Aerial Infrared Roof Moisture Surveys
Aerial Infrared Roof Moisture Surveys
INTRODUCTION
IR P/PM (infrared predictive/preventive maintenance) is not
limited to annual infrared surveys of electrical switchgear. For
instance, infrared thermography can be 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 that 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.
Keywords: Infrared, Thermography, Roof, Roof Asset Management,
Infrared Roof Moisture Survey.
ROOF MAINTENANCE IN GENERAL
The ravages of sun, wind, rain, snow, chemicals, leakage, rapid
changes in temperature and time - will eventually cause every
roof to fail. Some roofs last 40-50 years