Yes, you absolutely can use a drone to inspect your roof, and it’s becoming one of the most efficient, safe, and cost-effective ways to assess roofing conditions in Australia. Whether you’re checking for storm damage, blocked gutters, or general wear and tear, drone roof inspections provide a clear, detailed look without the risks of climbing ladders or walking on unstable surfaces.
At Tomkat Roofing, we’ve seen how drone technology has transformed roof inspections, allowing homeowners and property managers to identify issues faster and with greater accuracy. Let’s explore how drones are changing the roofing game and what you should know before launching one over your home.
Why Drones Are Revolutionising Roof Inspections
Traditional roof inspections often involve physical access-using ladders, scaffolding, or safety harnesses-to visually check for cracks, leaks, or broken tiles. While effective, this method can be slow, risky, and costly, especially for steep or complex roofs.
Using a drone eliminates many of these challenges. With high-definition cameras, thermal imaging, and stabilised flight technology, drones can capture clear aerial images and videos of every section of your roof. This helps identify potential problems early, without the need for anyone to step onto the surface.
For example, after a major storm, you can quickly fly a drone to inspect the ridge caps, flashing, and valleys. Within minutes, you’ll have detailed imagery showing if tiles have shifted or if water pooling has occurred-saving both time and potential repair costs.
Benefits of Using a Drone to Inspect Your Roof
✔ Safety First – Roof inspections traditionally involve a degree of risk, especially for older buildings or steep roof pitches. Drones eliminate that risk completely by keeping inspectors safely on the ground while still providing a complete visual overview.
✔ Cost-Effective – Hiring scaffolding or equipment to access your roof can be expensive. Drone inspections reduce those costs dramatically, making it more affordable to conduct regular checks and proactive maintenance.
✔ Quick and Efficient – A drone can capture high-resolution footage of your entire roof in just minutes. This speed is particularly beneficial for real estate agents, property managers, or homeowners who need quick assessments after storms or before selling.
✔ Accurate and Detailed Reporting – Many drones are equipped with 4K cameras and infrared sensors that can detect temperature changes-ideal for identifying hidden leaks or insulation problems. These visuals can be stored, zoomed in, or shared with your roofing contractor for professional assessment.
✔ Environmentally Friendly – Drone inspections don’t require fuel-powered lifts or multiple site visits, helping reduce your environmental footprint while keeping your property safe.
Are There Rules for Using a Drone to Inspect My Roof?
Yes, there are some Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations to keep in mind before flying. Homeowners can generally operate a drone for personal use under the Recreational Drone Rules, but there are limits:
✔ You must fly your drone no higher than 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level.
✔ The drone must remain within your visual line of sight at all times.
✔ Avoid flying within 30 metres of people.
✔ Do not fly over roads or near airports.
✔ Only operate your drone during daylight hours and in good weather.
If your inspection involves larger buildings or commercial use, you’ll need a licensed drone operator with CASA certification. At Tomkat Roofing, we partner with licensed professionals to ensure all aerial inspections meet regulatory standards and deliver precise, high-quality results.
When to Consider a Drone Roof Inspection
You can use a drone to inspect your roof in various situations, including:
✔ After a major storm, check for tile displacement, flashing damage, or debris buildup.
✔ Before buying or selling a property, confirm the roof condition and estimate repair costs.
✔During regular maintenance checks, we aim to prevent minor issues from becoming costly problems.
✔ When planning renovations, it helps roofing professionals assess structure, drainage, and access points.
A drone inspection is also perfect for multi-storey properties or hard-to-reach areas, where traditional inspections would otherwise require expensive access equipment.
How Professional Drone Inspections Differ
While you can use a consumer-grade drone for a quick look, professional roofing inspections go several steps further.
Experienced roofers like Tomkat Roofing use advanced drones equipped with stabilised cameras, zoom lenses, and thermal sensors. These tools can pick up micro-cracks, loose flashings, or areas of heat loss that are invisible to the naked eye.
After the flight, you’ll receive a comprehensive report with high-quality imagery and expert analysis. This gives you a clear picture of your roof’s condition-helping you decide whether minor repairs or a full replacement is needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✔ Flying in poor weather: Wind and rain can affect drone stability and footage quality.
✔ Ignoring CASA rules: Unauthorised flying could lead to fines or legal issues.
✔ Using low-quality drones: Cheap drones may lack the image resolution needed to detect fine damage.
✔ Skipping professional advice: While drones provide visuals, interpreting the results correctly still requires a qualified roofer.
For reliable insights, combine your drone footage with a professional roof assessment from Tomkat Roofing to ensure nothing is missed.
Why Choose Tomkat Roofing?
At Tomkat Roofing, we combine traditional roofing expertise with cutting-edge drone technology to deliver thorough, safe, and efficient inspections. Whether you’re concerned about leaks, age-related wear, or storm damage, our experienced team ensures accurate assessments and honest advice.
Our mission is simple-help homeowners protect their property through precision, transparency, and trusted service.
Ready to see your roof from a new perspective? Contact Tomkat Roofing today for professional drone-assisted roof inspections that put your safety and satisfaction first.
Book your drone roof inspection with Tomkat Roofing today and experience a smarter, safer way to keep your roof in top shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a drone to inspect my roof myself?
Yes, you can, as long as you follow CASA regulations and operate safely. However, for a thorough and legal inspection-especially for commercial or multi-storey properties-hire a licensed operator or professional roofer.
Do I need permission to fly a drone over my property?
If it’s your own property, you typically don’t need permission. But you cannot fly over neighbouring properties without consent, and you must adhere to all CASA safety rules.
What kind of drone is best for roof inspections?
A drone with a high-resolution camera (at least 12MP) and stabilisation features is ideal. Thermal imaging capabilities are a bonus for detecting moisture or insulation problems.
How long does a drone roof inspection take?
Most residential inspections take between 15 to 30 minutes, with results available shortly after the flight.
Can a drone detect roof leaks?
Yes, drones equipped with thermal cameras can detect temperature differences that indicate possible leaks or water damage beneath the surface.
