I never knew the extent of damage that hail could cause to a home. Of course, I realized that windows could break, but I never imagined my roof getting damaged, the siding getting destroyed and the gutters nearly being taken off the side of the house. After our neighborhood was hit by a storm that included golf-ball sized hail, I quickly learned how devastating those little ice-balls can be. If you are going through the same repairs and clean-up efforts, visit my blog. My blog includes tips that can help you identify hail damage and learn what to do to repair it.
tips for identifying and repairing home hail damage
Infrared Roof Moisture Survey: Post-Storm Home Inspections
Aria Korpershoek
Severe weather conditions, particularly storms, can have a devastating impact on homes, and the damage isn't always visible to the naked eye. This is especially true for roofs, which bear the brunt of the storm. Water ingress can lead to structural deterioration, causing significant issues over time. That's where infrared roof moisture surveys come in.
These surveys are a non-destructive, effective means to detect hidden moisture within your roofing system post-storm, enabling homeowners to address issues promptly and prevent further damage.
Understanding Infrared Roof Moisture Surveys
Infrared roof moisture surveys employ thermographic cameras to detect variations in temperature on a roof's surface. These temperature variations are caused by the evaporation of moisture trapped within or beneath the roofing materials, and the thermographic camera translates this into a color-coded image or "thermogram." Warmer areas indicate possible moisture intrusion, providing inspectors with a reliable tool to identify potential problem areas after a storm.
- Early Detection of Damage: Roof leaks and moisture intrusion may not always be evident immediately following a storm. Infrared technology can reveal water damage that's hidden from the naked eye, enabling early intervention, and preventing structural deterioration or mold growth.
- Cost-Effective: By detecting the extent and location of moisture damage, infrared roof surveys can save homeowners from unnecessary costs associated with extensive repairs down the line. Instead of replacing the entire roof, only the affected areas identified in the survey need to be addressed.
- Non-Destructive Inspection: Traditional methods of detecting roof leaks can be invasive, requiring physical intrusion into the roof structure. In contrast, infrared moisture surveys are non-destructive, providing detailed insights without damaging the roof further.
- Enhanced Home Safety: Addressing moisture problems promptly can prevent associated risks like mold growth and structural instability, enhancing the overall safety of the home.
The Process of a Post-Storm Infrared Roof Moisture Survey
The infrared roof moisture survey should ideally be conducted by a certified professional familiar with the technology and capable of interpreting the results accurately.
Here's a general outline of the process:
- Initial Assessment: The surveyor begins with a visual inspection to assess obvious damage and understand the roof's general condition.
- Infrared Inspection: After sunset, when the roof has cooled, the surveyor uses an infrared camera to inspect the roof. The cooling roof causes trapped moisture to emit heat longer than dry areas, allowing for detection.
- Verification: Identified problem areas are often verified using a secondary method like core sampling or moisture probing to confirm the presence of moisture.
- Reporting: The surveyor provides a detailed report, including thermographic images, that pinpoint the location and extent of the moisture damage. This report can guide repair or replacement efforts.
A storm's aftermath can leave homeowners feeling overwhelmed, particularly when faced with potential hidden damages. An infrared roof moisture survey offers a non-invasive, efficient, and effective way to inspect for hidden moisture damage.
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