Why Use Infrared For Roof Surveys?

To save money, that’s why.  And not just a little, a lot.

IR P/PM (infrared predictive/preventive maintenance) is not simply limited to annual infrared surveys of electrical switchgear, as many believe. Infrared thermography is a very effective tool for roof asset management. IR roof moisture surveys are performed on roofs to quantify the extent of roof moisture (water) that is inside the roof system. Infrared thermography is not leak management. No matter how the water got into the substrate, the purpose of this type of survey is simply to find and document where the water is located.

Extending the life of a roof will save the owner the expense and aggravation of re-roofing or re-covering. Re-roofing means that the roof is taken down to the decking and replaced completely. Re-covering means that the waterproofing layer(s) are removed, the wet insulation is removed and replaced and a new waterproofing layer is put down.

The cost of an infrared roof moisture survey is three to five CENTS per square foot. It cost between three and five DOLLARS per square foot to repair/replace roofs.  So, knowing the exact location of the subsurface water is extremely useful information, since only those areas which are damaged need to be repaired.  This information is used to plan budgets and when needed, as a bid document for contracting repairs and/or replacement of the roof.

Every day millions of square feet of perfectly good roofing materials are disposed of in our landfills. Why?  Roofs are often replaced because no one knows exactly where the roof is damaged until it is too late. If you want your roof to last, it must be regularly maintained by professionals. Infrared roof moisture surveying is the best method of non-destructive testing on roofs.