The roof of your business location performs many vital functions. It prevents weather-related threats from entering the building. It retains heat during the winter. It holds cooled air inside during the summer. It must also withstand a wide range of threats, from UV light to dramatic temperature shifts to driving rain, sleet, hail, and more. Over time, it can develop leaks, and that can put your NJ business in danger. Commercial roof leak detection can help. How does it work, though?
Thermal Imaging
One of the most important tools at the disposal of a commercial roofing company is a thermal imaging camera. This is incredibly important for detecting signs of water leaks in the roof. Using a thermal imaging camera, the roof inspector will arrive at your business location after sunset – the test needs to be done several hours after the sun goes down to accurately detect leaks. Also, there must have been no appreciable rainfall for several days before the test.
A thermal imaging camera will be used to take pictures of the entire roof. These will show areas with temperature differences – areas that are significantly hotter than others are those where water has leaked in and been retained. Water holds heat longer than other materials and will show as heated areas in the photographs. However, there is a more accurate testing method on the market.
Voltage Testing
An advanced roofing company will use low or high voltage testing to check for leaks in your business’ roof. In low voltage testing, the roof will need to be wet, but high voltage testing requires dry conditions to map the roof’s field. Voltage testing is simple, effective and accurate – voltage passing through a hole in the roof’s waterproof membrane show as arcs in the vector map and create an audible signal from the testing machine.
Once leaks have been pinpointed, a closer examination can be done, and a plan for leak repair can be created. In some cases, applying a sealant may be the best option. In others, a liquid rubber compound may be applied to larger portions of the roof. In yet other situations, repairs may include sealing around flashing and other areas where leaks can easily develop.
A great deal depends on the type of roof on your business (flat, rubber, asphalt shingle, metal, etc.) and the source of the water leak. The most important consideration is to ensure that you choose a company with years of experience handling commercial roof leak detection and repair.
Do you suspect there is a water leak on your business’ roof? We invite you to get in touch with us at Atlantic Leak Detection & Utility Locating.
