Technical and Survey
Close-range drone inspections of roofs, facades, chimneys and building interiors - planned and flown by a team led by a building surveyor.
Trusted to inspect Royal Properties, Ministry of Defence Sites, Schools, Hospitals and GP Surgeries.
A drone survey shows you the condition of a roof or facade without scaffolding, cherry pickers or anyone working at height. We capture detailed images of every roof slope, valley and flashing, and every elevation of the building, usually in a few hours on site, and the images are often with you the same day.
We work for building surveyors, councils, port operators, schools, managing agents, architects, insurers and loss adjusters across Portsmouth, Southampton, Hampshire and the rest of the UK.
Solent Sky Services is run by Michael Woods, who spent 17 years as a property surveyor before founding the company. That means we know what a surveyor needs to see: the junctions where leaks start, the angles that show slipped or cracked slates, and the overlap needed to piece a whole roof together.
You get imagery you can actually report from, not just aerial photos.
Some buildings need more than a good pilot. We're trusted with sites where security, safeguarding and discretion matter as much as the images.
Inspections carried out with the discretion and vetting these sites require.
Experienced on MOD sites and naval bases, with DBS-checked crew.
Flown at weekends or out of hours, so pupils and staff aren't disrupted.
Planned around patients, staff and operational areas, with minimal disruption.
Survey work for Portsmouth, Southampton and Gosport councils and Associated British Ports.
Inside and out, without towers or scaffolding touching historic fabric.
Want a surveyor's eye on your roof?
Get a quotePitched and flat roofs, including valleys, ridges, hips and flashings
Chimneys and stacks
Gutters, outlets and rainwater goods
Facades, cladding, render, brickwork and high-level stonework
Heritage and listed buildings, where access equipment could cause damage
Building interiors, including roof voids, church naves, atriums and other large internal spaces
Derelict and unsafe buildings, where it isn't safe to send people inside
Schools, hospitals, GP surgeries, high-rise blocks, housing estates and other multi-building sites
After storm damage, fire or impact, a drone survey records the damage quickly and safely, before repairs start and without anyone climbing onto a damaged roof. We provide clear images for property owners, insurers and loss adjusters to support the claim.
Need damage recorded for a claim?
Get a quote| Drone survey | Scaffolding or cherry picker | |
|---|---|---|
| Time on site | Usually a few hours | Days to erect, inspect and strike |
| People at height | None | Inspectors and erectors |
| Disruption | Minimal; can be flown at weekends or out of hours | Pavement licences, blocked access, noise |
| Coverage | Every roof slope and elevation in one visit | Limited to where access reaches |
| Hands-on testing | Not possible - images only | Possible |
A drone survey won't replace hands-on work where fixings need testing or tiles lifting. What it does is show exactly where to look, so any access you do pay for is targeted.
CAA Operational Authorisation (PDRA01) in the Specific category, GVC and A2 Certificate of Competency · £10m insured · RAMS for every job · DBS checked · UK-wide and overseas · Multi-award-winning, family-run, Portsmouth-based
No scaffolding, no disruption. Find out what it would cost for your building.
Get a quote
Need annotated defects or a written report? Ask for them in your quote.
Get a quoteTell us about the building - the address, the concern (a leak, a pre-purchase check, a maintenance programme) and any deadline.
We plan the flight - airspace checks, site risk assessment and flight plan, with a quote within 24 hours.
We fly - using small, quiet drones for tight residential streets, and at weekends or out of hours for schools and occupied buildings.
You receive the images - organised by elevation, ready for your report or maintenance plan.
Our survey clients also include Associated British Ports, Southampton City Council and Gosport Borough Council. We have inspected royal properties, Ministry of Defence sites, schools, hospitals, GP surgeries, churches, derelict buildings and high-rise blocks, inside and out. We have also carried out facade inspections in central London and drone surveys for insurance claims.
Have a roof, facade or chimney that needs checking?
Get a quote"We contacted Solent Sky Services to do a roof survey of an old church that has been converted into flats. Michael turned up the next day and completed a very thorough survey taking hundreds of very high quality photos and a video which will be very helpful for future reference. The photos were available to download that same evening. Great service. Highly recommended."
David Bell
Gosport
Surveys"Excellent Service provided for a commercial property in Portsmouth City Centre. The photos provided by the drone pilot were exactly what was required to mitigate our clients liability at lease expiry. Special thank you to Roisin and Sara, who arranged the inspection within short notice. Thanks again for the help."
Percival Holtom Estates
Surveys"Very efficient service"
Robert Jupp
Cornerstone Surveyors
SurveysIf you also need footage for marketing, a progress record or a completion film, we can capture it on the same visit.
Send us the address and what you're concerned about, and we'll come back with a quote within 24 hours.
Get a quoteStill got a question? Ask it in the form below and we'll come back within 24 hours.
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