What a Roof Inspection Can Reveal

A thorough roof inspection is designed to uncover both visible and hidden concerns. Inspectors typically evaluate the roof surface, drainage points, seams, flashings, edges, penetrations, and surrounding details to determine whether the system is functioning as intended. 

Common issues found during inspection include:

• Areas of standing water or ponding.
• Damaged or deteriorated membrane sections.
• Loose or failing flashing.
• Blocked drains or scuppers.
• Flashing around rooftop equipment curbs and penetrations.
• Surface wear caused by weathering, foot traffic, or mechanical activity.

These findings matter because roof problems rarely stay isolated. A small defect in one area can allow moisture to enter the system and spread into other areas, making repairs more complicated and expensive over time.

How Thermal Imaging Adds Value

Thermal imaging has become an especially useful tool for commercial roof inspections because it can reveal issues that aren’t visible during a standard assessment. Infrared cameras detect temperature differences that may indicate trapped moisture, wet insulation, hidden leaks, or areas of heat loss.

This technology is valuable for several reasons:

• It’s non-invasive and doesn’t require destructive testing.
• It can cover large roof areas efficiently.
• It helps pinpoint hidden moisture and compromised insulation.
• It provides documentation that can support maintenance planning and repair decisions.

Read more on our website!

Regular roof inspections are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect a commercial property. They help identify small issues before they become major repairs, extend roof life, support energy efficiency, and reduce the risk of costly building damage.

Whether performed on a seasonal schedule, after severe weather, or as part of a broader building-envelope program, roof inspections provide the information needed to maintain a safer, stronger, and more durable facility. For building owners and managers, that makes proactive inspection a smart investment rather than an optional expense. Contact us today to schedule your inspection!

Why Regular Roof Inspection is So Important

Repairs to an extensively damaged roof can be quite costly. This cost is highlighted further when compared against that of a regular inspection. You can save money in the long run by performing thorough and regular inspections of your roof and make small repairs, rather than waiting until the damage has worsened requiring larger repairs.

Neglect tends to be the most common cause of roof failure, as most significant problems can be prevented. It is easy to assume that a roof is invincible, but unfortunately that is not the case, as they are prone to many issues such as ponding water, debris accumulation, exposure, and cracking and personnel damage.

Other common issues include:

• Organic growth: Weed and plant roots can actually penetrate into the roof, which can cause damage.
• Heat absorption: Components of the roof that have absorbed water will cool off more slowly than dry components. This leads to dusk being the best time to thermally examine a roof, as the “hot spots” have not cooled down as much as other areas.
• Ponding: The result of poor drainage, ponding is standing water that remains on a roof after 48 hours. The water can find its way into imperfections in the roof and degrades the materials. Ponding can also void your roofing warranty.
• Parapets: Can be a problematic source of water intrusion particularly where the wall meets the roof. Materials that have been exposed to moisture, sunlight, and UV exposure can crack and split, allowing water an easy path into the inside of the building envelope.
• Rusted supports: Can contribute to damage or falling pieces of your building envelope. Lightning strikes have been known to hit sensitive areas of a roof or facade and cause massive chunks to explode and fall to the ground below.

Read the full article about roof inspection on our website!

Use the IEI Advantage to Protect Your Roof

We recommend a roof inspection twice a year – primarily right before and after winter. However, if your roof is subject to severe weather such as a hailstorm or hurricane, it may be prudent to schedule an inspection to assess potential damage.

Contact us today!

 

Commercial Roof Inspection Spring Checklist

Many facilities often go year after year without a proper, comprehensive roof inspection. Managers may assume that the roof is sound and even ignore obvious issues, which will only become more and more severe.

Symptoms such as cracking, ponding water, and accumulated debris can indicate a significant problem. Regular, proper inspections of your roof can head off a more expensive repair in the future.

