23_VARoof8a-IRStudy_09.04.pdf

IR Roof Study Report

Prepared for:

Manchester VA Hospital

718 Smyth Rd.

Manchester, NH

Project Location:

Roof 8A

718 Smythe Rd.

Manchester, NH

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METHOD

Infrared Thermography for moisture detection in insulated roof systems

• Thermographic cameras display a visual graphic of infrared thermal emittance.

Since water has a higher thermal capacitance than the insulations used in roofing systems, moisture will have a differentiating thermal signature.

• Thermal scanning of insulated roofing systems is most effective about an hour so after the sun sets or rises as the thermal variance if moisture is present will be greatest after solar loading or night cooling.

• Procedures and methods outlined in the ASTM Standard C1153 - 97(2003)e1-

“Standard Practice for the Location of Wet Insulation in Roofing Systems using

Thermal Imaging,” were followed for this project. A certified Level 1 thermographer performed the scan with assistance of a facility staff person.

• Typically areas of wet insulation are marked with paint or other non-permanent marking material.

• A FLIR E50BX Thermal Imaging device was used for this survey.

• Core cuts performed: ☒

• Moisture Meter readings taken: ☐ Delmhorst BD 2100

• Moisture Meter readings taken: ☒ Tramex RWS

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Roof System(s)

Roof Assembly(s)

Attachment

Roof 1

Membrane Sika PVC Adhered

Insulation Polyiso Adhered

Asphalt coated, possibly sloped, concrete deck, asphalt from previous system

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SUMMARY

A thermographic study of roof 8A was conducted on August 31, 2023. There were no pronounced thermal signatures that would correlate to wet insulation. Typically, with white roofs in the northeast we will commence the scan about sundown and run through it several times to ensure we’re capturing any thermal anomalies. This is because white membrane roofs do not absorb as much thermal energy from daytime solar load and the heat will dissipate more quickly, (there being less of a load), or not provide a signature until things have cooled down significantly. Therefore, we run the scan several times to ensure we’ve captured the actual condition of the roof. In addition we will often employ a secondary measurement in the form of a capacitance meter to confirm or negate findings.

A capacitance meter (Tramex RWS) was employed on Roof 8A to confirm conditions. Initially the meter indicated moisture along the south side of the roof. A core was performed, and the insulation was found to be dry. A second core was performed about 12’ away from the first and was found to be dry also. A 1.5” slit was found in the roof and the insulation was determined to be wet. The Tramex was calibrated to wet at this location and the area marked out on the roof and shown on the enclosed drawing is what was identified as being wet.

Readings were taken over the entire roof surface after the instrument was calibrated to wet and the rest of the roof, other than that near the 1.5” slit mentioned, was found to be dry.

The scan and report were conducted and completed by Dan Benner of TREMCO, and Conor

O’Brien, a Level 1 Certified Infrared Thermographer, Infraspection Institute Certification

#12405, IIBEC Registered Roof Consultant.

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Anomaly Square footage

1 10

Total Estimated Wet 10 sf

% of Roof 1.25%

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IMAGE INTERPRETATION

Images are shown in ‘Iron Scale’.

Iron scale images showing colors to the left side of the scale below are indicative of moisture. Notable exceptions to this principle are objects and penetrations that are conducting heat from the interior; screws and plates, plumbing vents et cetera.

Thermography is well-established as a method of detecting moisture in roofing systems.

Nonetheless, confirmation via destructive or non-destructive methods are the most definitive.

• Daytime temperatures up to 77°F. Sunny.

• Inside temp: ~65 Outside temp: 72°F Wind: 3 mph

• Cloud cover: Clear

• Time of scan: 7:30-9:40 PM

• When a thermal signature is generated on the high range of the spectrum is indicative of moisture content ranging from 40-100%.

• Sunset time: 8:04 PM

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Image 1 Comments

Image 2 Comments

No visible image taken

Northeast corner. No thermal anomaly.

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Image 3 Comments

Image 4 Comments

West corner-no thermal anomaly.

Visible light image.

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Image 5 Comments

Image 6 Comments

North corner.

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Image 7 Comments

Image 8 Comments

No thermal anomaly.

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Image 9 Comments

Image 10 Comments

Core 1 dry. 2.2” polyiso

(believed to be tapered, but deck could be sloped).

Core 1 repaired. Tramex reading (0% moisture reading).

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Image 11 Comments

Image 12 Comments

Core 2-dry.

Core 2 repaired.

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Image 13 Comments

Wet area. 1.5” slit in membrane repaired with

TremSeal caulk. Visible in center of marked out wet area.

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