Infrared Thermography and Moisture Testing Study
Redington Beach, FL / 2024 / DGI M300 Drone, RWS, DEC
An infrared thermography and moisture detection study was conducted across approximately 30,000 square feet of roof on a multi-story condominium building in Redington Beach, FL. The building utilized a PVC membrane roof system designed to prevent water intrusion into underlying insulation. GeoView was tasked with determining the presence and location of moisture beneath this membrane due to suspected compromises in the roof’s integrity.
The investigation employed a dual-technology approach using electrical impedance moisture scanners and aerial infrared thermography.
Open areas were surveyed with a Tramex DEC scanner, while restricted areas and penetrations were evaluated using a Tramex RWS scanner. Additionally, a DJI M300 drone equipped with a thermal imaging camera collected data during the early evening to identify thermal anomalies caused by the higher heat capacity of moist insulation.
The survey identified elevated moisture readings (+100% relative response) across approximately 40 to 50% of the overall roof area. The highest concentrations of moisture were observed in the southern portion and the northeast corner of the roof. Furthermore, elevated moisture was detected around the majority of roof penetrations and along 10 to 20% of the major PVC membrane seams.
There was a strong correlation between the moisture meter data and the infrared results, which supported the finding that failed seams were the primary source of water intrusion. Notably, no moisture was detected in a recently repaired southeast corner of the roof, validating the effectiveness of those specific repairs. All identified areas of concern were marked on-site with spray paint and documented on scaled site maps to guide future remediation efforts.
