Schools face unique challenges when conducting building inspections due to tight budgets, limited maintenance windows, and stringent safety requirements. Traditional inspection methods requiring scaffolding are particularly problematic - scaffolding cannot remain erected for extended periods in educational environments due to safety concerns with children present.
This creates a costly double-handling scenario where scaffolding must be dismantled after inspection and later re-erected for repair works, significantly impacting already stretched school budgets. For large school buildings, scaffolding the entire structure to assess all facades and roofs is both hugely expensive and impractical.
Additionally, the presence of students and staff requires careful coordination around privacy and safeguarding protocols, even during holiday periods when clubs may still be operating on site.
With solar panels fitted across this school’s roof, maintaining both the building structure and ensuring the solar panels are in optimal condition is particularly important due to their significant investment value. Regular inspection ensure that the roof remains in good condition and is watertight to protect the panels.
Vantage UAV developed a comprehensive inspection approach using enterprise-grade drone technology combined with ground-based scanning equipment. The survey was carefully planned around the school's operational requirements, with staff cooperation ensuring privacy measures were maintained throughout.
Even during half-term operations, two holiday clubs were running with children present on site. This required careful coordination to maintain privacy compliance and ensure all safeguarding protocols were maintained throughout.
The comprehensive drone survey revealed the building was in good condition overall, with only minor issues identified. These included debris, sediment, and vegetation accumulation on the roof and in gutters; minor cracks to the facade; and evidence of water pooling. This detailed assessment provided the school with a clear understanding of maintenance priorities and budget planning requirements for future works.
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