As we transition into springtime, there are so many areas of your roof that may need attention after a long winter. For a full inspection, you should hire a professional. In the meantime, make it a point to give attention to these areas:

1. Check for dirt and debris on the roof and/or in drains and gutters.
2. Look for visible weather or impact damage.
3.  Check for pooling water or ponding/water stains.

There are many more potential signs of damage that could appear when you do a thorough roof inspection. 

Read the full article about roof inspection on our website!

Use the IEI Advantage to Protect Your Roof

We recommend a roof inspection twice a year – primarily right before and after winter. However, if your roof is subject to severe weather such as a hailstorm or hurricane, it may be prudent to schedule an inspection to assess potential damage.

Contact us today!

Relative Costs of Different Roofing Materials

Most moisture problems in a building start at the roof, particularly where the roof meets the wall and penetrations. Good quality roofing is the key to keeping water out of your building and facades!

There is no best type of roof. Selecting the right materials depends on if you’re replacing or constructing a new roof, the condition of the roofing, insulation, and deck, and other variables like climate, foot traffic, and wind exposure.

Average costs for quality materials (as of 2018) are:

• EDPM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer, Synthetic Rubber, (innertube)): Thermosetting – hardens when heated. >15-year life span. $5.50 per square foot.
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride): >15-year life span. 3x thicker than EPDM and plastic single ply sheets. $8.50 per square foot.
• TPO (thermoplastic Olefin): Combination of thermoplastic, elastomer or rubber, and a filler. <15-year lifespan. $7.00 per square foot.

Read the entire article about roof inspection on our website!

Use the IEI Advantage to Protect Your Roof

A roof inspection is recommended twice a year – primarily right before and after winter. However, if your roof is subject to severe weather such as a hailstorm or hurricane, it may be prudent to schedule an inspection to assess any potential damage that may have been caused.

Innovative Engineering Inc.’s Certified Remote Pilots comply with FAA Part 107 Guidelines. They also hold a daylight operations waiver which allows them to fly at night, which is the best time to conduct thermal inspection.

The engineers at IEI have extensive experience with various methods of roof inspection. If you feel that it is time to address any problems (either potential or already confirmed) with the roof of your facility, give IEI a call today. Their engineers will be happy to provide you with a detailed report of any deficiencies that need to be addressed. Contact us today!

Why are Roof Inspections so Important?

Many facilities often go year after year without a proper, comprehensive roof inspection. Managers may assume that the roof is sound and even ignore obvious issues, which will only proceed to become more and more severe.

Symptoms such as cracking, ponding water, and accumulated debris can indicate a significant problem. Regular, proper inspections of your roof can head off a more expensive repair in the future.

Learn why regular roof inspections are so important on our website!

Innovative Engineering Inc.’s Certified Remote Pilots comply with FAA Part 107 Guidelines. They also hold a daylight operations waiver which allows them to fly at night, which is the best time to conduct thermal inspection.

The engineers at IEI have extensive experience with various methods of roof inspection. If you feel that it is time to address any problems (either potential or already confirmed) with the roof of your facility, give IEI a call today. Their engineers will be happy to provide you with a detailed report of any deficiencies that need to be addressed. Contact us today!

Save Money on Costly Roof Repairs

Repairs to an extensively damaged roof can be quite costly. This cost is highlighted further when compared against that of a regular inspection. Money can be saved in the long run by performing thorough and regular inspections of your roof, rather than waiting until the damage has already been done.

Neglect tends to be the most common cause of roof failure, as most significant problems can be prevented. It is easy to assume that a roof is invincible, but unfortunately that is not the case, as they are prone to many issues such as ponding water, debris accumulation, exposure, and cracking.

