Roof inspection reports are invaluable for several reasons:
- Damp ingress as a result of poorly performing weathering and flashing details.
- Failing flat roof finishes, before leaks become apparent in ceilings below.
- Structural movement and roof spread.
- Lack of insulation or unevenly laid insulation, (identified by thermal imaging camera mounted on the drone)
- Inadequate ventilation
- Poor weathering details including coping and parapet details
- Areas of heat loss through the roof
The split screen image above allows the surveyor to make comparisons between the real time image and infra-red image to determine defects in conjunction with heat loss in these areas.
The infra-red image below this gives an indication of increased heat loss to elements based on a colour palette integrated into the thermal camera on board the drone.
In the above photographs heat flow through the roof can be interpreted to determine the energy efficiency of the building. In particular it may help to :-
- Heating and cooling losses;
- Locate building envelope water leakages, that is, moisture sources;
- Locate structural problems (eg. Loss of insulation, or degradation of old insulation);
- Compare pre-and post restoration conditions.
THE REASON ROOF INSPECTIONs ARE NECEASSRY
- If you notice water ingress and/or staining on the ceiling below.
- What a roof defect can mean in the long term.
- Potential repair costs.
- Recommended further investigations
- The type of construction and roofing materials used-can they be improved upon
The inspections above illustrated are weather dependent and conditions will dictate when it is prudent to inspect the property.