Commercial Roof Moisture Surveys
Infrared Thermography & Electrical Impedance Roof Testing
Moti Drone Services provides commercial roof moisture surveys using infrared roof scanning and electrical impedance moisture testing to evaluate wet insulation inside flat and low-slope roofing systems without destructive testing.
We work with roofing contractors, consultants, and facility owners throughout Chicago and the Upper Midwest who need reliable roof moisture detection for leak investigations, repair scoping, insurance documentation, and replacement planning.
Our non-destructive roof testing services are commonly performed on:
EPDM roofs
TPO roofs
PVC roofing systems
Modified bitumen roofs
Built-up roofing (BUR)
Coated commercial roofs
The goal is simple: identify moisture conditions so repair and replacement decisions are based on measured roof data — not guessing.
Infrared Roof Moisture Detection (Drone or Handheld)
Infrared thermography is used to perform a full roof moisture scan by identifying temperature variations across the roof surface. Wet insulation holds and releases heat differently than dry insulation, allowing subsurface moisture patterns to appear during proper thermal conditions.
Depending on building size and accessibility, the infrared roof survey is performed using either aerial thermography or handheld thermal imaging.
Drone Infrared Roof Survey
Used for large commercial roofs, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and buildings where full coverage and speed are critical.
Benefits include:
Scanning of large roof areas
Reduced walking on aging roofs
Consistent moisture mapping coverage
Safe inspection of difficult-access roofs
Handheld Infrared Roof Survey
Used for complex roof layouts where aerial deployment is not practical.
Allows detailed thermal evaluation around:
Curbs and penetrations
Mechanical equipment
Parapet transitions
Flashings and drainage areas
Infrared scanning identifies moisture-related thermal patterns and areas requiring further evaluation.
Electrical Impedance Roof Moisture Testing
Electrical impedance testing evaluates moisture within the roofing assembly by measuring changes in electrical resistance through the membrane and insulation layers.
Because wet insulation conducts electricity differently than dry materials, impedance testing helps define moisture-affected areas and wet insulation boundaries within the roof system.
This roof moisture testing method is used to:
Evaluate subsurface moisture conditions
Differentiate wet and dry insulation areas
Support repair quantity calculations
Assist roof replacement planning
Provide defensible project documentation
Note: Many impedance meters cannot properly evaluate EPDM roofs unless calibrated models are used (which we use). Equipment selection directly affects reliability of roof moisture readings.
Infrared Thermography vs Electrical Impedance Testing
Non-Destructive Roof Moisture Testing Methods
Both infrared roof scanning and impedance moisture testing are non-destructive testing (NDT) methods used in commercial roof moisture investigations. Each evaluates a different physical property of the roofing system.
Infrared Roof Thermography
Detects temperature differences across the roof surface that may indicate moisture-affected insulation. Ideal for scanning large roof areas and mapping moisture patterns.
Electrical Impedance Moisture Testing
Measures electrical resistance within the roof assembly to evaluate internal material conditions and moisture distribution.
Together, these methods provide a comprehensive understanding of roof moisture conditions without core cuts or invasive testing.
When a Commercial Roof Moisture Survey is Recommended
A flat roof moisture survey is commonly performed:
Before roof replacement to determine saturated insulation
During roof leak investigations
After hail or wind damage
Prior to coating or restoration projects
For insurance and warranty documentation
For capital planning and budgeting
To evaluate suspected trapped moisture
Roof Moisture Survey Deliverables
Wet insulation mapping
Repair and replacement guidance
Report usable for contractors, consultants, and building ownership
Why Contractors Use Moti Drone Services
This isn’t just a drone inspection — it’s a roof moisture investigation focused on actionable information.
The value of a commercial roof moisture survey is not the images.
It’s knowing what insulation is wet, what is dry, and how much of the roof actually needs to be removed.