Drone roof survey providing MTVH with prioritised recommendations for planned replacement and targeted repairs to a listed residential building
The client
Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH) manages a large portfolio of affordable homes across London and the South East. MTVH appointed FFT to undertake an urgent roof condition survey at Old School Court, a Grade II listed former school building converted into residential accommodation, to inform future investment planning and maintenance decisions.
Services provided
The project
MTVH required a comprehensive assessment of the roof at Old School Court in Tottenham, a Grade II listed building dating from around 1848. The client needed a clear understanding of the condition of the ageing roof coverings and associated elements, together with prioritised recommendations to support future investment planning and minimise the risk of ongoing reactive repairs. The commission was delivered within a short timeframe to support urgent asset management decisions.
Our role
FFT managed and directed a drone-based roof survey, enabling a safe and efficient inspection of all externally visible roof areas that would have been difficult to access through traditional survey methods. We reviewed the aerial imagery, assessed the condition of the slate roofs, flat roofs, chimneys, rainwater goods and associated roof elements, and produced a detailed condition report supported by a photographic schedule and prioritised recommendations.
The challenges
Old School Court’s roofscape is complex, combining original Westmorland slate roofs, dormers, rooflights, chimneys and flat roof sections within a historic listed building. The roof coverings were approaching the end of their serviceable life, with evidence of slipped and damaged slates, previous repairs, organic growth and localised deterioration. Access constraints and the need for a rapid assessment required an approach that could provide reliable condition data while avoiding costly access equipment and disruption to residents.
Added value
By combining specialist drone technology with FFT’s building pathology and asset management expertise, we provided MTVH with a rapid and cost-effective assessment of a complex historic roof. Our recommendations moved beyond identifying defects, helping the client understand future investment requirements, prioritise expenditure and plan a transition from reactive maintenance to a longer-term planned renewal strategy.
The outcome
The survey confirmed that the historic slate roof coverings were nearing the end of their serviceable life and identified a range of maintenance and renewal requirements. FFT provided a clear roadmap for future investment, including recommendations for roof replacement, associated repairs and ongoing maintenance of chimneys, rainwater goods and flat roof areas. This enabled MTVH to make informed asset management decisions and plan future works with confidence while protecting the long-term performance of a significant listed residential building.
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