analysis is needed
  • Location and travel requirements

Because drone surveys typically avoid the need for scaffolding or specialist access equipment, they are often more cost-effective than traditional inspection methods. We provide a clear quotation once we understand your building and inspection requirements.

What does an aerial drone survey include?

A typical drone façade inspection includes:

  • High-resolution images of façades, roofs and external wall systems
  • Inspection of cladding, glazing, sealants, fixings and façade interfaces
  • Identification of visible defects, deterioration or installation issues
  • Technical review by an experienced façade consultant
  • A structured report outlining findings and recommendations

Where required, surveys may also include aerial thermal survey imaging to identify heat loss, insulation defects or moisture issues.

How long does an aerial drone survey take?

Most aerial drone surveys can be completed within a few hours to one day, depending on the size and complexity of the building. Larger or more detailed drone condition surveys may require additional time for data capture and analysis.

Reports are issued once imagery has been reviewed and findings assessed; we will ensure all timelines are clear before work commences.

What happens if façade defects are found?

If defects are identified during the aerial condition survey, the report will clearly explain the issue, its likely cause and recommended next steps. These may include:

  • Monitoring the affected area
  • Carrying out targeted repairs
  • Further investigation where construction details need to be confirmed
  • Planning remedial works to address identified risks

Where needed, we can also support façade remediation planning, helping you prioritise works and resolve issues effectively.

Request your Aerial Drone Survey today

An aerial drone survey provides a clear, efficient and cost-effective way to assess the condition of your building’s façade and external elements, particularly in areas that are difficult to access safely. With high-resolution imagery and specialist façade expertise, you receive accurate insight into building condition and any issues that may require attention.

Whether you need a drone façade inspection to investigate a specific concern or support planned maintenance, we can provide prompt, professional assistance tailored to your building.

To discuss your project or request a quote, contact us today:

©2021 Barry Jubb Associates. All Rights Reserved | Made by JKE Web Design