commercial roof inspection

4 Signs You Need Commercial Roof Leak Repair

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Many times you don’t even have to go on top of your commercial roof to determine it’s leaking. There are many different signs that could indicate your commercial roof needs to be repaired or replaced. You never want to have to deal with roof moisture getting in areas where it shouldn’t, which highlights the importance of getting a regular commercial roofing thermography inspection. Here are a few signs your commercial roof may need to be repaired.

Moisture Infiltration

If you’re experiencing roof moisture, you may see signs like water stains on the ceilings, insect problems or high indoor humidity. These are most likely the result of a leaky roof and will need to be fixed immediately. Conducting an infrared roof moisture survey will help identify the source of the leak and any potential problems on the horizon as well.

Low Spots or Sagging

You might have an issue below the surface of your roof if you see sagging or low spots anywhere. These issues could occur because of ponding damaging the roof insulation, or there could be other issues as well. Regardless of the reason, a thermography inspection can identify exactly what the issue may be and the source of the issue too.

Rising Energy Bills

You may not even know you need a commercial roof inspection until you get your energy bill one month and realize it’s much higher than normal. During the warm summer months, higher energy bills are expected, but you should especially look into getting an IR thermography survey conducted if the bills are much higher than normal. You could have a leak in your insulation or other part of the roof allowing air to escape. If you don’t get it fixed immediately, you’ll rack up more costs with your energy bills and likely come across more issues later on.

Poor Drainage

If it’s raining a lot outside, but you don’t see much water coming off of the roof, then you can assume drains are clogged. This can result in serious ponding on your roof and quickly cause damage to it. Certified thermographers can help detect drainage issues, and whether the ponding caused any damage to the roof. You never want to delay getting a drainage issue fixed, since major problems could be on the horizon leading to costly roof repair, or even replacement.

Infrared Consulting Services uses the best infrared detection technology on the market to ensure your commercial roof will remain in great shape. The best infrared inspection services can help detect commercial roof issues before they become a larger problem. Whether you think you have a roof moisture issue or not, now is the time to schedule your commercial roof inspection. Be sure to contact us at any time to set up an appointment.

baseline roof moisture survey

Why You Need a Baseline Roofing Moisture Survey

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A baseline roofing moisture survey is an essential part of determining whether a newly constructed building was properly built. With a commercial roofing thermography test, you will be able to see areas of weakness that could potentially cause problems later on. Some of the issues detected by the commercial roof inspection may not require immediate attention, but it will give property owners something to keep an eye on as the years go by.

Set the Foundation for Future Surveys

Doing a baseline roof moisture survey will establish the current condition of the building, so future roof moisture surveys can be based on the initial one. One of the benefits of infrared inspection is you can keep the surveys and easily compare them to one another over a period of time. An issue may not look too bad five years from now, but when you compare it to the baseline roof moisture survey, you may determine the condition has gotten progressively worse and can take appropriate action to prevent further damage.

Importance of Knowing The Current Condition of the Building

When you know the current condition of the commercial building, you can make a more informed decision about whether you want to purchase it or lease it. If the commercial roof inspection shows some concerns about the viability of the roof, then you can reconsider your decision. Many people and businesses don’t think much about the roof since it’s out of sight.  Neglecting to give this important part of a structure the attention it deserves can cost a business owner a lot of money when moisture starts to penetrate their roof.

Finding an Issue Upfront is Better Than Later

A baseline roofing moisture survey is also helpful from an infrared problem prevention standpoint. In many cases, you’ll be able to detect a problem before it even occurs, which will save time and money later on. If a certain issue doesn’t require immediate attention, then at least you know there is a potential problem on the horizon and can monitor it closely. Sometimes you’ll need to have more frequent surveys in those cases to ensure the problem doesn’t get to the point where the roof begins leaking.

Save Money Down the Road

A commercial roof inspection is a bit costly, but the cost is minimal compared to the potential cost of the damage roof moisture can cause. Once moisture gets through the roof, it could get into insulation, HVAC systems and anywhere else to cause major problems. In other words, it’s usually not just a leak you have to fix when you find it.

