Why the drone replaces scaffolding
A roof clogged with moss and lichens retains moisture, accelerates tile degradation and blocks drainage. Traditional cleaning requires height access: scaffolding, cradle or lifeline, with operators walking directly on the roof.
Drone cleaning removes this constraint. The team stays on the ground, the roof supports no load, and the intervention starts in a few hours instead of several days of scaffolding assembly. On large surfaces — industrial buildings, tertiary sites, condominiums — the time and cost savings are immediate.
How an intervention works
- 01
Inspection and survey
A first flight documents the roof condition: moss, lichens, displaced tiles, singular points. The survey is used for pricing and as a before/after reference.
- 02
RTK route planning
The surface is divided into regular passes. Centimetre GNSS RTK positioning ensures homogeneous overlap, with no missed zones or over-dosing.
- 03
Material-adapted cleaning
The module is chosen according to the covering: low-pressure soft wash on old tiles and slate, high pressure up to 150 bar on steel trays and sound fibre cement.
- 04
Rinse and photo report
Full rinse, visual drone inspection and before/after photo report. An anti-moss treatment can be applied immediately afterwards.
Roof types treated
Terracotta tiles
Low-pressure soft wash, no tile displacement or walking on the roof.
Natural slate
Reduced pressure and controlled angle to preserve hooks and laps.
Fibre cement
Gentle treatment preferred; prior diagnosis mandatory on old sheets.
Steel trays / cladding
High pressure possible, maximum output on large industrial surfaces.
Flat roof
Cleaning of waterproofing and technical surfaces without foot traffic.
Roof-integrated PV
Dedicated soft wash module: gentle rinse to restore panel output.
Safety and regulatory framework
- — Zero work at height: two operators pilot from the ground.
- — No walking on the roof, so no breakage or fall risk.
- — The TDS X4 is CE certified and built to European industrial standards.
- — Flights are conducted under European drone regulation.
- — Certifying TDS X4 pilot training is included in the delivery programme.
TDS X4 performance
- Autonomy
- 40 min per flight
- Flight precision
- GNSS RTK · 1 cm
- Output
- up to 1000 m²/h
- Pressure
- up to 150 bar
- Weight
- 24.7 kg
- Certification
- CE
Drone or traditional method
| Criterion | TDS X4 drone | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Implementation | A few hours | Scaffolding assembly over several days |
| Work at height | None — ground crew | Operators exposed on the roof |
| Load on roof | None | Foot traffic and breakage risk |
| Homogeneity | Repeatable RTK routes | Variable depending on operator |
| Site disruption | Activity maintained | Extended work zone |
| Maintenance cost | Up to 70% savings | Logistics and access rental |
How much does drone roof cleaning cost?
The price depends on four main factors. Every intervention is quoted after the initial survey.
Surface to treat
Output up to 1000 m²/h lowers the cost per m² on large roofs.
Site accessibility
Take-off zone, building height and neighbourhood constraints.
Soiling level
Thick moss and lichens require longer treatment time.
Complementary treatment
Anti-moss or bio-detergent application after cleaning.
When to have your roof cleaned
Warning signs are visible from the ground: moss patches on north-facing slopes, lichens on tiles, overflowing gutters, streaking on the facade.
Spring and autumn offer the best conditions: moderate temperatures, low wind and no frost. An annual visual check, plus cleaning every two to three years depending on exposure, is enough to preserve the roof.
Frequently asked questions
Does drone cleaning damage tiles?
No. The drone never lands on the roof: no load is applied to the tiles, unlike a foot-based intervention. Pressure is adjusted to the material, from low-pressure soft wash up to 150 bar on resistant supports.
Must the building be evacuated during the intervention?
No. Building activity continues. Only a ground safety zone below the treated surface is marked out by the two operators.
What weather conditions are required?
An intervention takes place outside precipitation and with moderate wind. The slot is confirmed the day before based on forecasts; if postponed, a new date is offered at no extra cost.
Can an anti-moss treatment be applied?
Yes. The TDS X4 has interchangeable chemical modules in under 30 seconds, including a bio-detergent module and a soft wash module suitable for applying a treatment after cleaning.
How long does it take to clean a roof?
The TDS X4 covers up to 1000 m² per hour depending on soiling and roof geometry. A roof of a few hundred m² is usually treated in a day, compared to several days with scaffolding.
Where do you operate?
TitanDrone-Solutions operates and distributes the TDS X4 in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the European Union and Morocco.
Go further
A roof cleaning project?
Describe your building: our team assesses the surface, covering and access, then sends you a detailed proposal.