Infrared Drone Roof Inspection

Infrared roof inspection uses thermal imaging cameras to detect temperature differences across your roof surface. Here's how it works: During the day, the sun heats your roof, and moisture trapped in the insulation retains that heat longer than dry areas. After sunset, we fly our drone-mounted infrared camera over your roof when it's cooling down. Wet insulation stays warmer and shows up as "hot spots" on the thermal image, while dry areas cool faster and appear cooler. Our Level 2 certified thermographers capture thousands of thermal images and process them into detailed georeferenced maps, allowing us to pinpoint exactly where moisture has accumulated beneath your roof membrane—all without physically touching or damaging your roof.

The cost of an infrared roof inspection depends on several factors including roof size, complexity, accessibility, location, and the level of detail required in your deliverables. Larger roofs require more flight time and data processing, while multiple buildings or complex roof geometries add to the scope. Our comprehensive service includes both RGB and infrared drone surveys conducted at optimal times, professional data processing by Level 2 certified thermographers, georeferenced thermal maps with centimeter-level accuracy, AutoCAD drawings showing precise anomaly areas, and a detailed technical report. Many of our clients find that the investment in infrared inspection pays for itself by identifying specific problem areas for targeted repairs rather than replacing an entire roof. We provide custom quotes based on your specific project requirements. Contact us with your roof size, location, and project goals for an accurate estimate tailored to your needs.

A complete infrared roof survey typically takes 4-6 hours from start to finish, though the timeline depends on roof size. We conduct two separate flights: an RGB (visual) survey during daylight hours that takes 30-60 minutes, and the thermal imaging survey about an hour after sunset that can take 1-3 hours depending on roof size. The infrared survey takes longer because thermal cameras have lower resolution and require more overlapping images for accuracy. After the flights, our team processes the data into high-resolution maps and reports, which typically takes 5-7 business days. For time-critical projects or very large facilities, we can deploy multiple drone teams to complete the scan in a single evening, ensuring consistent thermal conditions across the entire roof.

ASTM C1153 is the "Standard Practice for Location of Wet Insulation in Roofing Systems Using Infrared Imaging." It's the industry standard that defines the proper methodology for conducting infrared roof moisture surveys. ASTM 1153 specifies that thermal scans should be performed when there's a sufficient temperature differential between the roof surface and interior (typically at least 20°F), usually in the evening after sunset when the roof is radiating stored heat. The standard requires clear skies, dry roof conditions, and no recent precipitation. Our ASTM 1153-compliant surveys follow these protocols exactly: we capture both RGB and infrared imagery, document weather conditions, and ensure our infrared camera is positioned perpendicular (nadir) to the roof surface for maximum accuracy. This standardized approach ensures reliable, defensible results that roofing consultants and insurance companies recognize and accept.

Infrared thermography is excellent for detecting moisture in roof insulation, but it's not a leak detector in the traditional sense. Here's what it can and can't do: Infrared detects areas where insulation has absorbed moisture over time, which often indicates a leak has occurred. However, it cannot detect brand new leaks that haven't yet saturated the insulation, pinhole leaks that haven't spread moisture laterally, or leaks in roofs without insulation beneath the membrane. Additionally, infrared cannot see through ponding water, metal decking, or certain roof coatings. That's why we always conduct a complementary RGB visual survey to identify obvious issues like damaged membranes, standing water, or debris accumulation. The most effective roof assessment combines infrared thermography with visual inspection and, when necessary, destructive testing like core samples to verify findings. Our reports clearly identify thermal anomalies and recommend follow-up verification when needed.

The ideal time for an infrared roof inspection is during stable weather conditions with a temperature differential of at least 20°F between the roof interior and exterior. In Ontario, the best seasons are late spring through early fall when we have longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. The actual thermal scan must be conducted in the evening, typically starting 1-2 hours after sunset, when the roof is cooling down and releasing stored heat. This is when wet insulation retains heat longer than dry areas, creating the thermal contrast we need for accurate detection. We avoid scanning after recent rain (wait at least 24-48 hours), during high humidity when dew forms, or in windy conditions above 20 mph that affect thermal readings. We also need clear skies—cloud cover and precipitation interfere with thermal imaging. Our team monitors weather forecasts closely and always schedules a backup date. The worst time for thermal roof inspection? Winter, when temperature differentials are insufficient and roof access is hazardous.