Infrared Moisture Scanning
Infrared Moisture Scanning | Roof Inspections | Roofing | Alcoa
When Alcoa’s heat, humidity, and sudden storms bear down on your commercial roof, hidden moisture can sneak beneath the membrane long before leaks appear. HEP’s state-of-the-art infrared moisture scanning pinpoints those trapped pockets of water by translating temperature variations into vivid thermal images. We map every square foot without intrusive drilling, so you see exactly where insulation is saturated and where it’s still performing—saving you from guesswork, premature tear-offs, and unexpected downtime.
Our certified technicians turn complex data into clear, actionable reports that make roof inspections effortless for facility managers and property owners. With precise moisture mapping in hand, you can target repairs, extend service life, and budget confidently for the future—all while keeping tenants and operations dry. Schedule an infrared scan with HEP today and discover the difference cutting-edge technology brings to your next set of roof inspections in Alcoa.
FAQs
What is infrared moisture scanning and how does it work on roofing systems?
Infrared moisture scanning (also called thermographic roof scanning) uses a specialized infrared camera to detect temperature differences on the surface of your roof after sunset. Areas where water has seeped under the membrane retain heat longer than dry areas, creating a visible “hot spot” on the camera. By mapping these temperature anomalies, our technicians can pinpoint pockets of trapped moisture without removing any roofing material.
Why is an infrared roof inspection important for commercial and industrial buildings in Alcoa’s climate?
Alcoa experiences high humidity, frequent summer storms, and dramatic temperature swings between seasons. Hidden moisture inside a roof system can lead to blistering, membrane separation, mold growth, and premature structural corrosion. An infrared scan identifies problem areas early, allowing targeted repairs that extend roof life, prevent costly interior damage, and keep you compliant with insurance and warranty requirements.
What types of roofs can be inspected with infrared technology?
Infrared scanning is effective on most low-slope or flat commercial roofs, including single-ply (TPO, PVC, EPDM), built-up roofing (BUR), modified bitumen, spray polyurethane foam, and protected membrane metal decks. Steep-slope shingle roofs can also be evaluated, although results are best when the roof surface is uniform and the thermal mass below the membrane can hold heat long enough for imaging.
How accurate is infrared moisture scanning, and will it damage my roof?
When performed by Level-I or Level-II certified thermographers under proper environmental conditions, infrared scanning locates moisture within ±1–2 ft of its actual position. We verify all anomalies with non-destructive capacitance and core sampling (when requested) to confirm the presence of water. The process is completely non-invasive—no fasteners are removed and no cuts are made unless you authorize a confirmation core.
What should I expect during and after an infrared roof inspection?
Most scans are scheduled 30–60 minutes after sunset when the roof is releasing stored heat. Our team walks the roof with handheld or drone-mounted IR cameras, recording live images and marking the deck where anomalies appear. A typical 50,000 sq ft roof takes about two hours. Within 48 hours you’ll receive a digital report containing: • Thermographic and visible-light photos of each anomaly • CAD roof map showing moisture locations • Written assessment of roof condition and life expectancy • Repair or maintenance recommendations and budget estimates
How much does an infrared moisture scan cost in Alcoa, and how often should it be done?
Pricing depends on roof size, access, and whether drone imaging is required. As a guideline, expect $0.04 –$0.10 per square foot, with a minimum project fee of $750. For example, scanning a 25,000 sq ft warehouse typically ranges from $1,250 to $2,000. We recommend an annual scan, or immediately after a severe hail or wind event, to document roof condition for insurance purposes and catch leaks before they spread.