Drone roof inspection is changing how owners, property managers and construction professionals assess the condition of roofs in Switzerland. No more costly scaffolding or dangerous interventions: a high-resolution aerial camera inspects every centimetre of your roof safely, in under an hour.
Why inspect your roof by drone?
The roof is the most exposed part of your building. Rain, snow, hail, UV and freeze-thaw cycles act constantly on tiles, waterproofing and valleys. An undetected crack can lead to water infiltration, mould and costly structural damage. In French-speaking Switzerland, harsh winters speed up material wear.
Insurers and building experts recommend an annual or two-yearly inspection. Traditional methods (scaffolding, lift, roof access) are expensive and slow. The drone changes that.
How does a drone roof inspection work?
1. Flight planning
Before the mission, our FOCA-certified pilot (Federal Office of Civil Aviation) analyses the building layout, surrounding obstacles (power lines, trees, neighbouring buildings) and weather conditions. All missions in Switzerland comply with European EASA U-Space rules and restricted flight zones.
2. High-resolution photos and video
Our professional drones carry 4K cameras and x30 optical zoom sensors. They fly methodically over the roof at low altitude, capturing:
- Georeferenced HD photos
- 4K video of the whole surface
- Zooms on suspect areas (ridge, valleys, edges, chimneys)
- Oblique and top-down images for complete coverage
3. Analysis and inspection report
Within 24 to 48 hours you receive a complete inspection report including:
- All annotated photos and videos
- Precise location of detected anomalies
- Classification by urgency (low, medium, critical)
- Work recommendations with priorities
- PDF report ready to send to your insurer or contractor
Which defects can be detected?
A drone inspection precisely identifies all types of damage:
| Type of defect | Detectable by drone |
|---|---|
| Cracked or missing tiles | ✅ Yes |
| Moss and lichen | ✅ Yes |
| Blocked or damaged valleys | ✅ Yes |
| Damaged ridge | ✅ Yes |
| Faulty chimney flashings | ✅ Yes |
| Damaged edges and gutters | ✅ Yes |
| Frame deformation | ✅ Yes (visible from outside) |
| Active infiltration | ✅ With thermal option |
Drone vs traditional methods
| Criterion | Drone inspection | Scaffolding | Lift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | CHF 390–990 | approx. CHF 22–35 per m² of façade (indicative) | CHF 800–2,500 |
| Lead time | 24–48h | 1–2 weeks | 3–7 days |
| Risk to people | None | High | Moderate |
| Access to complex areas | Excellent | Limited | Average |
| Quality of documentation | Very high (4K) | Variable | Variable |
Thermal option: detect hidden infiltration
In addition to the optical camera, we offer inspections with an infrared thermal camera. It detects surface temperature differences and reveals:
- Water infiltration (colder areas)
- Thermal bridges in the insulation
- Waterproofing defects on flat roofs
- Hidden energy loss
Thermal inspection is especially recommended for flat roofs and industrial buildings in Switzerland, where waterproofing is critical. See our drone thermography service.
Areas we serve in French-speaking Switzerland
Inspection Drone works across French-speaking Switzerland: Lausanne and the canton of Vaud, Geneva, Fribourg, Neuchâtel, Valais and the Jura.
What does a roof inspection cost?
The cost depends on the surface and complexity of the roof:
| Building type | Indicative price |
|---|---|
| Detached house (up to 150 m²) | CHF 390–650 |
| Apartment building (150–500 m²) | CHF 650–990 |
| Industrial / commercial building | On quote |
See our full guide to drone inspection prices in Switzerland for an estimate that fits your project.
Read also: drone regulations in Switzerland and what a provider must comply with.
Read also: how much a drone roof inspection costs in Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a drone roof inspection cost?
From CHF 390 to 650 for a detached house (up to 150 m²) and from CHF 650 to 990 for an apartment building (150–500 m²). Industrial or commercial buildings are quoted individually.
How long does the inspection take, and when do I get the report?
The flight usually takes less than an hour. The full report is delivered within 24 to 48 hours.
What does the report contain?
Annotated photos and videos, precise location of anomalies, an urgency ranking (low, medium, critical) and prioritised work recommendations. It comes as a PDF, ready to pass on to your insurer or a contractor.
Can the drone detect water infiltration?
By sight, it finds cracks, missing tiles, moss, valleys and flashings in poor condition. For active infiltration we add the thermal option: wet areas show up colder, which is especially useful on flat roofs.
Request your free quote
Want to inspect your roof by drone in Switzerland? We reply within 24 hours with a personalised offer. FOCA-certified pilots, professional liability insurance, report delivered within 48h.
Inspection Drone — FOCA A1/A2/A3 certified · French-speaking Switzerland · +41 76 581 60 78