Other common issues include:

• Organic growth: Weed and plant roots can actually penetrate into the roof, which can cause damage.
• Heat absorption: Components of the roof that have absorbed water will cool off more slowly. This leads to dusk being the best time to thermally examine a roof, as the “hot spots” have not cooled down as much as other areas.
• Ponding: The result of poor drainage, ponding is standing water that remains on a roof after 48 hours. The water can find its way into imperfections in the roof, and degrades the materials inside.
• Parapets: Can be a problematic source of water intrusion. Materials that have been exposed to moisture, sunlight, and UV exposure can crack and split, allowing water an easy path into the inside of the building envelope.
• Rusted supports: Can contribute to damage or falling pieces of your building envelope. Lightning strikes have been known to hit sensitive areas of a roof or facade and cause massive chunks to fall to the ground below.

Read the full article about roof inspection on our website!

Use the IEI Advantage to Protect Your Roof

A roof inspection is recommended twice a year – primarily right before and after winter. However, if your roof is subject to severe weather such as a hailstorm or hurricane, it may be prudent to schedule an inspection to assess any potential damage that may have been caused.

Innovative Engineering Inc.’s Certified Remote Pilots comply with FAA Part 107 Guidelines. They also hold a daylight operations waiver which allows them to fly at night, which is the best time to conduct thermal inspection.

The engineers at IEI have extensive experience with various methods of roof inspection. If you feel that it is time to address any problems (either potential or already confirmed) with the roof of your facility, give IEI a call today. Their engineers will be happy to provide you with a detailed report of any deficiencies that need to be addressed. Contact us today!

Thermal Imaging for a Thorough Roof Inspection

Many facilities often go year after year without a proper, comprehensive roof inspection. Managers may assume that the roof is sound and even ignore obvious issues, which will only proceed to become more and more severe.

Symptoms such as cracking, ponding water, and accumulated debris can indicate a significant problem. Regular, proper inspections of your roof can head off a more expensive repair in the future.

The practice of thermal imaging has become increasingly more common in regards to roof inspection practices. By scanning various areas of the roof with thermal cameras, you can identify where hidden issues may be lurking.

Conditions such as moisture intrusion, mold, heat or cooling loss, and construction quality can easily be determined when using thermal imaging of a roof.

The advantages of thermal imaging are multi-faceted. For instance, the process is non-intrusive, allows detection of issues before damage occurs, and gives the inspector the ability to scan large areas quickly.

Repairs to an extensively damaged roof can be quite costly. This cost is highlighted further when compared against that of a regular inspection. Money can be saved in the long run by performing thorough and regular inspections of your roof, rather than waiting until the damage has already been done. 

Read the full article about roof inspection on our website!

Use the IEI Advantage to Protect Your Roof

A roof inspection is recommended twice a year – primarily right before and after winter. However, if your roof is subject to severe weather such as a hailstorm or hurricane, it may be prudent to schedule an inspection to assess any potential damage that may have been caused.

Innovative Engineering Inc.’s Certified Remote Pilots comply with FAA Part 107 Guidelines. They also hold a daylight operations waiver which allows them to fly at night, which is the best time to conduct thermal inspection.

The engineers at IEI have extensive experience with various methods of roof inspection. If you feel that it is time to address any problems (either potential or already confirmed) with the roof of your facility, give IEI a call today. Their engineers will be happy to provide you with a detailed report of any deficiencies that need to be addressed. Contact us today!

Drones: The Next Security Threat?

Over the past couple decades, drone technology has advanced at a spectacular rate. Global Positioning Systems, accelerometers, and lightweight components have made drones cheaper, more accessible, and better performing than ever before. There is a nearly limitless number of applications for commercial drone flight, including photography, videography, agriculture, search-and-rescue operations, land surveying, and more. Recreational drone flight has become very popular as well, with pilots using their drones to race and perform stunts as well as take photos and videos.

Drone use is becoming more and more commonplace in today’s world, and the United States Government has noticed. Unwanted or hostile drones in US airspace are among the top national security threats in this country today. Flying a drone in restricted areas could interrupt operations at airports, military bases, other essential facilities, or threaten safety and security at public events.

Read the full article on our website!