Thermographic roof inspection with drones to locate moisture and leakage
Moisture penetrating a roof can lead to major costs for the property owner, as it can take a long time before problems are noticed on the inside of the building. Early detection can help prevent major damage and make it possible to take appropriate measures. Aerial thermography of the roof is an effective method for finding temperature deviations that reveal where moisture has penetrated the waterproofing layer.
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Describe the roof size, material, location and whether the need concerns suspected leakage, recurring inspection or control before remedial work.
When traditional inspection is not efficient enough
When you know or suspect that moisture from outside is penetrating the roof’s waterproofing layer, but do not know exactly where the leak is located, thermography is an effective way to locate the cause of the problem. Because we use thermal cameras with high precision, small leaks can be found, making the method valuable as part of ongoing inspection to allow measures to be taken as early as possible.
For broader energy and building envelope questions, we also offer thermography of buildings. For pipe networks, thermography of district heating networks is a separate service.
Method: how the work is carried out
- Evaluation of your request: We receive your request and assess whether the method is suitable for the object in question.
- Quote: We provide a cost proposal based on the object’s location and size.
- Preparations: We monitor the weather and carry out site-specific flight preparations.
- Data collection: When weather conditions are right, we carry out one flight with a thermal camera at night and one flight for visual images during daylight.
- Analysis: A certified ITC Level 2 thermographer analyses the collected image material.
- Delivery: You receive an inspection report with suspected leaks, the option to access all image/video material and a digital meeting to review the result.
Delivery: what the customer receives
- PDF report
- Review of the result in a digital meeting
- Orthophoto based on the visual images
- Option to access raw data
- Orthophoto based on the thermal images as an optional add-on
Why use drones?
With drones, we can quickly thermograph large roof areas from a distance and at an angle that provides optimal conditions for identifying leakage. Aerial thermography makes it possible to inspect surfaces that are difficult to access with handheld thermography and is more efficient than traditional methods. The method also provides a major safety benefit, as it reduces the need for work at height. It is also an advantage that the data collection has no impact on the building or ongoing operations.
Conditions and limitations
Thermography is carried out after sunset on a day with sufficient solar radiation, when conditions for identifying moisture that has penetrated the roof are best. To rule out that identified temperature deviations are caused by something visible on the top surface of the roof, the thermal images are compared with images from a visual camera collected in daylight. Conditions on the roof surface have a major impact on the final result. Thermography is therefore carried out when the roof surface is free from snow and water.
Experience, permits and quality
Based on deep knowledge of thermography and the properties of different materials, Gerdes Solutions has, together with Termisk systemteknik, developed and validated the collection method that ensures reliable results when inspecting roof leakage. We have used this approach for many years.
To carry out roof inspections safely and legally throughout Sweden, we hold generic authorisation in the specific category according to SORA for drone flights in populated areas.
To ensure reliable results, we mainly use drones with calibrated FLIR cameras, primarily A655sc. Data collection and analysis are carried out by a certified ITC Level 2 thermographer.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a roof inspection take?
The time required depends on the size and complexity of the roof. Flying with a thermal camera over the roof surface usually takes from one hour and upwards. A daylight flight is also carried out the day before or after.
Is thermography suitable for all roofs?
No, the material has a major impact on the thermography result. Thermography is best suited to smooth roofs with soft coverings such as roofing felt and similar materials. When we receive a thermography request, we always evaluate whether the method is suitable before taking on the assignment.
What does a roof inspection cost?
Prices vary depending on where the roof is located and how large it is. Contact us for a quote.
Can we buy a drone with a thermal camera and inspect the roof ourselves?
Of course you can. However, keep in mind that most thermal cameras on drones have low accuracy and therefore do not register the small temperature deviations often caused by roof leakage. Knowledge of thermography is also an advantage in the analysis. Also remember to ensure that the right training and drone flight permits are in place.
What are the advantages of drone thermography compared with a handheld thermal camera?
With drones, thermography can be carried out from a distance that provides both detail and overview. This makes the method more efficient than handheld execution while ensuring that all surfaces are inspected. In thermography, the camera angle has a major impact on the result. With the thermal camera mounted on a drone, it is easier to maintain 90 degrees to the inspected surface.
Free quote for thermographic roof inspection
Send a brief description of the roof and the problem, and we will assess the method’s suitability, weather conditions and cost.