Thermal imaging is a technique that’s quickly gaining popularity in the roofing industry. This non-invasive process allows roofers to discover hidden issues with a roof before they turn into much larger, more expensive problems. In other words, thermal imaging gives roofers the opportunity to solve tomorrow’s problems today.

How Does Thermal Imaging Work?

Thermal imaging detects the amount of heat that is coming off of an object. Roofing materials typically absorb some of the sun’s heat throughout the day, then radiate it back at night. Any areas that contain moisture inside of or under them will absorb and release this heat at a different rate – typically slower than standard roofing materials. Thanks to thermal imaging, the roofing company is able to visualize any hot or cold spots.

It is important to note that thermal imaging alone does not confirm the presence of moisture – it only highlights an area that requires further investigation. Roofers must use a moisture meter in order to confirm that it is there.

When Can Thermal Imaging Be Done?

In order to minimize the number of variables and the impact of outside factors on the readings, thermal imaging should be done on a clear day or night with little to no wind. The roof should be clean of any dirt or debris. It also must be completely dry. In warm weather, the best time to do thermal imaging is right after sunset. As the roof releases the heat it built up during the day, it is easy to see the temperature differences between wet and dry areas.

In cooler weather, the early morning hours are the best time for thermal imaging. This allows the roofers to study the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures. Because wet areas have a higher thermal conductivity, they will transfer more of the warm air from inside of the home to outside.

Thermal imaging is beneficial in that it provides:

• A quick and easy way to scan the entire roof for problems without the need to inspect it inch-by-inch
• Quick detection of damage both inside and out
• Accurate pinpointing of exactly where problem areas may be
• Proactive damage detection to save money in the long run

The Future of Thermal Imaging

Thanks to upcoming technological advances, the benefits of thermal imaging are set to improve even more over the next few years. Some companies are now using a drone to fly over a roof in order to complete the thermal imaging. This makes the process that much simpler and faster to do.

A routine roof inspection allows roofers to examine all points of your roof and identify small issues before they become large ones. For more information or to schedule your roof inspection today, contact us at 702-262-7847.