Roof Leak Detection: How Thermal Imaging Finds Hidden Water Damage

Roof Leak Detection can sometimes be hidden from view. Water can find a way to enter a building through small openings and then travel along the building’s construction elements including the roof and insulation. By the time the leak becomes evident to the occupants of the building, the leak may be large and extend to other areas of the building.There are new methods of locating roof leaks that may be of benefit in these types of situations. One of these methods is the use of an infrared, or thermal, imaging camera. These types of cameras show images based on the amount of heat in an area. Areas that may contain moisture will show up on the thermal image camera. Because of this, the camera can be used to search out potential locations of hidden moisture.

This type of non-destructive testing can be of benefit to building and facility managers to assist in the diagnosis of roof leak locations. Thermo Elite Inc. performs this type of testing and may be able to assist in locating the source of the roof leak.Locating roof leaks may require an assessment of areas where water may be moving through the roofing system.Identifying patterns of moisture related temperature changes allows thermal imaging to expand the scope of non-destructive evaluations.

Basic Principles of Thermal Imaging

Thermal cameras, also known as infrared cameras, capture infrared radiation and convert it to a visual image known as a thermogram.

Tissues and materials at different temperatures will appear different colors to the thermal camera.

When there is moisture in a roofing system, different sections of the roofing system respond to the ambient temperature changes.

Different sections of the roofing system retain and lose heat at different rates. Moisture in roofing materials affects how the system interacts with the surrounding environment.

Analysis of temperature patterns by a trained thermographer can assist in determining if further evaluation of the roofing system is warranted.

Thermal imaging by itself does not verify the presence of a roof leak.

Thermal imaging identifies temperature differences and provides information to the investigator for further evaluation.

 Location of Roof Leaks

Water that enters a roofing system can travel to different areas of the system and cause moisture to be present far from where it originally entered.

The path the water takes after it has entered a roofing system is dependent on many variables and can be difficult to predict.

Taken in conjunction with other data, thermal imaging may help direct the focus of inspections and assessments, which may result in reduced exploratory activities.

Thermal Imaging Highlights Temperature Differentials

Thermal imaging processes infrared energy to create visual representations of air and surface temperatures.

One of the primary uses of thermal imaging is to uncover temperature differentials that are otherwise invisible.

Temperature differentials may be indicative of building material differences.

These temperature differences may be documented using a thermal image and compared to surrounding areas.

There are a number of potential causes of temperature differentials on a building surface.  These may include building construction and materials, mechanical and electrical building equipment, fasteners, air movement, shadows, and surface conditions.

Because of the large number of potential causes of temperature differentials, and the implications that a documented temperature differential may have, a qualified thermographer should be consulted to assist in the interpretation of the thermal image.

Optimal Temperature Differentials

Environmental conditions may affect the temperature differentials that exist on a building. For example, the presence of the sun, cloud cover, wind, and humidity may affect temperature differentials.

Rain may dampen a building, and in the process, cause a building to respond differently to changes in external temperatures.

A thermographer understands these conditions and accounts for them when planning and evaluating a thermographic inspection.

IR Camera Inspection of Roofs

Because of the size of many commercial and industrial buildings, the use of infrared technology for thermographic inspections of roofs is efficient and useful.

Large roofs may include multiple areas of insulation and locations where water may penetrate the roof surface. Conducting a thorough analysis of all areas of a large roof may be time consuming.

 Using a thermal imaging camera may help prioritize areas of a large roof for further analysis.

An analysis may include:

Reviewing records pertaining to the roof and problems reported.

Performing a physical examination of the roof.

Conducting a non-contact examination of the roof using a thermal imaging camera.

Identifying irregularities in the thermal pattern of the roof surface.

Comparing irregularities with physical conditions of the roof.

Conducting other tests and examinations.

Documenting the results of the tests and examinations.

Other factors to be considered may include the environmental conditions and the purpose of the examination.

Thermal Imaging is a Non-Destructive Examination Method

Additionally, one of the benefits of performing a thermal image examination of a roof is that it may be performed without the need to physically cut and remove samples of the roofing membrane.

