Camera Pole Survey

A camera pole survey provides excellent visual information about roof coverings, flashings, gutters and chimneys without the cost of scaffolding. It is ideal for many situations — particularly identifying slipped tiles, assessing gutter condition and checking chimney flashing. However, it cannot replace a hands-on roof survey where the surveyor needs to physically examine the roof structure from within the loft or lift tiles to check the underlay. If your concern goes beyond the visible covering — for example, suspected structural issues or water ingress — a full roof survey may be more appropriate.

Our camera poles can reach up to approximately 12 metres (40 feet), which is sufficient for most two-storey and many three-storey residential properties. The camera captures high-definition still images and video that the surveyor reviews in real time on a handheld screen, allowing them to focus on areas of concern and capture the detail needed for the report. For taller buildings or where pole access is impractical, we can advise on alternative inspection methods.

Yes. Because a camera pole survey does not require scaffolding, a cherry picker or ladder access, it is typically less expensive than a full roof survey. It is particularly cost-effective when you have a specific concern — such as a suspected slipped tile or a leaking gutter — and need a quick answer without committing to a full survey. We provide a fixed-price quote within 24 hours.

From ground level, many roof defects are invisible to the naked eye — you simply cannot see the condition of roof tiles, the state of chimney flashings or what is inside your gutters from below. The camera pole extends up to 12 metres and captures high-definition, close-up images of these areas, revealing cracked tiles, slipped slates, failed mortar, corroded flashings, blocked gutters and vegetation growth that would otherwise go unnoticed until a leak or more serious problem develops. The surveyor can also pan and tilt the camera to inspect hidden areas such as behind chimney stacks and within roof valleys.

A camera pole survey typically takes between 1 and 2 hours on site, depending on the size and complexity of the roof and the number of high-level elements to be inspected. A standard semi-detached or detached house with a single chimney, pitched roof and guttering on all elevations will usually be completed within an hour. Larger properties, properties with multiple roof levels, extensive flat roofs or complex chimney arrangements may take closer to two hours. The surveyor works methodically around the building, capturing images as they go, and will provide verbal feedback on the key findings before leaving the site.

We provide camera pole surveys across all seven of our counties: Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Greater London and Oxfordshire. Every surveyor who works with us is based locally and understands the local building types, common roofing materials and weather exposure conditions in their area. There are no travel surcharges for any location within our coverage area — the price we quote is the price you pay regardless of where you are within our seven counties.