Certified Thermographers
Professional-Grade IR Cameras
NFPA 70E Safe
FLAT ROOF INFRARED MOISTURE SURVEYS
Find What’s Hiding in Your Roof — Before It Finds You
Infrared thermography detects trapped moisture in flat roof systems long before it breaches the ceiling — saving building owners thousands in avoided repairs, replacement costs, and energy losses.
Non-Destructive
Ground & Aerial Surveys
200M+ Sq Ft Inspected
THERMAL ROOF INSPECTION - REAL SURVEY IMAGE
Zone A — Active moisture penetration, deck exposure risk
REPAIR NOW
Zone B — Saturated insulation, R-value loss confirmed
SERIOUS
Violet / Purple — Dry, cool areas with no moisture detected
DRY / OK
38+
Years performing flat roof IR surveys
200M+
Square feet inspected
90%
Of roofs have problems within 5 years
ASTM C1153 Compliant
Ground & Aerial Surveys
Commercial & Industrial Roofs
Detailed Written Reports
Available Nationwide
Wildfire ignition prevention
Main & sub electrical panels
Switchgear & switchboards
Transformers (dry & liquid-filled)
Motor control centers (MCCs)
Distribution boards & bus ducts
Utility service entrances
Vegetation is the #1 reliability threat
Main & sub electrical panels
Switchgear & switchboards
Transformers (dry & liquid-filled)
Motor control centers (MCCs)
Distribution boards & bus ducts
Utility service entrances
Hidden defects only show as heat or corona first
Main & sub electrical panels
Switchgear & switchboards
Transformers (dry & liquid-filled)
Motor control centers (MCCs)
Distribution boards & bus ducts
Utility service entrances
Speed and safety at scale
Main & sub electrical panels
Switchgear & switchboards
Transformers (dry & liquid-filled)
Motor control centers (MCCs)
Distribution boards & bus ducts
Utility service entrances
THE PROBLEM WITH FLAT ROOFS
Why Moisture Is Every Flat Roof’s Biggest Threat
More efficient and more effective than any other non-destructive testing procedure, infrared scanning by a certified thermographer detects moisture and identifies where it has become entrained within a roof system long before it breaks through and drips onto occupants below.
Verified industry statistics conclude that fully one third of all new roofs will leak before the end of their first year — and within five years, nearly 90% of roofs have problems stemming from poor installation, bad design, failed materials, or lack of annual maintenance and repairs.
When moisture-laden roofs are left in disrepair, the consequences compound quickly: metal decking rusts, concrete decks absorb water, and wood decks rot. Infrared surveys are the ideal tool for detecting moisture intrusion early and guiding repair efforts to only the areas that need it — minimizing costs and maximizing the serviceable life of the roof.
The best time for a Flat Roof IR Survey is when the roof is still under warranty
Finding and documenting moisture-related defects while the roof is still covered allows building owners to hold contractors accountable and get repairs done at no cost — before the warranty expires.
What Trapped Moisture Does to a Roof
Insulation Degradation
Moisture infiltrates and deteriorates the insulation R-value of the material, increasing energy costs and reducing the thermal performance of the building envelope.
Structural Deck Damage
Metal decking rusts and weakens. Concrete decks absorb water and spall. Wood decks rot. Once the structural deck is compromised, repair costs escalate dramatically.
Mold & Mildew Growth
Persistent moisture creates ideal conditions for mold and mildew, threatening indoor air quality, occupant health, and the building owner’s liability exposure.
Energy Cost Increases
Wet insulation loses its R-value, forcing HVAC systems to work harder and longer to maintain interior temperatures — driving up operating costs every month.
Full Roof Replacement
Left unchecked, localized moisture eventually requires complete roof tearoff and replacement — at $8–$10 per square foot or more — instead of targeted repairs costing a fraction of that.