Infrared Consulting Services has helped clients with their baseline roof moisture surveys for many years. Most surveys come back positive, but we have also helped clients save a lot of money by identifying potentially large issues. Feel free to contact us to inquire about a baseline roof moisture survey for your commercial building.

commercial roofing thermography

Dangers of Wet Insulation in a Commercial Roof

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Roof moisture may appear to dry in the sun and wind. Yet, once roofing insulation gets wet, hazardous and costly problems get started almost immediately. A commercial roof inspection using IR thermography is imperative to detect and stop these potentially devastating issues in their tracks.

Fixing a Leak Isn’t Enough

Do you know why you can’t just fix a leak, but have to remove any wet insulation, too? It’s because water conducts energy, so instead of keeping energy inside the building, insulation that’s wet takes it out of the building.

Wet insulation also adds weight to your building’s roof, which can cause structural damage such as warping. Trapped wetness degrades materials throughout the roofing system, rusting steel components and weakening energy efficiency. In fact, since the wetter the insulation the heavier it is, your entire building’s integrity is at risk.

Of course, mold and mildew is dangerous to people, too. Mold takes hold within 24 to 48 hours. FEMA warns that besides being known allergens, some molds are seriously toxic. All molds, however, are capable of being detrimental to someone’s health.

A Sound Maintenance Plan Includes IR Testing

Every sound commercial roofing maintenance plan includes an annual IR thermography inspection. Wet insulation isn’t always noticeable until the mold and mildew become visible … and the problems become much more expensive to correct. They can also interfere with your operations, adding additional costs to an already unbudgeted expenditure.

If your enterprise is under a low-slope or flat roof, commercial roofing thermography now could save you tens of thousands of dollars later.

Call Infrared Consulting Services today, and let us find your wet insulation now!

commercial roof

Goals of a Roofing Plan Review

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Infrared applications can sometimes be difficult to understand. This is especially true with commercial roofing thermography, since there are many different shapes, sizes, insulations, decks and more when it comes to the design of a roof. However, the main goal of any type of roof is to keep water out of the interior of the building, which is where thermographic imaging comes into play. When maintaining a commercial flat or low-sloped roof, there are many ways a thermography inspection can fit into the plan.

Inspect and Scan Before Replacing

A low-sloped roof generally has a slope of less than 3:12, while a flat roof has no slope at all. These types of roofs can cause major challenges for maintenance professionals, since mechanical drainage systems are used to ensure water is quickly removed from the roof. But if the roof eventually leaks, how do you know whether it’s time to replace it or if the holes can just be repaired?

Replacing a roof can be an expensive burden for companies. However, getting a commercial roofing thermography inspection can help save a lot of money, time and headaches. Thermography inspection professionals can use their thermography instruments to find any hidden roof moisture trapped inside the roof. At this point, the owner can decide whether they just want to patch up the problem areas or spend the extra money to replace the entire roof. Many factors go into making this determination.

Conduct IR Testing Prior to Purchasing a Building

Prior to purchasing a commercial building, business owners should conduct a commercial roof inspection to determine what kind of shape their roof is in. Roofs are not cheap, so if a building has a roof that is 30+ years old, there’s a chance it has some wear and tear if it hasn’t been replaced recently. A simple thermographic roof moisture survey can help you determine whether you’re making a good investment in the building.

How IR Testing Works on Roofs

The science behind thermographic imaging is fascinating. When the sun transfers energy to the roof during the day, it heats up. At night, the roof radiates the heat back with a process known as radiational cooling. If a roof has any sort of moisture in the walls, it will remain warmer longer since wet areas retain heat longer. When a commercial roofing thermography inspection is conducted, these areas of uneven heat can be quickly identified as areas needing attention due to the presence of moisture.

What Infrared Testing Accomplishes

By completing a commercial roof inspection on a flat or low-sloped roof, business and property owners can save a lot of money and potential damage later on. When reviewing a roofing plan for a new building, an older building you’re looking to purchase or if you’re determining whether the roof needs to be repaired or replaced, a thermography inspection is the most efficient and effective way to go.

