A Hidden Story Behind a Historic Roof
At Manchester Drone Surveys, we specialise in providing safe, modern, and highly effective drone roof inspections across Greater Manchester, including Tameside, Hyde, and Hollingworth. One of our recent inspections highlights exactly why homeowners, buyers, and developers are turning to drone technology for fast and thorough property assessments.
Drone Roof Inspection Uncovers Hidden Issues on a 1600s Listed Farmhouse in Hollingworth, Hyde
We were called out to a beautiful 1600s listed farmhouse in Hollingworth, a character-filled village in Hyde, Tameside.
The property had reportedly been re-roofed within the last 3–5 years, although no paperwork was available to confirm this. On the surface the home appeared in good condition but thanks to our high-resolution drone imagery and detailed visual inspection we discovered several critical issues, most of which were not visible from ground level.
Key Problems revealed by the drone inspection
- Damaged or slipped stone tiles on the front and porch roofs.
- Mortar fatigue and cracking along the ridges and verges.
- A leaning chimney, covered in mortar rendering, hiding unknown structural concerns.
- Poor flashing and signs of water ingress around the chimney base.
- Woodworm and potential rot in the king truss roof structure.
- Inadequate loft ventilation, contributing to possible condensation and timber damage.
- Cracked mortar in the stone gable wall, allowing water to penetrate.
Why This Matters for Hollingworth Homeowners
Properties like this are incredibly special, but they also come with their own challenges. If you're buying or maintaining a listed building in areas like Hollingworth, Hyde, or Tameside, it's crucial to understand the real condition of the roof and supporting structure.
Drone inspections allow us to:
- Assess hard-to-reach areas safely and efficiently.
- Spot structural and weatherproofing issues before they become expensive problems.
- Provide clear photo and video evidence to support insurance claims or repair work.
Recommended Actions from the Survey
We provided the client with a clear plan of action:
- Replace or secure any slipped or broken tiles.
- Clear roof debris and check ridge and verge mortar.
- Investigate the chimney structure and replace failed flashing.
- Seek structural assessment of roof timbers.
- Improve roof space ventilation and insulation strategy.
- Repoint gable stonework to prevent ongoing water ingress.
Protecting Heritage with Modern Tech
This project is a great example of how traditional buildings can benefit from modern technology. Drone surveys give a fresh perspective, allowing early intervention that saves money, prevents structural damage, and protects historic character.
If you're in Hollingworth, Hyde, or anywhere in Tameside, and you're concerned about your roof or chimney, don’t wait until problems become emergencies.
Book Your Drone Roof Inspection Today
Manchester Drone Surveys is based in Marple and serves homeowners, landlords, developers, and property professionals across Stockport, Tameside, Hollingworth, and Greater Manchester.
We offer:
- Drone roof inspections with photo/video documentation.
- Fast turnaround and clear reports.
- Friendly, professional service.
Reach out today and request a free quote for your drone survey in Greater Manchester to get peace of mind from the top down.