Wildfire ignition prevention
Main & sub electrical panels
Switchgear & switchboards
Transformers (dry & liquid-filled)
Motor control centers (MCCs)
Distribution boards & bus ducts
Utility service entrances
Vegetation is the #1 reliability threat
Main & sub electrical panels
Switchgear & switchboards
Transformers (dry & liquid-filled)
Motor control centers (MCCs)
Distribution boards & bus ducts
Utility service entrances
Hidden defects only show as heat or corona first
Main & sub electrical panels
Switchgear & switchboards
Transformers (dry & liquid-filled)
Motor control centers (MCCs)
Distribution boards & bus ducts
Utility service entrances
Speed and safety at scale
Main & sub electrical panels
Switchgear & switchboards
Transformers (dry & liquid-filled)
Motor control centers (MCCs)
Distribution boards & bus ducts
Utility service entrances
HOW IT WORKS
Post-Sunset Survey — Step by Step
Solar Loading — During the Day
The sun heats the roof surface and the insulation beneath it. Both wet and dry insulation absorb this heat, but wet insulation — with its higher thermal mass — absorbs significantly more.
The Survey Window Opens — After Sunset
As the sun sets, the roof begins to cool. Dry insulation releases its stored heat quickly. Wet insulation releases heat much more slowly — creating a measurable temperature differential between wet and dry areas.
Thermal Scanning — Moisture Becomes Visible
Our certified thermographers walk or fly the roof surface with professional-grade thermal cameras. Wet insulation areas appear as distinctly warmer zones against the cooler dry background.
Verification — Confirm, Don’t Assume
Each suspected moisture area is verified with a non-destructive moisture probe or core sample to eliminate false positives from structural variations, patched areas, or other non-moisture thermal signatures.
Marking & Documentation
Confirmed moisture areas are outlined on the roof surface with spray paint and precisely located on a roof drawing. Thermal and visible-light images of each zone are captured for the final report.
The Science Behind Infrared Roof Moisture Detection
Infrared thermography for flat roof moisture detection relies on a fundamental physical property: wet insulation has a significantly higher thermal mass than dry insulation, causing it to absorb and release heat at a different rate.
Surveys are performed after sunset — typically one to three hours post-sunset on a clear day following adequate solar loading. During this window, dry insulation cools rapidly while moisture-laden areas retain heat longer, creating a distinct and measurable temperature differential that is visible to a calibrated thermal camera.
Where anomalies are identified, thermographers perform a non-destructive moisture probe or core verification to confirm findings and eliminate false positives from structural features, membrane variations, or other thermal anomalies unrelated to moisture.
Governing Standard: ASTM C1153
All Guidant Power flat roof moisture surveys are conducted in accordance with ASTM C1153 (Standard Practice for Location of Wet Insulation in Roofing Systems Using Infrared Imaging), ensuring results meet industry-accepted protocols.
SURVEY TIMING
When Should You Schedule a Flat Roof IR Survey?
Due to the high cost of replacing a damaged roof, infrared moisture surveys should be performed at a minimum every time a building is purchased, sold, or leased — and ideally on an annual or semi-annual basis as part of a proactive maintenance program.
Before Purchase, Sale, or Lease
A roof in apparent good condition may conceal significant moisture damage. An IR survey provides critical data to inform pricing, negotiation, and liability allocation.
Essential Due Diligence
While Under Warranty
The absolute best time to survey. Moisture defects identified during the warranty period can be remediated by the contractor at no cost to the owner — before coverage expires.
Best Time to Survey
Annual / Semi-Annual
Proactive annual or semi-annual infrared inspections are a powerful predictive cost-savings tool, enabling early intervention before moisture damage spreads.
Proactive Maintenance
After Weather Events
Severe storms, hail, or heavy rainfall can breach roof membranes invisibly. A post-event survey identifies new moisture intrusion before it spreads.
Post-Event Assessment
Before Repair / Resurfacing
An IR survey establishes a precise moisture map before committing to repairs — ensuring new materials are not installed over existing moisture.
Capital Planning
At First Sign of Leaking
Interior staining or drips are late-stage symptoms. An immediate IR survey locates the full extent of moisture intrusion, not just the visible symptom.
Immediate Action
DAMAGE PROGRESSION
What Happens When Moisture Intrusion Goes Undetected
Moisture in a roof system doesn’t stay in one place. It migrates, spreads, and causes increasingly severe damage over time — affecting insulation, structural components, interior finishes, and building occupants.
