Infrared imaging shows temperature, and temperature reveals what visual inspection cannot — moisture trapped under a roof membrane, insulation that has failed, an electrical connection running hot, a solar panel that stopped earning its keep.
Applications
Wet insulation under a membrane holds heat differently to dry insulation. On a clear evening after a warm day, saturated areas glow — showing where water is actually sitting, not just where the ceiling stain appeared.
Commercial · Industrial
Missing, settled or displaced insulation, air leakage around openings, and thermal bridging show as clear patterns across a wall or ceiling from the outside.
Residential · Commercial
Loose or corroded connections run hot long before they fail. Scanning switchgear, disconnects, motors and rooftop units finds the ones heading for an outage.
Industrial · Facilities
A failed bypass diode, a cracked cell or a shorted string reads as a hot spot from the air. Far faster than testing panels one by one.
Solar owners · O&M
A thermal survey flown at the wrong time produces a picture with nothing in it. The useful window is normally the hour or two after sunset following a clear, sunny day, when the roof has taken on heat and is releasing it — wet areas release it slower and light up.
Wind, cloud cover and recent rain all flatten that difference. We would rather move the appointment than hand you imagery that cannot support a decision.
What you receive
We document what the imagery shows. We do not certify structural adequacy or state what an insurance policy covers.
Surface temperature, not what is behind a wall. Differences in temperature reveal where moisture, missing insulation or overheating connections are, because those change how a surface holds and releases heat.
Usually the hour or two after sunset following a clear, sunny day. That temperature swing is what makes wet areas stand out. Overcast, windy or wet conditions flatten the difference and produce imagery not worth having.
No. That is the most common misunderstanding about thermal. It reads surface temperature only. It cannot see through walls, roofing or water.
We document what the imagery shows and describe it plainly. Formal thermographic certification is in progress — see our About page for current status. We will always tell you exactly what we are and are not qualified to state.
It works best on flat and low-slope roofs with absorbent insulation. Steep shingle roofs and ballasted systems are harder to read, and we will say so rather than sell you a survey that will not tell you much.
Yes, and it usually should be. Visual imagery shows what the surface looks like; thermal shows what is happening underneath. Together they make a much stronger case to a contractor or insurer.
Tell us about the building and what you have seen. Call (205) 567-0548 or send the form.
