Ordering an infrared scan sounds simple, but as industry insiders, we know that getting accurate data requires specific conditions. You can't just point a thermal camera at a roof on a rainy Tuesday and expect magic. DISCOUNTED ROOFING LLC wants to guide facility managers on how to prepare for a successful scan, ensuring that the data we collect is accurate and actionable.
1. Wait for the Right Weather Window Thermography relies on "solar loading." We need a sunny day to heat up the roof assembly. Then, we need a clear, cool night for the roof to radiate that heat away. If it is cloudy, rainy, or extremely windy, the thermal difference (Delta T) between wet and dry insulation won't be distinct enough. We watch the weather forecast closely to schedule your scan for optimal contrast conditions.
2. Clear the Debris Before we arrive, the roof surface needs to be relatively clean. Piles of leaves, dirt, or standing water can create "false positives." A puddle of water retains heat just like wet insulation, potentially confusing the data. Ensuring the drains are clear and the surface is dry helps us distinguish between surface issues and subsurface saturation.
3. Know Your Roof Assembly It helps us immensely to know what is under the membrane. Is it ISO board? Perlite? Lightweight concrete? Different materials have different thermal properties. For example, Perlite holds water like a sponge and shows up very clearly, whereas ISO board absorbs less water. Providing us with the original "as-built" drawings or previous core sample data allows us to calibrate our cameras for your specific roof type. This calibration is what separates a generic scan from a forensic analysis.
4. Plan for Core Verification An IR scan is powerful, but it requires physical verification. We will need to take small "core cuts" (which we immediately patch) to confirm that a "hot spot" is indeed water and not just a variation in insulation thickness or a mechanical unit exhaust. Be prepared to authorize these minor invasive tests; they are the "ground truth" that validates the thermal images.
When you hire us for Commercial Roof Services in Philadelphia, you aren't just getting a guy with a camera. You are getting a team that understands the thermodynamics of building envelopes. We plan the mission, execute under the right conditions, and verify the results to give you a roadmap for restoration.
