Extending the Life of a Low Slope Flat Roof

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The old phrase of being “out of sight, out of mind” is especially true when it comes to a commercial roof. Most people don’t walk on the roof of a building every day, so it can be easy to forget about. This could be problematic after years of neglect, since a roof can be extremely expensive to repair or replace at a certain point.

Extending the life of a low slope flat roof isn’t too difficult as long as you take small steps to protect it. Using IR thermography to help identify any issues is critical in preventing roof leaks and other issues is beneficial. Here are some of the best ways you can help extend the life of your low slope flat roof.

Drainage System Maintenance

Since flat roofs don’t have much of a slope for water to run off of, you have to make sure the drainage systems are properly maintained. Standing water on a roof is a recipe for disaster, as it could cause the materials to break down and cause leaks. Most of the time, you don’t even need a thermal imaging inspection to identify when a drain outlet is clogged. Just pass by them and remove any debris regularly so they work properly when needed.

Address Issues Immediately

You don’t always have to be on the roof or use infrared detection technology to detect a roof problem. If you notice water stains on the ceiling or drips coming from a place in the building where it shouldn’t be dripping, it’s a sure sign of a roof leak. Don’t just ignore these signs. Many times, the issue can be easily fixed if detected early enough.

Re-Surface an Old Roof

If you have an older roof, you could consider re-surfacing it to extend the life. Low slope flat roofs aren’t as forgiving as steep slope roofs, so they may require a new surface after 10-15 years. Applying a new surface could extend the life another 10-15 years or more and reduce the amount of maintenance on it during that time as a result. If your roof is having constant leaking issues, this is one of the best options to consider for a long-term roof life.

Conduct Regular and Frequent Inspections

Above all else, conducting a regular thermal imaging inspection is the best way to extend the life of your roof. Many times, infrared detection technology can identify an issue in a low slope flat roof before it actually becomes a visible problem. This provides business owners with a more cost-effective way to repair the roof, since there’s usually no damage done. Conducting an IR thermography inspection a few times each year will greatly extend the life of your roof.

At Infrared Consulting Services, we’ve helped many businesses extend the life of their low slope flat roof by offering the best infrared testing in the industry. If it’s been a while since you’ve evaluated your roof, or if you want to put a maintenance plan together for it, be sure to contact us at any time.

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.

Make necessary repairs with the help of electrical thermal imaging.

Top Reasons You Need an Electrical Thermography Inspection

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identify issues early with electrical thermography.

Electrical thermography can identify issues.

Make necessary repairs with the help of electrical thermal imaging.

Electrical thermal imaging helps you find issues early.

If you own or work in a plant that runs with the help of electronic equipment, you’ve heard of electrical thermography to some degree. However, many facility managers don’t quite realize the value in electrical thermography. Too often, equipment is allowed to run until it malfunctions and needs either serious repairs or replacement, which can cost thousands of dollars. This shouldn’t have to happen, and there are ways you can prevent this costly ordeal. Organizing an electrical inspection is the best way to keep your equipment and pocketbook out of harm’s way. Here are some important reasons to seek an electrical inspection as soon as possible.

Your Equipment’s Overall Status

Think about your equipment from a technical standpoint. How well does it run? Don’t take seemingly great operation as a sign all is well! There could be problems lying below the surface, undetectable to human perception. Parts can always fail quietly, either through simply stopping or becoming misplaced through prolonged use or human error. If you can visibly tell your equipment is missing any components, you want to schedule an electrical infrared survey in the near future.

Maintenance

The safety requirements issued by the National Fire Protection Association change on a regular basis and must be checked frequently to ensure facilities are conforming to these incredibly important precautionary standards. However, despite this information, many don’t follow the NFPA’s maintenance suggestions to the letter. This is understandable because work easily captures your full attention and in the midst of trying to keep productivity flowing, it can be difficult to stop and tend to maintenance procedures. However, it is a highly important element of upkeep for your facility. Have your electrical equipment tested frequently by way of electrical thermography to make sure it’s still operating according to standards.

Electrical Malfunction

Equipment that isn’t working as it should, that fails on a regular basis and interrupts your workflow, deserves immediate inspection at your earliest convenience. This is one of the first and biggest signs your equipment is in serious trouble! The issue could be any number of things, such as resistance- or connection-related. However, you cannot trust your own perceptions when it comes to figuring out the issue. Rather, it’s best to call on a professional. Electrical thermal imaging is the only thing that can take care of this problem—namely, by finding the root of it. A specialist can not only pinpoint the source of the problem but speak with you on the best ways to take care of it before it escalates into something much worse.

We hope this list will help you learn how to discern the best times to call upon the help of an electrical thermography specialist. Doing so can save you hours of productivity, as well as thousands in cash, which can be allocated elsewhere in your budget in even more productive ways. To learn more about electrical thermal imaging and request a consultation, contact us!

Check the integrity of your roof with an electrical infrared survey.

How to Safeguard Your Roof Against Damaging with an Electrical Infrared Survey

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Guard your roof with an electrical infrared survey.

An electrical infrared survey helps guard your roof.

Check the integrity of your roof with an electrical infrared survey.

Have you considered an electrical infrared survey to check your roof?

For building owners and property managers, sometimes a lesson in roof damage is learned the hard way. Most assume if you have insurance, recouping your losses will be an easy process. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. You can be in for a long fight. The good news is there’s a simple solution: always document the condition of your roofing system. Here are a few tips to ensure that process is thorough and effective.

Sloped Versus Flat Roofs

If you have a sloped roof, you must document its condition from every angle. Should something happen, you will be able to prove what the condition of your roof was prior to the damage. Additionally, hire a professional roof consultant, architect or engineer to take stock of your roofing system assembly. Based on their findings, you can make any necessary changes or repairs. Of course, this should be done prior to hurricane or tornado season. Make sure you document all inspections and subsequent repairs.

Flat roofs have a different set of demands. First, you need to have a roof moisture survey done by a certified, licensed roof testing company. This will give you scientific data to demonstrate the condition of your roof. If something happens to the roof, the insurance company should reimburse you based on this professional data gathering. Since the information is from a roof testing company, it is considered unbiased and more credible, allowing the insurance company to move more quickly.

Testing for Moisture

No matter how water has invaded the roof assembly, the purpose of an infrared roof moisture survey is to locate and document it. The infrared scanning cameras used in these surveys are sophisticated and can detect wet areas within your roofing system. By knowing how much of the roof is wet, you can make an educated decision about maintenance and possible repair.

Be Proactive

No matter what type of roofing system you have, the best approach is to be proactive. Your quick action will make it clear to the insurance company you are doing your part to maintain your roof. Lots of business owners mistakenly assume if the roof is only a few years old, there is no need for an evaluation, but this could not be further from the truth. Spending a relatively small amount of money upfront will save an untold amount in the end.  It’s up to you to be vigilant about documentation and upkeep. Whether you choose infrared problem prevention or electrical infrared survey, it’s up to you to be diligent!

Roof moisture is easy to prevent when you take the right steps. Contact us today to learn how our infrared survey experts can keep a small amount of roof moisture from becoming a disaster. Our experienced technicians can help you detect any moisture problem before it’s too late.