MINOR
Stage
Early — Membrane Breach
What’s Happening
Water enters through a small defect; moisture begins infiltrating insulation in a localized area
Consequence
Minor insulation saturation, no visible interior symptoms yet
REPAIR SOON
Stage
Spreading — Insulation Saturation
What’s Happening
Moisture migrates laterally through the insulation, expanding beyond the original entry point
Consequence
R-value loss increasing energy costs; insulation structurally weakening
REPAIR NOW
Stage
Structural — Deck Exposure
What’s Happening
Moisture reaches the structural deck; metal decking rusts, concrete absorbs water, wood rots
Consequence
Structural integrity compromised; repair scope and costs escalate significantly
CRITICAL
Stage
Interior — Ceiling & Wall Damage
What’s Happening
Water breaches the deck; affects interior ceilings, walls, insulation, and building contents
Consequence
Visible staining, mold risk, damage to assets, occupant disruption
EMERGENCY
Stage
Full Failure — Replacement Required
What’s Happening
Moisture damage too widespread for targeted repairs; full tearoff and replacement is the only option
Consequence
$8–$10+ per sq ft in replacement costs; significant business disruption
MONITOR
Stage
Repair can be made during normal preventive maintenance (PM) service.
What’s Happening
Water enters through a small defect; moisture begins infiltrating insulation in a localized area
Consequence
Minor insulation saturation, no visible interior symptoms yet
REPAIR SOON
Stage
Spreading — Insulation Saturation
What’s Happening
Moisture migrates laterally through the insulation, expanding beyond the original entry point
Consequence
R-value loss increasing energy costs; insulation structurally weakening
REPAIR NOW
Stage
Structural — Deck Exposure
What’s Happening
Moisture reaches the structural deck; metal decking rusts, concrete absorbs water, wood rots
Consequence
Structural integrity compromised; repair scope and costs escalate significantly
CRITICAL
Stage
Interior — Ceiling & Wall Damage
What’s Happening
Water breaches the deck; affects interior ceilings, walls, insulation, and building contents
Consequence
Visible staining, mold risk, damage to assets, occupant disruption
EMERGENCY
Stage
Full Failure — Replacement Required
What’s Happening
Moisture damage too widespread for targeted repairs; full tearoff and replacement is the only option
Consequence
$8–$10+ per sq ft in replacement costs; significant business disruption
Severity Classifications
CRITICAL
Action
Immediate action is required (Notify management and de-energize if necessary)
Typical Examples
Severely overloaded circuits; heavy oxidation; imminent failure signatures; internal arcing; clear life/safety hazards.
SERIOUS
Action
Repair/Replacement as soon as possible (monitor closely until resolved)
Typical Examples
High-resistance terminations with higher Delta T’s; failing fuses; moderate imbalanced loads; deteriorating insulation or visible component degradation.
INTERMEDIATE
Action
Repair should be made within a reasonable time (30-60 days)
Typical Examples
High-resistance terminations; moderate thermal signatures or load imbalances indicating early-stage fatigue.
MINOR
Action
Repair can be made during normal preventive maintenance (PM) service.
Typical Examples
Slight temperature differentials (<10°C rise); minor load imbalances under normal operating load.
SURVEY METHODS
Ground Survey or Aerial Survey — Which Is Right for Your Roof?
Guidant Power offers both ground-level walkover surveys and aerial infrared surveys via drone. Both methods rely on the same post-sunset thermal physics — but differ in scale, access requirements, and what can be accomplished on-site during the survey itself.
Ground-Level Walkover Survey
Thermographer walks the roof surface with a thermal camera
-
Moisture probes can be performed at the time of the survey — no return visit required for verification
-
Affected areas marked with spray paint directly on the roof surface during the inspection
-
Ideal for roofs up to approximately 50,000–100,000 square feet
-
Suitable when safe rooftop access is available and walkable surface conditions allow
-
Thermal and visible-light images captured at close range for high-detail documentation
-
Most economical option for smaller to mid-size commercial buildings
Aerial Infrared Survey
Drone-mounted thermal camera covers large roof areas rapidly
-
Covers large or complex roof systems — 100,000+ sq ft — far more quickly than a walkover survey
-
Highlights moisture intrusion across a wider cross-section of the roof in a single pass
-
Ideal for large industrial complexes, campuses, or roofs with difficult or restricted access
-
Provides a bird’s-eye thermal map of the entire roof system for portfolio-level documentation
-
Verification moisture probes are typically performed in a follow-up ground visit
-
Best suited for facilities management teams with multiple large roofs to assess
Both survey types require the same site conditions
Regardless of method, the roof surface must be dry, free of standing water, and the survey must be conducted during the post-sunset thermal window following a clear day with adequate solar loading. We assess site conditions before every survey to confirm feasibility.
