What Can You Expect from a Roof Analysis?

What is a roof analysis? What will it tell me? Where can I find someone to do a roof analysis? If you want to assure that your roof will continue to be leak free, you can use a roof analysis that will check for moisture that may not be causing leaks yet, but will do so in the future.

A roof analysis report will generally be divided into a five-section inspection report. The first section will explain the purpose of the inspection. The second section will describe the techniques used to analyze the roof. The third section will explain what was found through the analysis. The fourth will have drawings on diagrams of the roof with problem areas notated. The fifth section will have actual photos with the problem areas marked off, and it may also include the thermographic images if that technique was used.

To begin the roof analysis, the technician will perform a thermograhic survey of the roof. This new technology measures heat coming from any object. The technician will carry the specialized equipment that includes an infrared camera to not and mark areas of moisture. The equipment will pick up any changes in the temperature that is radiated from the roof and convert those electrical readings into a heat image. This equipment is so sensitive that it can tell the difference in temperature down to .2 degrees Celsius. Using this information, the image will use variations of gray to show the differences. Lighter gray areas represent where the temperatures are hotter, and darker grey areas mark where the temperature is cooler than the surrounding area. An area of moisture will reflect less heat, so the darker areas will denote the possibility of a wet area.

Once a high-moisture area is identified, a technical analysis can confirm the exact level of moisture if you need it or just want to the confirmation. These methods involve invasive techniques that may compromise the roofing material; therefore, they are only used when the thermographic survey reveals a problem area. You certainly do not want to poke holes into an area that is intact and causing no problem. This technical inspection will determine if the moisture is being absorbed from the outside or the inside since condensation could be the issue in colder climates.

To find a company to do your roof analysis check with several reputable roofing companies in your area. Not all of them will offer this service. If they do offer inspection services, you should ask them what methods they use. A visual inspection may not be thorough enough to find moisture that will lead to problems later, although it can be helpful to detect shingle damage. Methods that are invasive are not as advisable as thermographic analysis. It may cost a bit more to find someone that offers a thermographic roof analysis, but if it saves you major repairs from a roof leak you will probably be relieved.

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