Thermal drone inspection combines the aerial mobility of a drone with the power of an infrared camera to reveal what the eye cannot see: water infiltration, thermal bridges, insulation defects and areas of energy loss. In Switzerland, where SIA standards and energy requirements are strict, it has become an essential tool for owners, building managers and construction professionals.
How does thermal drone inspection work?
An infrared thermal camera measures the thermal radiation emitted by surfaces. Each material emits heat differently depending on its temperature, condition and composition. Mounted on a professional drone, the sensor flies over the building and produces thermographic images that map surface temperature variations to within 0.05 °C.
Anomalies show up clearly on the images: water infiltration locally cools the surface (blue/purple area), a thermal bridge lets heat escape (red/yellow area). Our certified pilot interprets the data and documents it in an expert report.
Which anomalies can be detected?
| Anomaly | Thermal signature | Typical urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Water infiltration (roof) | Localised cold area | High |
| Thermal bridge (walls, floors) | Warm area in winter | Medium |
| Insulation defect | Abnormal thermal gradient | Medium |
| Failing flat-roof waterproofing | Irregular cold patches | High |
| Moisture in materials | Cooling by evaporation | High |
| District-heating leak | Linear warm area | Critical |
| Faulty solar panel | Isolated hot spot | High |
Best conditions for a thermal inspection
To get reliable results, several conditions must be met:
- Sufficient temperature difference: at least 10 °C between inside and outside (ideal in a Swiss autumn or winter)
- No direct sunlight: fly at night or early in the morning to avoid false positives
- Light wind: under 5 m/s, to keep the drone stable and avoid convective cooling of surfaces
- No recent rain: wait 24–48 h after rain for a representative reading
In French-speaking Switzerland, November to March offers ideal conditions for inspecting heated buildings.
Main applications in Switzerland
Flat roofs and waterproofing
Flat roofs are especially vulnerable to silent leaks. Water gets under the waterproofing membrane and spreads sideways, so it cannot be located by eye. Aerial thermography pinpoints the wet areas, allowing targeted repairs instead of a full waterproofing replacement: a potential saving of tens of thousands of francs.
Building energy diagnostics
For energy certification (GEAK/CECB, Minergie), thermal drone inspection maps the complete thermal envelope of the building and identifies weak points in the insulation. The data feeds straight into the diagnostic report and guides renovation work.
Solar panels (PV and thermal)
Faulty photovoltaic cells create hot spots that reduce output and can cause fires. A yearly thermal inspection finds degraded cells before they damage the whole panel. Essential for large installations on industrial or farm roofs.
District heating networks
District heating networks are growing fast in Switzerland. Leaks in buried pipes show up at the surface as thermal anomalies detectable by drone, even in winter under snow. Early action avoids large energy losses.
Thermal vs visual inspection: complementary methods
| Type | Strengths | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Visual 4K (optical) | Detects cracks, missing tiles, moss, visible damage | Cannot see internal problems |
| Thermal infrared | Reveals infiltration, thermal bridges, hidden moisture | Needs specific conditions |
| Combined (visual + thermal) | Complete diagnosis of the building envelope | Higher cost |
We systematically recommend the combined inspection for buildings over 20 years old and for any diagnosis before an energy renovation.
Drone thermal inspection prices in Switzerland
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| Thermal Essential: high-resolution thermal images, raw files, no diagnosis or interpretation | CHF 500 |
| Thermal Pro: images, diagnosis of anomalies, interpretation and recommendations, full technical PDF report | CHF 1,000 |
| Thermal Project: 3D thermal modelling and mapping, detailed expert report | On quote |
For a personalised estimate, see our full price guide. A free quote is prepared within 24h depending on the surface and complexity of the building.
Certified thermographic report
Our thermal inspection report includes:
- Annotated thermal images with a temperature scale
- Matching optical image for each anomaly
- Precise GPS location of each defect
- Analysis and interpretation by a certified expert
- Prioritised work recommendations
- Professional PDF you can pass to your insurer, architect or contractor
Areas we serve
Inspection Drone works across French-speaking Switzerland: Lausanne and the canton of Vaud, Geneva, Fribourg, Neuchâtel, Valais and the Jura.
Read also: solar panel inspection by drone, which detects hot spots on a photovoltaic installation.
Frequently asked questions
When should I carry out a thermal inspection?
When the temperature difference between inside and outside is at least 10 °C, with no direct sun (early morning or night), light wind (under 5 m/s) and 24 to 48 hours after the last rain. In French-speaking Switzerland, from November to March.
What does thermography detect?
Water infiltration, thermal bridges, insulation defects, failing flat-roof waterproofing, moisture in materials, heat-network leaks and faulty solar panels (hot spots).
How much does a thermal inspection cost?
Thermal Essential: CHF 500 (high-resolution thermal images, raw files, no diagnosis). Thermal Pro: CHF 1,000 (diagnosis, interpretation and full technical PDF report). Thermal Project (3D thermal modelling): on quote.
Request your thermal inspection
Suspected infiltration, energy diagnosis, solar-panel check or a full thermal assessment: we analyse your situation and propose the right solution. Reply within 24 hours, report delivered within 48h.
Inspection Drone — FOCA A1/A2/A3 certified · French-speaking Switzerland · +41 76 581 60 78