Make sure that the roof is not wet from rain, dew, snowmelt, or other moisture.Do not conduct the inspection when winds exceed 15 mph.Identify any areas of the roof that may have been repaired with material that is different from the original roof composition.Educate yourself about the properties of the specific roof-covering of the home before conducting the inspection to ensure that your results will be untainted by false readings.If you are going to leverage infrared technology to improve your home inspection, here are some best practices to keep in mind: Since infrared devices measure heat, the amount of heat being calculated can be affected by wind, air exhaust, lights, steam pipes, or steam plumes on or near the roof. For example, insulation with different absorption characteristics or R-values will give off different heat signatures and if multiple types of insulation are present on the same roof, this could impact the accuracy of an infrared inspection.Īlso, materials such as vegetation, dirt, bitumen, gravel, or other debris lying on the roof can distort the results from an infrared camera. Like any tool, infrared cameras are only effective when they are used properly and their data is interpreted accurately.
These devices can also detect various foundational, mechanical, or structural issues that could lead to costly problems if left unaddressed. Observing differences in heat signatures can help home inspectors evaluate the energy efficiency of homes by highlighting areas where heat may be escaping. Moreover, infrared cameras can be used to spot problems besides moisture incursions or leaks.
Able to provide visual documentation of leaks.Able to complete thorough assessments of damaged or compromised areas.Able to identify small leaks before they become larger and more problematic.It is easy to see why many home inspectors are acquiring infrared cameras for use during their roof inspections. Why Home Inspectors Love Infrared Devices Infrared devices can display these warmer areas on a screen, which can help pinpoint where moisture may be collecting within a roof’s underlayer or insulation. However, areas where moisture is present do not cool as rapidly after being heated. During daytime hours, the sun heats up the roof surface and the roof radiates the heat back into the air at night. Infrared technology enables an inspector to identify the varying temperatures on a roof. Usually, these cameras are used in conjunction with moisture meters that can verify the presence of liquid in a given area. Products like the FLIR E60, Fluke Ti400, or Keysight TrueIR imager help home inspectors locate leaks by observing infrared signatures of roofs or walls. Simply put, infrared light varies in direct correlation with the amount of heat exuded by a surface or object. Infrared technology (also called thermal imaging) utilizes devices that can detect light on the infrared spectrum which is imperceptible to the human eye. Many home inspectors have embraced infrared technology as a means to better locate these potential trouble spots in a home. What homeowners require professionals for is the detection of roof leaks which may be hidden or invisible to the naked eye.
It does not take an expert to find a moisture leak in a home if a dark, wet ceiling or wall stain (possibly accompanied by dripping or trickling water) is present and in clear view.
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