What's in a thermal roof inspection report

By SkyVector Drone Solutions · Waikato, New Zealand · 16 October 2026

If you're comparing drone roof inspections, the useful question isn't just "do you have a thermal camera?". It's what lands in your inbox afterwards, and what that report can and can't claim. Here's what a SkyVector thermal roof report contains, and how to get the most out of it with your builder or roofer.

What's in the report

• Annotated thermal stills. We pick the frames that matter and mark the spots worth a trade's attention, so you're not scrolling through a raw gallery. The notes are guidance based on temperature contrast and what's on site, not a lab measurement of moisture.
• Matching colour photos. The same areas in normal colour, so every call-out can be found on the real roof. (Why this matters: RGB vs thermal.)
• A short plain-language summary. When and how we flew, what stood out, what it might suggest, and suggested next steps for a builder or roofer.

If nothing unusual shows up, the report says so. A clean result is still useful: it stops you chasing problems that aren't there before anyone climbs the roof.

You can see the layout in our sample report (PDF). It's an example, not a real client job.

How to use it with your builder or roofer

Forward the report as it is. Ask them to look at the annotated thermal images first, then the matching photos. Our notes are prompts for their expertise, not instructions that override it. If one area raises a specific question, we can often re-fly just that spot in a later weather window.

The report speeds up working out where to look. It doesn't write the repair specification.

What the report is not

• Not a structural or compliance certificate. We don't certify strength, code compliance or weathertightness.
• Not proof of a leak path. Thermal clues show where to look, not what has failed.
• Weather-dependent. Rain, wind and flat temperatures can delay a flight or weaken the results. See the best time for a thermal roof flight.
• Part 101 only. SkyVector operates under CAA Part 101.

Who it's for

• Homeowners who want clearer evidence before calling a roofer
• Property managers comparing problem areas across buildings
• Trades who want an aerial view before they climb
• Owners with solar who want the roof and the array checked together (solar panel inspection)

Booking

Send the address and what you need (roof, solar, or both), plus a week that roughly suits. We'll check the site can be flown safely, suggest a good window and send a quote. Reports usually arrive 2–4 business days after the flight, weather permitting. Thermal roof inspections start from $599 +GST.

Related reading: What a thermal drone can see on a Waikato roof · RGB vs thermal: why we pair both · The best time for a thermal roof flight

Services: Thermal roof inspection · Thermal imaging in Hamilton · Drone services in Hamilton · Waikato coverage

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