Sponsored by:

Infrared Roof Inspections From Indoors?

Infrared inspections of flat roofs are a time-tested procedure for detecting evidence of subsurface moisture within a roofing system. Current standards specify infrared inspections be performed from the exterior of the building; however, infrared inspections may be performed from the interior of the building under certain conditions.

Thermography is a dynamic technology. New applications are constantly being developed and existing methodologies are constantly being improved. As an alternative to imaging from the exterior of the building, some have suggested inspecting the underside of the roof deck from the interior of the building

When selecting a vantage point for an infrared roof inspection, the most important consideration is roof construction. Commerical roofs constructed with relatively thin decks and no air spaces between system components may be inspected from either indoors or outdoors.

Prior to tackling an infrared roof inspection from the interior of the building, the following conditions must be met.

• Roof surface should be clean and dry
• Line of sight access to subject roof areas is required
• Space beneath the roof deck should be uniform temperature
• Viewing locations should be selected to eliminate interference from hot or cold objects such as HID lamps and HVAC equipment

Lastly, inspection must be timed to ensure adequate delta T exists between wet and dry insulation. Upon completion of infrared inspection, all data should be verified by invasive testing.

Infrared inspection of flat roofs is one of the many topics covered in the Infraspection Institute Level I Certified Infrared Thermographer® training course. For more information or to register for a course, visit Infraspection Institute or call us at 609-239-4788.