Services

Drone access investigations

Safe, Efficient, and Accurate Inspections

Our drone survey services provide fast, safe, and precise inspection of high-rise residential buildings (HRBs). Using state-of-the-art drone technology, we capture high-resolution images and videos of façades, roofs, balconies, cladding, and other hard-to-reach areas, allowing landlords, councils, and housing associations to identify defects, plan maintenance, and support refurbishment projects without the cost, disruption, or safety risks of scaffolding.

Drone surveys are a cost-effective solution for monitoring the condition of high-rise stock while ensuring resident safety and regulatory compliance.

What Is a Drone Survey?

A drone survey uses unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors to inspect areas that are difficult or dangerous to access. For high-rise blocks, drone surveys can include:

  • External façades and cladding – detect cracks, spalling, and weathering
  • Roof structures, terraces, and gutters – identify leaks, drainage issues, and defects
  • Balconies and walkways – assess structural integrity and safety
  • Façade elements and fire safety components – monitor combustible materials or AOV installations
  • Measured surveys and photogrammetry – produce accurate drawings and 3D models

Drone surveys provide rapid, safe, and highly accurate visual data to inform maintenance, refurbishment, and asset management.

Why Drone Surveys Matter

High-rise buildings present significant access challenges for inspection and maintenance. Drone surveys help landlords and housing providers to:

  • Identify defects, deterioration, or fire safety hazards early
  • Reduce the cost and disruption associated with scaffolding or rope access
  • Improve maintenance planning and prioritisation
  • Capture photographic evidence for reports, compliance, and Building Safety Case submissions
  • Support refurbishment, retrofit, and repair projects safely and efficiently

Drone surveys are an essential tool for proactive high-rise building management and risk mitigation.

Our Drone Survey Approach

We follow a structured, safety-first methodology:

  1. Pre-Survey Planning – assess site, flight restrictions, and safety considerations.
  2. Drone Deployment – capture high-resolution imagery of façades, roofs, balconies, and hard-to-access areas.
  3. Data Analysis – process images and videos to identify defects, deterioration, and maintenance requirements.
  4. Measured Outputs – optional creation of 2D drawings, 3D models, and photogrammetric surveys.
  5. Reporting – detailed, evidence-based reports with annotated photographs, diagrams, and recommendations.

Our approach ensures surveys are efficient, safe, and compliant with aviation and building regulations.

Deliverables

Clients receive:

  • High-resolution photographs and videos of building exteriors and hard-to-reach areas
  • Annotated defect reports identifying areas requiring maintenance or repair
  • Optional 2D CAD drawings or 3D models derived from drone data
  • Recommendations for remedial works, refurbishment, or ongoing monitoring
  • Documentation suitable for asset management, compliance, and Building Safety Case submissions

Reports are clear, actionable, and suitable for technical teams, boards, and regulatory bodies.

Why Choose Us?

We have extensive experience providing drone surveys for high-rise residential buildings, combining aerial survey expertise, structural knowledge, and practical insight.

Our services help councils, housing associations, and private landlords inspect buildings safely, identify defects early, and plan refurbishment or maintenance programmes efficiently, protecting both residents and assets.

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Our details
Michael Dyson Associates Ltd
01484 666888 enquiries@mdyson.co.uk
Michael Dyson Associates Ltd
West House
Honley
Holmfirth
West Yorkshire
HD9 6LB

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