Infrared Testing Pitched Roof

In our level i thermographic applications course we go into detail on safety pre inspection actual infrared inspection and the post inspection items.

Infrared testing pitched roof. The testing cannot be completed over wet or ponded areas and modified instruments are typically required for epdm roof systems. Astm e1105 and aama 501 2 test methods are good overall methods commonly used to test exterior walls sloped glazing and shallow pitched roofs to help identify leak sources. Infrared roof surveys are the ideal tool for detecting moisture intrusion and then guiding repair efforts to only those areas which need it minimizing costs and maximizing serviceable life of the roof. Infrared survey infrared moisture surveys provide an economical way to identify specific areas of wet insulation and moisture present in the existing roof system.

Roof assemblies may be either warm or cold a warm roof is designed with all layers resting directly on one another. Proactive annual or semi annual flat roof infrared surveys are a tremendous predictive cost savings tool for building owners and operators. This practice includes ground based and aerial inspections. Without any room for ventilation it is difficult to scan the roof from above.

1 1 this practice applies to techniques that employ infrared imaging at night to determine the location of wet insulation in roofing systems that have insulation above the deck in contact with the waterproofing. If moisture laden roofs are left in disrepair the metal decking components rust the concrete deck absorbs water and the wood deck rots. An infrared camera detects the temperature of the areas within a roof system and identifies temperature differentials throughout the area. Thermography is typically used for condition assessment and forensic studies as well as quality assurance inspections of new installations repairs and retrofits.

But plan on a preliminary daylight walk around to help you identify potential hazards and to visually inspect the roof. This astm testing procedure utilizes a calibrated spray rack with specific water pressures nozzles and distances to wet a wall with water at the rate of five gallons per square foot per hour. Day or night on a roof it is critical to always be with a qualified escort. When there s a leak in the waterproof membrane water can enter the roof system and saturate the insulation and underlying layers.

Thermal infrared nondestructive testing of roofs infrared thermography is the preferred method of finding roof moisture because 100 of the roof is surveyed and all areas of wet insulation can be found during the thermal survey if properly conducted.