Infrared Thermography

Infrared Thermography is a non-invasive tool utilized in the industry for detecting areas of damage or weakness within a roofing system. When objects absorb heat, they radiate this heat back as infrared energy. This emitted energy is invisible to the naked eye but can be ‘seen’ or detected using specialized equipment designed for thermographic imaging. The equipment used in Infrared Thermography for roof repair is an infrared camera. This camera captures different temperature levels of the roof, each displayed as a different color on the spectrum. Hotter areas appear lighter while cooler regions look darker.

A compromised roofing material can allow water to seep in, which is often captured and held within the insulation beneath. As water has a high thermal capacity, it retains heat longer than the surrounding dry areas. Under the lens of an infrared camera, these moist areas show up as ‘hot spots’, instantly flagging potential issues.

Traditional methods of detecting water damage or leakage often involve invasive processes such as physically removing parts of the roofing material. Infrared Thermography can perform the same task with virtually no disruption to the roof’s structure, thus protecting the integrity of the roofing system and eliminating substantial repair costs.

This method is time-efficient as it allows for large areas to be inspected quickly. Traditional methods are labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring each section to be manually checked for damage.

By locating precisely where water may be trapped in insulation, necessary repairs can be made before more serious damage affects the roofing system. 

 

Roof Coating

Roof coating is a monolithic, fully adhered, fluid-applied roofing membrane. It possesses elastic properties that allow it to stretch and return to its original shape without damage, providing a versatile layer of protection to the roof. Roof coatings are applied on top of an existing roof, to protect the roof from harsh weather and to repair minor damages such as leaks, holes, and cracks. It is often applied as a liquid to ensure it fills every nook and crevice of the roof’s surface, forming a seamless barrier.

Application of roof coating involves a thorough roof inspection first to ensure the coating is suitable for your roof type and to identify any problem areas that need to be repaired before the coating is applied. After carrying out necessary repairs, roof cleaning follows, to ensure that the coating adheres properly. The coating is then applied using sprayers, rollers, or brushes, depending on the roof structure and the type of coating being used.

The added layer of protection reduces the direct impact of factors such as sun exposure, heavy rain, hail, and wind, which can cause substantial wear and tear over time.

Roof coatings have reflective properties, which can significantly reduce heat absorption and subsequent indoor temperature. This decreases the reliance on air conditioning systems, reducing energy consumption and contributing to more sustainable living.

Coatings seal the seams and cracks in roofs, effectively stopping water infiltration. This not only protects the roof from water damage but also prevents potential damage to internal structures.

Many modern roof coatings are made from environmentally friendly materials and emit lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them an excellent choice for those mindful of their environmental impact.

 

Drone Roof Inspection

A drone roof inspection is a process in which a remotely controlled, unmanned aircraft, or ‘drone’, equipped with high-quality imaging devices, is used to inspect and assess the status and condition of a roof. This method eliminates the need for a human inspector to physically climb and traverse the rooftop.

Conducting a drone roof inspection commences with a thorough pre-flight inspection to ensure the equipment functions as required. The drone is then expertly navigated around all areas of the roof, capturing high-resolution images or videos. These provide a bird’s eye view of the roof and surrounding property, allowing for the detection of any potential issues such as structural damage, design flaws, or problems with water drainage systems.

Traditional roof inspection methods often expose inspectors to risks, such as falling. With drones, an inspector can stay firmly on the ground, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.

High-resolution cameras capture detailed images, enabling small defects or damages that might remain unnoticed during manual inspections to become visible. These precise inspections allow for timely interventions, preventing minor problems from escalating.

In contrast to manual inspections, drones can cover large areas in a relatively short time, offering invaluable savings in labor and time resources.

Difficult angles, slippery surfaces, or high elevations aren’t challenges anymore, as the drone can safely navigate and access any part of the roof structure.

When considering aspects such as personnel safety, time savings, and accurate data collection, using drones for roof inspections proves quite economical in the long run.

 

Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is a set of scheduled activities carried out to prevent the breakdown or failure of equipment or systems. It involves regular inspection, servicing, and cleaning to keep the equipment in its optimal working condition.

The process of preventive maintenance typically starts with developing a preventive maintenance schedule. This plan outlines the frequency of maintenance tasks for each piece of equipment. Technicians perform routine checks and services according to this schedule, monitoring equipment for potential issues before they develop into significant problems.

Since potential problems are identified and rectified during routine checks, the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns is minimized. This allows businesses to maintain a steady workflow with little to no interruption.

Regular maintenance keeps equipment in optimal condition, reducing the wear and tear that can shorten its operational lifespan.

Although it requires regular investment in servicing and parts replacement, it helps avoid the high costs associated with equipment failure, including productivity loss, emergency repairs, or even complete equipment replacement.

Regular checks and maintenance reduce the risk of accidents caused by malfunctioning equipment, fostering a safe working environment.

With a schedule in place, organizations can better manage their time, inventory, and workforce, ensuring that both human and material resources are adequately maintained and optimized.