Infrared Consulting Services has been in business for nearly 30 years and has helped keep thousands of commercial properties in great shape due to thermographic imaging. If you need help setting goals for your roofing plan review, be sure to contact us to see how we can help.

infrared thermography

4 Types of IR Roof Moisture Surveys

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Identifying roof moisture in a commercial property’s roof system is vital to protecting a business owner’s investments and securing the safety of workers, visitors, residents and anyone else who has cause to be inside the facility. Thanks to today’s infrared detection technology, even the largest roofs can be inspected without destruction and in a timely manner.

IR thermography technicians use four types of surveys to detect moisture on commercial roofing:

  1. On-the-roof (also called on-roof or walking the roof) moisture survey

Most roof moisture surveys done with infrared thermography are performed by technicians using their equipment while standing on a business’ roof. A visual inspection by trained individuals can identify tears and poor seals around equipment and pipes on the roof where water is draining inside the facility, as well as detect places where unseen leaks may be wreaking havoc on the roof’s structure and underlying insulation.

  1. Under-the-roof (or under-roof) moisture survey

IR detection can be done from underneath the roof, between the interior ceiling and the roof structure. By using infrared thermography, IR Test technicians can find specific spots where moisture is being trapped under the roof so that you can repair only those areas.

  1. Elevated roof moisture survey

From an elevated position above the roof, IR thermographers can create a highly accurate roof moisture map of even the largest commercial roof. Few signs of leaks are missed from this perspective. Naturally, an elevated roof moisture survey is best done on a clear day.

  1. Aerial roof moisture survey

This is the most efficient way to conduct a commercial infrared roof moisture survey. Every nook and cranny of the roofing is exposed, so nothing prevents the IR thermography from detecting even the smallest signs of a leak.

Keeping a commercial building’s roofing insulation dry will help the roof last longer, keep electrical systems from malfunctioning, prevent the interior ceiling from falling in and eliminate mold growth. Infrared thermography identifies specific areas in need of repair, which means owners and contractors know exactly where to concentrate their work. Spot repair is significantly less expensive than replacing an entire roof.

Before any business owner or manager makes the decision to repair or replace the roof of a commercial building, an IR thermography roofing moisture survey is vital to saving time and unnecessary expense. Don’t assume your new roof is leak-proof, either! Get it inspected now for peace of mind (and safety) the rest of the year.

infrared testing

Can Infrared Testing Reveal as Much as Cutting into a Pipe?

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When you can see condensation or feel heat on a pipe, you know something may be wrong inside of it. Cutting into that pipe to discover a potential problem, though, is a serious and costly step. Infrared testing may be a better choice.

Even where no obvious signs of temperature disturbances are visible, problems may still exist under the surface. In situations like this, IR cameras and trained thermographers are invaluable. All objects radiate IR energy, which an IR camera can “see.” The thermographer reads the thermal radiation patterns to determine the condition of a pipe or other material vital to your business.

Doing this right takes a highly-trained thermographer because of thermal reflectivity. Some of the radiation being emitted from the pipe or other components won’t have anything to do with true surface temperature. Thermographers go through extensive training to learn how to identify, understand, evaluate and control this reflective energy. Thermography also requires deep knowledge of physics and environmental factors that influence surface temperatures.

Thermography has two big advantages or other NDT (nondestructive testing) tech:

  •      Speed – thermography is almost instantaneous
  •      In-situ inspection – large areas or a vast number of objects can be tested in a short period of time

Other advantages include:

  •      Environmentally friendly
  •      No destruction of what’s being examined
  •      Major savings in employee compensation, downtime and machinery costs
  •      Can be done day or night

Contact at (888) 925-4404 or via our online form to talk about inspecting your pipes – and saving you money.

infrared detection technology

Importance of Evaluating Distribution Lines and Substation

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Working in a high voltage environment comes with a lot of risks. One minor mistake could lead to an employee become injured badly. Companies are beginning to realize the importance of using infrared detection technology in their overall maintenance plan. Not only will infrared surveys give employees a safer work environment, but they will also ensure systems run more efficiently.

Distribution lines and substations are important to evaluate accurately, so having an experienced infrared thermographer conduct a survey is critical. Here are some of the main benefits of infrared inspection when it comes to these components.

Reliability and Safety of Systems

With the high voltage equipment used in industrial environments, regular evaluation of different components is critical for safety and overall reliability of various systems. Whether it’s transformers, regulators, switches or any other component, infrared detection technology can help ensure they run efficiently and safely.