It may be necessary to physically cut and remove samples of the roofing membrane to determine if moisture is present. Samples should only be removed if other examinations and tests indicate the presence of moisture.

Thermal imaging may be utilized to determine areas of the roof that have an anomaly and may warrant further examinations.

The examination and testing of a roof may allow the owner to address problems before they become more extensive.

While there could be an active leak at the location of a thermal anomaly, it is more likely that the anomaly is the result of insulation damage or some other abnormality. Therefore, thermal images should be considered as part of a preventative maintenance program.

When is a Thermal Roof Inspection Justified?

There are several instances where a thermal roof inspection should be performed to confirm the existence of a roof leak.

After a Heavy Rain

If the performance of the roof of a building is questioned after a heavy rain, thermal roof inspection should be performed to investigate if there is moisture that is trapped in the roof system.

When Water Stains are Observed

If water stains are present on the interior of the building, it does not indicate the location of where the water is entering. Thermal roof inspection should be performed to investigate the adjoining roof area.

During Routine Maintenance

Damage to a roof is not always evident. Thermal roof inspection should be performed as part of a maintenance program to determine if damage is likely to occur in the future.

Prior to the Purchase or Renovation of a Building

Though not always the case, it is possible that a thermal roof inspection would give additional information about the condition of a roof system of a building.

Following Roof Repair Work

Thermal roof inspection should be performed to determine if there are still issues that would indicate an abnormality in the roof system.

The Role of a Professional

The cost of a thermal imaging camera has decreased which has resulted in an increase in the number of these devices in the marketplace.

However, interpreting the images requires an understanding of many factors including the weather conditions, the materials and construction of the roof, as well as the building.

Normally, a thermal image would only indicate that there is a difference in temperature between two different areas.

An individual interpreting the image would need to take into account all of the factors to determine the reason for the temperature differences.

What Thermo Elite Inc Offers

T. E. Inc. offers thermal imaging and inspection services. The technology allows them to assess minute changes in temperature and allow for inspection of otherwise invisible issues.

For building owners and facility managers, performing a thermal inspection of a roof can provide valuable information about potential issues.

Thermographic inspections can be especially beneficial in assisting in the identification of issues and helping to prioritize areas for further inspection and investigation.

Benefits of a Professional Inspection

The use of professional services and an integration of thermal imaging for roof inspection can provide several benefits including:

Revelation of otherwise invisible issues

Fosters and facilitates examination of issues

Aids in elimination of needless speculation and investigation

Provides and creates evidence and documentation

Aids in assessment of issues related to water ingress and investigations thereof

Fosters and promotes proactive maintenance

Is practical and beneficial for larger areas, e.g. roofs

Of all the above mentioned benefits, perhaps the most telling is that thermal imaging allows for inspection of issues without physical contact and can be used in conjunction with other, traditional inspection methods.

Additional Information

Although issues related to roof leaks and moisture may not always be visible, they can and do develop over the course of time.

Thermal imaging can provide valuable information with respect to the existence of issues and assist in prioritizing issues for further evaluation.

Using the services of a reliable partner in thermography, like Thermo Elite Inc., can assist building and property owners in integrating thermography-based roof inspections in their maintenance procedures.

Early-stage identification of roof issues is vital. Addressing roof problems in an existing building, before they get worse and disseminate, helps the owner of the building make informed decisions on the maintenance to be carried out on the building and avoid unnecessary damage to the building.

FAQ

1. Is thermal imaging able to find all roof leaks?

Not always. Thermal imaging helps identify variations in temperatures, which may be associated with moisture or other conditions.

2. Is evaluating a roof with thermal imaging harmful?

Thermal imaging is a non-contacting method of evaluation. Therefore, it does not require removal of roofing materials.

3. What is the advantage of thermal imaging in roof leak evaluation?

It allows evaluation of variations in temperatures and helps in locating areas which may need further evaluation.

4. Is a thermal image able to tell for sure that there is moisture?

Not always. Several other conditions may cause a thermal anomaly.

5. What are the benefits of choosing Thermo Elite Inc.?

The company offers thermographic services and helps building owners assess the condition of their buildings.