Newsletter Archive – December 2017

Volume 6 Issue 12 December 2017

Director’s Message

Recently, while cleaning out some old personal files, my family came across our grandmother’s hand-written copy of a classic Christmas poem. Written by Eugene Field, “Jest ‘Fore Christmas” is a 19th century tale that recalls simpler times. The poem’s central character is a boy named William. It is likely that this particular work caught my grandmother’s attention since her husband and oldest son were both named William.

Now, as we read the yellowed and fragile notepaper that bears our grandmother’s distinctive handwriting, we can recall many fond memories of her and our family, especially during Christmas. With the holidays and busy year-end schedules upon us once again, we invite you to take the time to make special memories with family and friends and to file them in your heart so that you may easily find them in the future.

To all of our readers, friends, and associates throughout the world, please accept a heartfelt thank you for everything that you do for us all year long. May your holidays be filled with peace and joy and your New Year with good health and happiness.

~ Jim Seffrin and the Staff of Infraspection Institute

Preparing Roofs for Winter

With parts of the United States experiencing mild weather, it is hard to think about winter. For many, autumn provides a perfect opportunity to conduct infrared inspections of flat roofs to help ensure that they are ready for the upcoming colder months.

Summer can be especially tough on roofing systems. High temperatures, building movement, and UV radiation often cause cracks and splits in the waterproofing system. Left undetected, these cracks and splits can lead to roof leaks and premature roof failure. Performing an infrared roof inspection prior to the onset of colder weather can detect evidence of problems and help to direct repair efforts.

When performed under the proper conditions and with the right equipment, an infrared inspection can detect evidence of latent moisture within the roofing system often before leaks become evident in the building. For many locations, autumn provides perfect conditions for conducting an infrared inspection and performing any necessary roof repairs.

The best candidates for infrared inspection are flat or low slope roofs where the insulation is located between the roof deck and the membrane and is in direct contact with the underside of the membrane. Applicable constructions are roofs with either smooth or gravel-surfaced, built-up or single-ply membranes. If gravel is present, it should be less than ½" in diameter and less than 1″ thick.

For smooth-surfaced roofs, a short wave (2-5.6 µ) imager will provide more accurate results especially if the roof is painted with a reflective coating. All infrared data should be verified by a qualified roofing professional via core sampling or invasive moisture meter readings.
More Information

Do You Have the Correct Time?

Most modern thermal imagers have the ability to record time and date along with thermal images. Taking a moment to ensure that the correct time and date are displayed on your imager before you begin your inspection can help to avoid wasted time and the collection of inaccurate data.

Having the correct time associated with your imagery is important for several reasons. With correctly dated imagery, it is possible to:
  • Accurately document when an inspection was performed
  • Easily store and uniquely reference image files
  • Record the duration of a thermal event

It is always good practice to consciously check your imager’s clock each time you start your imager and make any necessary adjustments. Be certain to check the clock periodically during each inspection and whenever the imager is restarted, such as after a battery change or power interruption.

If your imager frequently displays incorrect time, it may be indicative of a defective or dead internal battery. To avoid this problem, arrange for replacement of internal clock batteries whenever you have your imager serviced or repaired.

More Information

Attend IR/INFO and Get Free Training!

In celebration of IR/INFO’s 29th anniversary, Infraspection Institute are pleased to announce a special offer combining the world’s most respected infrared training and certification program with the industry’s original technical conference.

Attend IR/INFO and receive a tuition voucher for up to 100% discount on a 2018 Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer® training course.
Special offers may not be combined with any other discount. Training course vouchers must be used by 12/31/18. Tuition vouchers are transferable to a third party for a $500 administrative fee.
More Information

Soar to New Heights

Become an Infraspection Institute Master Thermographer™

©2025 Infraspection Institute