Like with other electrical testing, infrared thermography can identify points where temperature is hotter than in other areas. Most importantly, these surveys can identify heat where heat shouldn’t be. A rise in temperature in some of these components make them work harder, meaning they are less energy efficient and cost more money to operate. Plus, they are a potential hazard for fires or explosions if not operating efficiently.

Predictive Maintenance Can Prevent Disasters

When it comes to substations and distribution lines, predictive maintenance can prevent major disasters from occurring. Any given substation has hundreds, or even thousands, of different connections. If even one of these connections is faulty, it could lead to a broken machine, a dangerous environment or even a costly shutdown.

With the non-invasive infrared detection technology, these connections can be evaluated without having to put a halt to production. The technology used can determine faulty contacts or connections much better than the human eye, so most companies consider it a worthy investment. The best part about electrical testing with IR technology is it not only identifies current issues, but it can also predict future problems before they occur.

Avoid Costly Shutdowns

From a business standpoint, the last thing any company wants to do is shut down due to an equipment failure. With regular evaluation of distribution lines and substations, these costly shutdowns can be avoided. Some companies make the mistake of avoiding the use of infrared consulting services because of the upfront cost. However, the long-term risk is greatly reduced when you know your systems are functioning properly.

In addition to the reduced risk, the surveys essentially pay for themselves when you think of the money companies would have to pay for a replaced machine or a shutdown. A thousand dollars here and there is much better than paying hundreds of thousands of dollars later on to fix a major problem.

At Infrared Consulting Services, we have experienced infrared thermographers to conduct surveys on any of your distribution lines and substations. Be sure to contact us for an evaluation.

thermographic scanning

Cost of Electrical Systems Fire (and How to Prevent Them)

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Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent every year in property damage as a result of fires in industrial environments. These fires can be caused by a number of factors, but one thing they all have in common is they can be prevented. It’s easy to understand the benefits of infrared inspection for companies, especially when used as a disaster prevention tool.

The scary thing about electrical systems fires is you may not even know something is wrong until it’s too late. By incorporating thermographic scanning into your regular maintenance budget, you’ll be able to put your company in a safer spot.

Causes of Electrical Systems Fires

Electrical equipment is going to be hot in most cases. Fires can occur when dust, dirt or grease is covering the equipment. Those particles provide fuel for a fire to continue burning, rather than being short-lived if the equipment were clean. Other causes of electrical fires include:

  • Overloaded circuits
  • Exposed or damaged wiring
  • Overloaded outlets
  • Worn extension cords
  • Static discharge

With the high-paced work occurring in industrial workplaces, it can be difficult to spot a potential electrical issue. However, all it takes is a little spark from one of these components to cause a potentially devastating fire. That’s why many companies are leaning on IR thermography to identify any possible issues so they can be fixed before a disaster occurs.

Preventing Electrical Systems Fires With Thermographic Scanning

It’s obvious how to avoid fires started by some of the most common causes, like replacing damaged wires or extension cords. However, these are just temporary fixes, for the most part. Instead, the best way to prevent electrical systems fires in your workplace is to incorporate regular thermographic scanning into your schedule.

With a thermal imaging survey, you don’t even have to shut down your operations most of the time. A thermographer can come to your workplace and give you a comprehensive view of what may need to be fixed or replaced. Infrared thermography detects heat and moisture and is clearly identified on the survey. When these spots show up, it’s a clear indication that something isn’t how it should be and needs immediate attention.

Have a Plan in Place 

The great thing about IR thermography is companies are able to detect problems they didn’t even know they had. This is especially important when it comes to electrical equipment. Have a plan in place to have a thermal imaging survey conducted quarterly, or at least a couple times each year.

Not only will these surveys create a safer work environment, but they could save your company thousands, if not millions, of dollars by avoiding potentially devastating fires. A regular survey, along with general maintenance and awareness on a daily basis, will go a long way in ensuring your company doesn’t have to deal with an electrical fire.

