Infrared Inspections
Infrared Inspections | Roofing | Cleveland
From lake-effect snow to humid summer storms, Cleveland’s weather puts relentless pressure on every square foot of your roofing system. HEP’s advanced infrared inspections reveal hidden moisture, trapped heat, and early-stage leaks that ordinary visual checks miss, letting you see the true health of your roof long before damage shows up inside your building.
Using state-of-the-art thermal cameras, our certified technicians scan your roof without drilling, tearing, or disrupting daily operations. The result is a clear, color-coded report that pinpoints trouble areas, prioritizes repairs, and helps you budget smarter. Protect your investment, extend roof life, and stay one step ahead of Ohio’s unpredictable climate—schedule an infrared inspection with HEP today.
FAQs
What is an infrared roofing inspection and how does it work?
An infrared roofing inspection uses a specialized thermal-imaging camera to measure temperature variations on the surface of your roof. After sunset, wet insulation or trapped moisture beneath the membrane cools more slowly than dry areas, creating visible hot and cold patterns on the camera’s screen. By analyzing these patterns, our certified thermographers can pinpoint moisture-intrusion sites, damaged insulation, hidden leaks, and other defects without removing any roofing material.
Why is infrared roof scanning important in Cleveland’s climate?
Cleveland experiences heavy lake-effect snow, freeze-thaw cycles, and wide temperature swings that accelerate roof wear and tear. Moisture trapped in roofing systems expands when it freezes, opening seams and fasteners and shortening membrane life. Infrared scanning identifies saturated insulation early, allowing targeted repairs before winter magnifies the damage. Regular scans also help property owners comply with insurance requirements and avoid emergency leaks during spring thaws or summer storms.
What roofing issues can infrared inspections detect?
Infrared technology can reveal: • Areas of saturated or damaged insulation • Hidden leaks beneath single-ply, BUR, EPDM, TPO, and metal systems • Ponding water that has migrated below the membrane • Compromised seams, flashings, or fastener points • Energy losses due to missing or wet insulation • Delamination or voids in lightweight concrete or structural decking. While infrared cannot see through metal or thick ballast, temperature differentials still expose problem zones around penetrations and joints.
How often should I schedule an infrared roof inspection for my commercial building?
Most facility managers in Northeast Ohio schedule a baseline scan after installation and follow up annually or semi-annually—ideally in late summer or early fall before winter sets in. Buildings with older membranes (15+ years), extensive rooftop equipment, or previous leak history benefit from twice-yearly scans. Regular monitoring documents roof condition, supports warranty claims, and guides budget planning for maintenance or replacement.
Will the inspection disrupt my business operations or damage the roof?
No. Infrared inspections are non-invasive and performed from the rooftop exterior, so there is no drilling, cutting, or interior access needed. A two-person crew spends a few hours on the roof after sundown or before sunrise, walking the surface with a handheld thermal camera. Most businesses remain open and occupants seldom notice the inspection taking place.
What happens after the infrared inspection is completed?
Within 24–48 hours you receive a comprehensive report containing: • High-resolution thermal and digital photos with annotated problem areas • CAD or aerial overlay maps showing moisture locations and quantities • Severity rankings and repair recommendations • Cost-benefit analysis for targeted repairs vs. full replacement. Our team reviews the findings with you, prioritizes corrective actions, and can coordinate moisture core samples or repairs if needed. The final report becomes a valuable record for warranty providers, insurers, and future capital-improvement planning.