Flat roofs are a cost-effective solution for many commercial buildings in Mesa, Phoenix, Tucson and the surrounding areas. Like any kind of roof, a flat commercial roof requires regular examination and maintenance. A well-maintained flat roof will enjoy a longer lifespan, require fewer repairs and at a lower cost and thus have a lower total cost of ownership for the business. One of the most modern inspection options available to owners of flat roofs is the infrared inspection.
What Is Infrared?
Infrared radiation or IR is often referred to as infrared light. IR is an energy that humans cannot see but that we can feel as heat. Everything in our universe emits some IR. The most obvious source is the sun. IR is often used for night vision because there is no viable light source available, and similarly, IR cameras are able to see at night as well as detect things that a standard camera could not.
How Is Infrared Use for Roof Inspections?
IR allows for thermal imaging. Sometimes referred to as thermal video, the technical name is infrared thermography or IRT. A thermographic camera is able to detect radiation. By directing this camera toward your flat roof, a roof inspector can see what is going on. Be mindful that your roof is exposed to direct sunlight on a daily basis and so will store up solar energy as heat. Through an IR camera, your roof should appear mostly red. However, water tends to retain its temperature, and so, if water has built up under your roof, those areas of pooled water will appear yellow rather than red.
Fast and Thorough but Noninvasive
IRT is not the only way to inspect a flat roof in Mesa AZ for water. But it is among the fastest and most comprehensive solutions. The other big advantage is that it is noninvasive. In other words, nothing physically has to be done to your roof in order to inspect it, and this also reduces the manpower and equipment that the roofing company needs to complete the inspection.
Maintenance and Repairs
Another advantage of infrared inspections is that they isolate the problem areas on a roof. This lets property owners focus their maintenance and repair expenses on those specific areas and therefore saves them money over the long-term. It also makes the decision-making process easier when you have to choose between repairing and replacing a roof, and if you choose repair, estimates are highly accurate.
