A bird's-eye view: The power of Drone Surveys for your school estate
Maintaining a school estate is a constant challenge, and one of the most critical aspects is the condition of its high-level assets such as: roofs, chimneys, and gutters. These structures are often out of sight and difficult to access, making it hard to spot potential issues before they become major problems. Drone surveys provide a safe, cost-effective, and incredibly detailed method for inspecting your school's most vulnerable areas.
Traditional methods of surveying a roof involves expensive and time-consuming solutions, such as elevated work platforms or scaffolding. These methods are not only costly but can also disrupt the school environment. A drone survey eliminates all of this. Our drones can safely fly within 30cm of a roof, capturing high-resolution images and videos that provide a comprehensive view of its condition. This close-up perspective allows us to identify defects such as cracked tiles, loose flashings, blocked gutters and other potential maintenance issues in hard to reach areas that would be impossible to see from the ground.
A great example of the value of this service is a recent drone survey we conducted at Reading School. The main block, built in 1870, has a complex mix of pitched and flat roofs that had been repaired multiple times. The school had received three quotes for roof repairs based on a ground-level inspection. However, once the scaffolding was erected, it became clear the job was much more extensive than originally estimated. They understood the need for a drone survey to provide a much more accurate assessment, allowing for a better quote and proper budget allocation and would recommend choosing a drone survey from the start.
Benefits That Go Beyond Inspection
While the primary benefit of a drone survey is its ability to assess a roof's condition, the advantages extend far beyond just maintenance.
Cost-Effective: By avoiding the hire of expensive equipment like elevated platforms and scaffolding, you save a significant amount of money.
Safety: Drones remove the need for people to work at height, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.
Enhanced Reporting: The detailed images and videos from a drone survey can be a powerful tool when preparing specifications for hard-to-reach areas or providing imagery to identify the source of defects or roof leaks. This then supports budget allocation, and assists scoring opportunities of funding such as CIF (Condition Improvement Fund). The visual evidence provides a clear and compelling case for funding.
Marketing Opportunities: The stunning aerial footage captured during the survey can also be used by the school or Trust for marketing purposes, showcasing the school estate in a unique and engaging way.
A Smarter Way to Survey
Whether you're planning a major renovation, preparing a CIF bid, or simply want to stay on top of your maintenance, a drone survey provides a level of detail and safety that traditional methods can't match. It's a proactive, intelligent solution that helps you make informed decisions about your school's most critical assets, ensuring the safety and longevity of your buildings for years to come.
If you’d like to explore how drone surveys could support your school’s maintenance and planning, our team would be happy to talk it through. You can reach us on 0116 5070130 or email enquire@s2e.org.uk.
