Roof Leak Detection with Infrared Thermal Imaging
Roof Leak Detection with Infrared Thermal Imaging

A leak in your commercial roof can be difficult to track before it causes extensive damage. Building Diagnostics Group performs roof leak detection using non-invasive, non-destructive infrared thermal imaging.

Founded in 2002, Building Diagnostics Group (BDG) specializes in the non-destructive detection, investigation, and resolution of water intrusions on multi-family, commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. We can handle any size project.

Infrared Thermal Imaging (IR)

Infrared thermal imaging is the use of specialized equipment to measure the thermal energy emitted from an object. Thermal energy is light that is not visible because its wavelength is too long to be detected by the human eye.

Infrared (IR) cameras, also called thermographic scanners and thermal imaging devices, measure the intensity of thermal energy being emitted by the object it is aimed at.

Due to the temperature differences between wet building materials and adjacent dry materials, infrared thermography is the only diagnostic tool that instantly detects whether water has penetrated a roof or building envelope.

Walkover Infrared Roof Inspections

Walkover visual photographic roof inspections are conducted by walking on the roof surface with hand-held professional grade infrared camera equipment to capture high-resolution digital images. This type of inspection enables thermographers to perform verification testing and mark the boundaries of thermal anomalies directly on the roof.

While BDG uses and fully endorses both inspection methods, we may recommend an aerial survey of large or multiple roofs as a first approach and then follow up with a walkover inspection to verify anomalies on selected roof areas.

Aerial Infrared Roof Inspections

Thermal imaging cameras are a powerful tool for conducting aerial roof inspections. This service is performed just after sunset and works on the premise that wet areas on a roof retain heat longer than dry areas. As the surface of the roof cools after sunset, the temperature differences are easily detectable using aerial thermal imaging. The areas of moisture are documented for further investigation and proper repair recommendations.

BDG is FAA-authorized to perform nighttime aerial operations with an approved Daylight Operation Waiver under 14 CFR § 107.29. The waiver allows us to perform aerial infrared roof inspections throughout the United States.

Choose a Qualified Thermographer

Infrared cameras produce images of raw data, and proper interpretation requires training and years of experience. High-resolution camera systems can detect even the slightest thermal patterns, but low resolution or low-cost cameras are less sensitive. Before you choose your thermographer, check their credentials and ensure they have the proper equipment and expertise to perform your inspection.

The President of BDG, Robert Scherer, has over 25 years of residential and commercial construction experience and is a pioneer in the field of moisture intrusion and building defect investigations with the use of infrared thermography. He is a Certified Indoor Environmentalist, Certified Mold Inspector, an ITC Certified Level III Thermographer with over 15 years of thermography experience and is certified in Advanced Building Diagnostics.

Utilizing only high-resolution FLIR SYSTEMS thermography equipment, the highest-quality infrared equipment in the industry, and several camera systems designed for different uses, the highly trained BDG team provides the most comprehensive non-destructive building inspections available today.

For professional roof leak detection with infrared thermal imaging, or other services that are not described here, please call Building Diagnostics Group at (888) 317-4568 or contact us online to discuss the details of your project.