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Flat roof inspections

Last post 07-02-2009, 4:36 PM by Tony C.. 3 replies.
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  •  06-08-2009, 9:34 AM 3114

    Flat roof inspections

    Gentlemen,

     I need advice. I am a novice at roof inspections and this will be my first. I will follow the instructions listed in the Snell training manual. The type of roof is flat with membrane over a lightweight concrete that has non-absorbent insulation underneath. It also has medium sized rocks use as a ballast. Since the roof has a layer of lightweight concrete over the isulation, does that make it more difficult to survey? Any tips are greatly appreciated. Thank You.

  •  06-08-2009, 10:28 AM 3117 in reply to 3114

    Re: Flat roof inspections

    I have limited experience with light-weight concrete but it was not much fun! Add heavy ballast to it and I think you are asking for a migraine headache. Any chance of looking from the interior?

    Maybe others can chime in here?!


    Thermally Yours,

    John
    ASNT NDT Level III #48166
    The Snell Group
    www.thesnellgroup.com
    www.thermalsolutions.org
    800-636-9820
  •  06-08-2009, 11:15 AM 3118 in reply to 3117

    Re: Flat roof inspections

    Thanks for the reply John. I was hoping for "it's a piece of cake". The interior I think is out of the question. It is at least 4 inches of concrete poured onto steel decking. The building is close to one million square feet and of course the building is filled with people and office furniture.

  •  07-02-2009, 4:36 PM 3215 in reply to 3118

    Re: Flat roof inspections

    What you seem to be describing as a roofing system is an IRMA  (Inverted roof membrane assembly).  With a non permeable roof insulation, you will see very little variation in temperature other than heavy ballast and residual moisture within the concrete over the insulation.  The purpose of your inspection is to determine the openings within the roof membrane leading to water leakage to the building interior.  Sadly you will not be able to detect these leaks with infrared thermography from the exterior. 

    The best method of detection of membrane defects within IRMA roofs is by a technology called EFVM  (Electro Field Vector Mapping).  This technology employs placement of low voltage wiring around the perimeter of the entire roof area along with isolation wiring around all pentrations in the roof assembly.  By flooding the roof assembly and inducing a low voltage through the perimeter wiring, electrical prods are used on the surface materials to locate leaks by analysis of reading of directional signals from the prods. 

    All other NDT methods  to detect roof membrane defects cannot compete with EFVM in terms of accuracy and cost.  Thermography is not applicable on this type of roof assembly.

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