Ashanti Dutch Property Lettings Ltd
At Ashantidutch Property Letting, our building and roof inspections are delivered using our state-of-the art unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) similarly recognised as drones, they offer our clients a money saving, high-quality answers to roof issues and eliminates the risk of working at height.
In 2022 there were 30 fatalities as a result of falls from height just in the construction industry (source HSE. 6th July 2022).
Ashantidutch Property Letting UAVs offer substantial cost savings once paralleled with traditional methods of access like scaffolding, so when commissioning condition surveys on buildings like residential, industrial, commercial, or historic buildings, remember someone has to risk their life to gather data that can be collated in a safer manner.
Moreover, there will be a huge reduction of time needed on site, typically the site portion of a survey can be accomplished in a matter of hours rather than days and saving money due to not having to hire cherry pickers, Skyjack or telescopic booms access or scaffolding, these can add significant cost to the survey.
Some areas of roofs may be difficult to access via traditional methods, insubstantial roofs and maturing asbestos-containing materials present a serious health and safety risk too. By using a drone survey, thorough photographic records can be gained of the roof and high-level features of a building without risking disturbing and releasing asbestos particles.
Ashantidutch Property Letting UAVs offer unparalleled safety, fail-safe systems and flight stabilisation technology. Ashantidutch Property Letting UAVs are approved by the Civil Aviation Authority CAA-approved holding valid Permission for Commercial Operation, with special permission to fly at in built-up areas. Our pilots are all qualified to the industry standards, and are subject to industry registrations and assessments
We also survey chimneys, church roofs, high level window surveys
The work is quoted on a bespoke basis as each property is distinctive and will be uniquely located and so the risks to public and infrastructure need to be assessed in detail first.
SCOPE OF WORK
In order to effectively complete a drone inspection, a robust Scope of Works needs to be completed so to ensure the best outcome.
The Scope of Work should include:
- Purpose of the survey
- Survey area magnitudes
- Level of detail required
- Reporting requirements
- Data protection requirements
- Location and access
- Assess permissions needed
- Health and safety issues
- Fee structure and expenses
OUTPUTS
A range of survey outputs can be produced subject to the drone survey requests.
Examples of some type of outputs:
- High resolution photos 5.7k images in JPG or TIFF format
- 4K HD Video
- Defect schedule
- Defect reporting
- Annotated drawings and or photographs
- Point of Interest (PoI) photographs
- Internal roof survey
- External Chimney and flashing Survey
Having the essential productivity outputs ensures the clarity between the client and drone operator, moreover, to manage client expectations, one should note that drone technology is still relatively new, so it is logical that many clients are not fully aware of what is possible using drone surveys.
Parts of a chimney that will fail over time
There are numerus parts of a chimney that can fail, and so to give you a deeper insight we have listed a few for your consideration
Chimney Stack: Traditionally built of brick and is usually the most visible portion of your chimney.
Chimney Pots: if Installed correctly, chimney pots allow satisfactory ventilation for your homes heating system.
Flaunching: This is the mortar bed that secures your pots to the stack and should prevent rainwater access.
Lead Flashing: Flashings are cut into the brickwork around the stack to maintain a watertight roof
Cowls, Pots & Caps: These reduce downdraft and stop birds and rainwater from entering the flue.
Lead Soakers: Hidden leadwork at the base of the stack underneath the tiles for water tightness.
Any issue at all with any item listed can trigger issues like water ingress, heat loss or insect infestation, wet rot to the roof and ceiling joist, also this can affect energy efficiency and moisture levels in the roof.
And so, if your chimney is in a bad condition then reactive repairing will be expensive and dangerous and so using a drone is a great inexpensive way to assess the condition of the chimney before you engage the services of a builder.