Commercial Flat Roof Infrared Inspection

Roofing Spotlight:
Flat Roof  Inspections: IR applications for   commercial projects. 
November, 2006

Classic Flat Roof Inspection
Flat roof inspection is the most common form of infrared roof inspection. Many roofs need to be replaced prematurely due to moisture damage from leaks and improper installation.  Infrared thermography has a proven track record in finding damaged portions of roofing structure so they can be repaired before water damage rots your whole roof.  Thermography is a non-contact testing method, don't let anyone drill holes in your roof to test for damage.

Aerial Roofing Inspection
The non-contact nature of infrared thermography allows for aerial inspections of large roofing structures.  Our specialized equipment and nationwide presence allows us to service your needs better.

Flat Roof IR Survey

    Flat roof structures are the standard in industrial applications.  Of the millions of square feet of roof installed each year it has been estimated that up to 40% will develop problems within the first year of service.  The average life span of these roofs is seven years, but it is estimated that they could last as long as twenty years if correctly installed and maintained.  This is were infrared imaging stands above all other methods in prolonging the life of your flat roof structure.

    Thermal infrared inspections are non contact and non destructive testing procedures.  The IR camera allows a professional thermographer to scan large areas of roof from a distance.   Traditional roof inspection methods require a grid type contact search (capacitance testing) that takes a long time to complete, or they involve actually drilling holes (core sampling) in the roof membrane, definitely not recommended!

   Infrared roof inspections work on the principal that different materials in the roof have different thermal mass.  In the daytime the sun heats the roof structure.  After the sun sets the roof begins to cool.  If there is a leak in the roof membrane the insulation inside the roof will become wet.  The wet insulation has a higher thermal mass than the rest of the "dry" roof structure.  As a result of this difference the "wet" areas will maintain heat energy longer than other areas providing the infrared inspector with a clear picture of the damaged area.  The temperature difference between damaged and "dry" roof is very small (typically 2-4 degrees).   Because of this, it is vital that you have an experienced professional thermographer perform your inspection or train your people in the proper methods.

    Sierra Pacific Infrared can provide you with either a certified infrared roof inspector or furnish your organization with a high quality thermal camera and the appropriate training for your staff. 

Applications

Flat roof leak
Detection for buildings, plants, and facilities.

Sub Contractor Approval
Inspect all through roof installations for possible leakage.  Within 30 days a substandard installation may reveal itself, before you pay! 

Moisture Contamination Evaluate buildings, condo's, and plant facilities for moisture damage (through roof or other) which can lead to serious air quality issues if not attended to promptly.

Roof Insulation
Inspect interior and exterior roof structure to identify possible sub standard or damaged installations.

Grow Room Detection
Inspect suspicious structures with aerial recon.  No contact thermography can detect unusual heat patterns indicative of an indoor marijuana growing operation.  Warrants have been obtained based on infrared images.

Heat Ventilation Air conditioning equipment. Evaluate installation and performance of all HVAC units and systems.

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Most SPI night vision products are subject to the International Trade in Arms Regulations, administered by the US department of state.  Products that fall into this classification may be shipped anywhere in the continental United States of America and Canada only .  All other destinations must be approved by the Department of State.  Please contact the US Department of State for assistance.

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