High Voltage Power Lines Inspection Using Thermal Drone
7. 2. 2020
Building Diagnostics Using Infrared Camera
7. 2. 2020Flat roofs, while popular, can present several challenges that compromise their structural integrity. Key problem areas often include where the roof meets the attic and its drainage contact points. Leakage is a common issue, especially in parts of the roof weakened by poor installation, lack of maintenance, or surface deterioration from not being adequately shielded against the elements.
Such roofs are also vulnerable to high wind speeds, leading to dynamic stresses that may lift and damage sections of the roofing. Over time, this can thin the roof's material, making it prone to leaks. Accumulated water on compromised sections exacerbates the problem, diminishing the roof's lifespan. Water seepage into the gaps between insulation panels, beneath the thermal insulation, and into the waterproofing system lowers the temperature, thereby degrading the waterproofing quality. This can lead to water vapor condensation within the roof deck or, in severe cases, water overload on the roof's supporting structure.
Nevertheless, a swift, effective, and straightforward solution for diagnosing these issues involves thermal imaging.
By utilizing a thermal camera, the method detects temperature variances between dry and moist areas, thus mapping out the entire affected insulation range. Depending on the roof's design, this technique can accurately determine the damage extent.
The science underpinning thermographic roof inspections is simple. The part of the roof that remains dry heats and cools more slowly than its wet counterpart. A thermal inspection identifies these discrepancies, pinpointing damaged areas by detecting faster-cooling dry spots, indicative of their lower heat retention compared to moist areas.
For optimal results, thermographic assessments should be conducted post-sunset to avoid the sun's heating effects and ensure a significant temperature differential between day and night. This approach ensures the capture of clear thermograms, providing a reliable means to assess and address flat roof vulnerabilities effectively, enhancing their durability and performance.