Thermal Roof Inspection
Find heat loss, moisture ingress, and insulation defects with high-resolution infrared imagery before they become expensive repairs.
Example Waikato flight (site/address redacted). Real Matrice 4T RGB + thermal pair from a roof and solar pass.
Who it is for
- Homeowners chasing unexplained heat loss or damp
- Property managers comparing roof condition across portfolios
- Builders and roofers needing clear before/after evidence
- Insurance and claims support where thermal evidence helps
Flight overview
- Site briefing and safe take-off assessment under CAA Part 101
- Systematic roof grid flown with the Matrice 4T thermal payload
- 640×512 native radiometric capture, Super Resolution up to 1280×1024 where useful
- RGB context photos of the same surfaces for easy comparison
Deliverables
- Annotated thermal imagery highlighting anomalies
- Matching RGB reference photos
- Plain-language summary of findings
- Recommended next steps for your builder or roofer
Turnaround
Typically 2–4 business days after the flight, weather permitting. Complex multi-building sites may take longer — we will say so up front.
Coverage
Waikato first, with North Island travel by arrangement.
Thermal roof inspections in Hamilton
SkyVector is Waikato-based, and we fly thermal roof inspections across Hamilton, including Rototuna, Flagstaff, Chartwell, Hillcrest, Dinsdale, Te Rapa and Frankton, and out toward Tamahere, Gordonton and Horsham Downs. Some Hamilton sites sit inside controlled airspace near Hamilton Airport, so we check every site before we quote. See drone services in Hamilton and thermal imaging in Hamilton.
What a report looks like
A typical pack includes annotated thermal stills, matching RGB context photos, plain-language findings, and clear next steps you can pass to a builder, electrician, or installer.
Findings (example)
- Warmth along the main ridge — worth checking for insulation gaps or air leakage paths.
- Solar array reads relatively cool and even in this pass — no obvious hot-cell pattern on the visible modules.
- Local heat cues near ridge junctions warrant builder or roofer follow-up; electrician review if panel anomalies appear on a later sunny pass.
Next steps
Have your builder or roofer review the annotated stills on site. Share the solar stills with your installer if you want a second look. This example pack does not replace a structural or electrical certificate.
Marked SAMPLE throughout. Ask us for a redacted real sample after your first booked job.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to fly a thermal roof?
Evening or early morning after a clear day usually works best — the roof needs a temperature contrast between warm and cool areas. We avoid heavy rain, strong wind, and thick cloud that wipe out useful thermal detail. We will suggest a weather window rather than force a bad day.
Do you need access onto my roof or inside the house?
Usually no roof climbing. We need a safe take-off spot on your property (or agreed neighbour consent if we must launch from next door), clear of people and stock. Indoor access is only needed if you want us to note interior damp alongside the aerial pack — that is optional and scoped separately.
What do I get in the deliverable?
Annotated thermal stills, matching RGB context photos, a plain-language findings summary, and suggested next steps you can hand to a builder or roofer. It is an inspection pack, not a structural engineer’s certificate.
How long until I get the report?
Most single-home jobs are 2–4 business days after a successful flight. Weather delays the flight, not the processing clock. Multi-building or urgent jobs are quoted with a clear timeline up front.
What are the Part 101 limits I should know about?
We operate under CAA Part 101: visual line of sight, daylight unless otherwise arranged, and we stay clear of people not involved in the operation. Dense urban sites, controlled airspace, or night work may need extra planning or may not be possible under Part 101 alone — we will say so honestly before you book.