Moisture-detecting Scanners
Moisture-detecting Scanners | Roof Inspections | Roofing | Tullahoma
When Tullahoma’s unpredictable weather meets aging shingles, even the smallest hidden leak can snowball into costly damage. That’s why HEP equips every technician with advanced, non-invasive moisture-detecting scanners that see what the naked eye can’t. Our specialists glide these scanners across your roof’s surface, instantly mapping moisture pockets beneath shingles, membranes, and decking without pulling up a single nail. The result is a clear, data-driven picture of your roof’s health—so you know exactly where trouble is brewing and how to stop it.
Homeowners and property managers choose HEP for roof inspections because we combine cutting-edge technology with hometown service. After the scan, you’ll receive a concise digital report, complete with infrared imagery, moisture readings, and prioritized recommendations. No scare tactics, no jargon—just facts and solutions that help you budget wisely, protect your investment, and rest easy every time a Tennessee storm rolls in.
FAQs
What are moisture-detecting scanners and how are they used during a roof inspection?
Moisture-detecting scanners are handheld electronic devices that emit low-frequency signals and measure the conductivity or impedance of roofing materials. Because water conducts electricity far better than dry insulation or decking, the scanner can quickly map areas where moisture is trapped below the surface. During an inspection our technician walks the roof in a tight grid pattern, recording readings and marking any elevated moisture spots so they can be photographed, sampled, or repaired later—all without cutting into the roof.
Why are moisture scans especially important for properties in Tullahoma?
Tullahoma’s climate combines humid summers, frequent thunderstorms, and periodic freeze-thaw cycles in winter. That mix makes roofs susceptible to hidden leaks, wet insulation, and gradual rot. A moisture scan identifies trapped water early, preventing mold growth, deck deterioration, and energy loss. Catching problems quickly is critical in our area because prolonged humidity accelerates damage and repair costs rise sharply if wet sections are not isolated soon after a leak begins.
Which roofing systems can be inspected with a moisture scanner?
Capacitance and impedance scanners work on virtually all low-slope and flat roofing systems, including single-ply membranes (TPO, PVC, EPDM), built-up roofs, modified bitumen, sprayed polyurethane foam, and even structural standing-seam metal with insulation below. For steep-slope shingle roofs, infrared imaging is often paired with spot moisture scanning to confirm findings.
How accurate are the readings and will the equipment damage my roof?
Modern scanners are calibrated to detect moisture content changes of less than 1 % and give repeatable readings when used on a consistent grid. The equipment is completely non-destructive; it glides over the membrane without puncturing, drilling, or lifting any materials. In rare cases we’ll confirm a suspicious area with a small core sample, but only after obtaining your approval.
What is the inspection process and how long will it take?
1) We start with a visual walk-through and review of leak history. 2) A chalk grid is laid out so every 2-4 ft² is scanned. 3) The technician records readings in real time on a tablet that tags each data point to GPS coordinates. 4) Anomalies are re-scanned for verification. 5) You receive a digital report with moisture maps, photos, and repair recommendations. A 10,000 ft² commercial roof typically takes 2–3 hours onsite, with the full report delivered within 24 hours.
How much does a moisture-scan roof inspection cost and can it really save me money?
Pricing in Tullahoma generally ranges from $0.08 to $0.20 per square foot, with a minimum service fee for smaller residential roofs. While that’s more than a purely visual inspection, the scan pays for itself by pinpointing exactly where insulation is wet so you only replace damaged sections rather than re-roofing the entire deck. Many clients extend the service life of their roof by 5 or more years and use our documented moisture map to support warranty or insurance claims, making the inspection a cost-effective investment.