Severity Classifications
CRITICAL
Action
Immediate action is required (Notify management and de-energize if necessary)
Typical Examples
Severely overloaded circuits; heavy oxidation; imminent failure signatures; internal arcing; clear life/safety hazards.
SERIOUS
Action
Repair/Replacement as soon as possible (monitor closely until resolved)
Typical Examples
High-resistance terminations with higher Delta T’s; failing fuses; moderate imbalanced loads; deteriorating insulation or visible component degradation.
INTERMEDIATE
Action
Repair should be made within a reasonable time (30-60 days)
Typical Examples
High-resistance terminations; moderate thermal signatures or load imbalances indicating early-stage fatigue.
MINOR
Action
Repair can be made during normal preventive maintenance (PM) service.
Typical Examples
Slight temperature differentials (<10°C rise); minor load imbalances under normal operating load.
DELIVERABLES
What’s Included in Your Roof Moisture Survey Report
A roof moisture survey is only as valuable as the report that documents it. Our reports are clear, precise, and built for action — giving facility managers, building owners, contractors, and lenders everything they need to make informed decisions.
For Each Moisture Zone Identified
-
Thermal image and visible-light photograph of the affected area
-
Precise location on the roof drawing with zone designation
-
Estimated square footage of moisture-affected area
-
Temperature differential and severity classification
-
Verification method used (moisture probe or core sample)
-
Recommended corrective action and priority level
Full Survey Report Package
-
Executive summary of overall roof condition and total moisture-affected square footage
-
Roof data sheet: construction details, conditions at time of survey, section-by-section findings
-
Thermographer’s comments including weather conditions, procedures followed, and prognosis
-
Annotated roof drawing showing all moisture zones mapped to scale
-
Percentage moisture damage by roof section for capital planning
-
ASTM C1153-compliant documentation — suitable for warranty claims, insurance, and legal proceedings
WHY GUIDANT POWER
38 Years. 200 Million Square Feet. The Experience Shows.
Monroe Infrared — now a Guidant Power company — has been performing flat roof infrared moisture surveys since 1987. No other provider in North America brings this depth of roof-specific thermography experience to every engagement.
Unmatched Experience
More than 38 years performing flat roof moisture surveys and over 200 million square feet inspected across the United States. We’ve seen every roof type, every failure mode, and every challenging site condition there is.
ASTM-Compliant Methodology
Every survey is conducted in strict accordance with ASTM C1153 and Infraspection Institute standards — giving building owners, lenders, and attorneys documentation that holds up under scrutiny.
Ground & Aerial Capability
Whether your roof calls for a detailed walkover survey or a rapid aerial scan of hundreds of thousands of square feet, our team has the equipment and certification to deliver both — often in a single engagement.
Professional-Grade Cameras
We use high-resolution thermal imaging cameras with the sensitivity required to detect subtle temperature differentials between wet and dry insulation — producing clear, defensible imagery for every finding.
Nationwide Coverage
We serve building owners, property managers, roofing contractors, and facilities teams across 47 states — from single-building inspections to multi-site portfolio assessments for national operators.
Reports Built for Decisions
Our reports go beyond imagery — they include annotated roof drawings, moisture zone quantification, section-by-section damage percentages, and actionable prioritization to support capital planning and contractor direction.
ASTM C1153 is a standard of ASTM International. Infraspection Institute is an independent certification body for thermographers. Monroe Infrared is a Guidant Power company. This document is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute a warranty or guarantee of specific survey results. Survey feasibility is subject to site conditions, roof type, and weather at the time of inspection.
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about flat roof infrared moisture surveys — from how they work to what to expect from the report.