To learn more about the technicalities of infrared thermography, or to schedule your next survey, be sure to contact us.

infrared detection technology

History and Future of IR Detection Technology

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Infrared detection technology may seem like a new and innovative technology, but the reality is it’s been around since the 19th century. Of course, the technology has evolved over the years, but the original idea is more than 200 years old. Companies across the country and the globe rely on infrared detection technology today to prevent a multitude of problems from occurring. Infrared thermography has come a long way over the years and will still continue to evolve in the future.

The First Infrared Detectors

Some of the first IR thermography devices simply relied on variances in temperature of the device itself. The same basic principles apply to the technology today, but it has advanced in many ways. Back in the 19th century, these were simple devices, but could still work in a similar manner as they do today.

The Evolution of Infrared Detection Technology

As we moved into the 20th century, thermographic imaging continued to evolve and could be used for more purposes. The technology began to detect issues on different materials and equipment, and also expanded from just being able to tell different temperatures. As companies realized the benefits of conducting an infrared inspection for their business, the IR thermography technology developed along with it to keep up with the demand.

What the Future Holds for IR Detectors

Companies will continue to have infrared problem prevention policies in place as IR detectors evolve. Thermographic imaging will only be used more frequently in the future, as the surveys can detect invisible gas leaks, temperature differences and more. This is especially valuable for oil and gas plants, which could prevent serious risks and dangers to employees.

Eventually, it will be mandated that all companies conduct at least an annual infrared inspection for their business. Companies already have strict safety policies and procedures in place, but in order for them to keep their employees safe, an IR thermography test is necessary.

Incorporating Infrared Testing in Your Company

The great thing about infrared testing is it very rarely requires a shutdown of the business. An infrared thermographer can conduct tests during the middle of the day while the machines are running, or he could wait until after hours, if that’s what the business owner prefers.

Today’s business world almost requires 24-hour production in order to keep up. Even a shutdown or slowdown in production for a couple hours could lead to thousands of lost dollars. With the future of infrared detection technology, companies will be able to appreciate a safer work environment and also a boost to the bottom line because of fewer shutdowns and potential injuries to employees.

To learn more about the future of IR detection technology, and to schedule your infrared survey, be sure to contact us at any time for a consultation.

infrared electrical inspection

What Happens in an Electrical Systems Failure

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One of the worst nightmares any business has to worry about is a possible electrical systems failure. Not only does an electrical outage slow down or completely halt production, it could lose the business money or, more importantly, put lives at risk. In order to prevent these failures from occurring, you need to know what happens with an electrical systems failure. If you don’t know the causes, then you won’t be able to know how to fix the root of the issue.

Causes of Electrical Systems Failures

The majority of electrical failures are because of failed electrical insulation. This insulation is designed to keep the high voltage from going places it shouldn’t be. But when the insulation is torn or compromised in any way, a serious electrical failure could occur.

Loose electrical connections are also another big cause of electrical failures. A loose connection will generate excessive heat and could eventually cause a fire or other damage.Unless you have an infrared electrical inspection conducted, it’s very difficult to detect a loose connection or even faulty electrical insulation.

Dangers and Risks

Not only will production likely shut down when electric systems fail, a real possibility of fire and explosion exist. Anyone near the source of the electrical failure will be at risk of serious injury or death because of the explosion or flying debris as a result. The best way to protect employees from this is to conduct regular thermal imaging electrical inspections.

What to do When Electrical Systems Fail

The first thing you should do when your electrical systems fail is to order an electrical infrared survey. This survey will be able to identify the root of the issue and can help to detect any other potential problems. Once all of the problems are identified, the faulty components can be fixed.

Preventing Electrical Systems Failures With an Infrared Electrical Inspection

The best way to prevent electrical systems failures in the future is to conduct at least an annual infrared electrical inspection on all components in the facility. Not only will this ensure your business won’t experience any shutdowns, but you’ll also be keeping your employees safer.

Infrared testing is critical when it comes to electrical safety. You can do your own testing throughout the year, but no human can see what an infrared test can see. The best thing about infrared electrical testing is you don’t have to shut down your facility to run the test. A professional can come in while production is still happening, so you won’t have any down time.

At Infrared Consulting Services, we strive to keep every company safe from electrical systems failures and other potentially dangerous issues. Whether you’ve had an electrical infrared survey conducted at your facility or not in the past, be sure to contact us to learn more and to schedule a survey today.