Evaluating the effectiveness of roofing work inspections using Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems

What we did and why

The BPC partnered with Building 4.0 Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) on a research project to evaluate the effectiveness, accuracy and safety of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), commonly referred to as drones, in roofing inspections.

Moisture ingress and water damage can affect building performance, occupant health and amenity, and are often linked to non-compliant roofing work. Roofing defects are regularly identified through inspection and compliance activities.

While previous Building 4.0 CRC research found that technology can support some building inspections remotely, there was limited evidence on the effectiveness of drones for roofing inspections. This project addressed that gap by evaluating whether drones can improve inspection outcomes while overcoming challenges associated with traditional inspection methods, including roof access, work-at-height risks and inspection efficiency.

The research included drone trials on residential construction sites, an assessment of the regulatory requirements for drone use in building inspections and a cost benefit analysis.

By supporting this research, we are helping to build the evidence base on the use of drones in roofing inspections to improve safety, efficiency and building quality outcomes.

The research was jointly undertaken by the University of Melbourne and Monash University, led by Professor Kourosh Khoshelham from the University of Melbourne. It was jointly funded by the Building 4.0 CRC, the BPC, and industry partners Holmesglen Institute, Master Builders Victoria and Sumitomo Forestry. The project was completed in 2026.

Watch the project video

This short video explains why the research was undertaken, how the drone-assisted inspections were evaluated, and what the findings mean for the future of roofing inspections.

Featuring researchers and industry partners, the video highlights the potential for drone technology to improve safety, inspection practices and building quality outcomes.

Read the full report: Evaluating the effectiveness of roofing work inspections using Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems

What we found

The research found that drones can be an effective tool for roofing inspections when used alongside traditional inspection methods.

Drones can complement conventional inspections as they improve access to roofs, reduce the need to work at height, provide better visual coverage and create detailed digital records to support quality assurance and documentation.

Drone-assisted inspections have the potential to:

• improve the detection of non-compliant roofing work and defects
• support earlier rectification of issues before occupancy
• improve safety for inspectors and workers
• strengthen compliance with building and plumbing standards
• reduce the risk of moisture ingress and water damage
• improve building quality outcomes for consumers.

The research also identified regulatory and operational challenges that may limit the use of drones in some residential settings, particularly in urban areas where additional aviation approvals may be required. It highlighted a need for clearer guidance, training and support to help integrate drone technology into inspection practices.

Report recommendations

The report makes recommendations to support the safe, effective and efficient use of drones in roofing inspections. The recommendations focus on maximising the benefits of drone technology, addressing barriers to its use, and supporting the adoption of technology-assisted inspection practices.

Use drones where they add the most value

Prioritise drone-assisted inspections for:

• multi-storey buildings
• roofs that are difficult to access
• situations where working at heights presents safety risks.

Adopt a hybrid inspection approach

Use drones to inspect hard-to-reach areas and conduct preliminary assessments, while continuing to undertake physical inspections where closer examination is needed.

Build industry capability

Support the broader use of drone-assisted inspections through:

• training and capability development
• clear operating procedures
• communication with consumers and industry about the benefits of drone technology.

Support future innovation

Drone technology could support more advanced inspection approaches over time, including remote inspections, 3D visualisation and AI-assisted defect detection. These approaches offer benefits such as structured digital evidence, greater consistency, improved record-keeping and more efficient identification of defects and non-compliant work. Continued investment in these technologies is recommended to support the future digital transformation of roofing inspections.

Work with the aviation regulator to address barriers

Industry and building, plumbing and aviation regulators should continue working together to support the safe and practical use of drones in building inspections.

What difference this made

The research provides evidence that drones can support safer, more efficient and more effective roofing inspections.

• For the BPC, it provides a stronger evidence base for considering drone-assisted inspection approaches.
• For industry, it demonstrates how drones can improve roof access, reduce work-at-height risks and support earlier identification of non-compliant work and defects.
• For consumers, earlier detection and rectification of roofing defects can reduce the risk of water ingress and improve building quality.

The findings will help inform future policy, guidance, training and innovation in roofing inspection practices.

Related research

This research complements other BPC-supported research focused on reducing harms caused by moisture ingress and water damage in buildings, including:

• Evaluation of emerging technologies for remote inspection of building work
• Examining moisture related disputes in Victorian residential buildings
• Examining indoor mould and moisture damage in Victorian residential buildings.