One of the most important parts of any structure is the roof covering. Roofs can be made of many different materials, but all ultimately are intended for the purpose of keeping the weather out. Moisture, sun, insects and wind are all factors which can destroy a roof or reduce its capacity to keep out weather.

Throughout most of the United States, a typical roof can be expected to last approximately 20 years. Depreciation values are based on the twenty-year figure. However, in the Northern tier of states or in areas where there is extensive precipitation or hail, a roof may only last for 5 to 7 years before needing to be replaced.

Contrary to what might be expected, a roof inspection franchise does not involve a contractor climbing up on the roof and removing part of the roof in order to determine if there are areas where moisture has seeped through onto the underlying insulation. This type of activity would be counterproductive if not ludicrous—to rip up the roof to determine whether there are any leaks.

Instead, special technology is brought into play. A person from a professional roof inspection franchise aims an infrared camera at the dry roof. This is done from a distance, so there is no need to climb over the surface of the roof which can cause damage as the weight of the person flexes the fastenings holding the roof in place which can cause very slight shifting of working of the nails or screws. This slight shifting can allow future moisture to work under the roof covering in the future.

As the sun heats up the roof during the daytime, the surface holds heat until the evening when the entire surface begins to cool off. Where there is a leak, and moisture has moved down into the insulation below the roof surface, the damp insulation has a higher thermal mass than the roof surface. By using a special infrared camera and scanning large areas of the roof surface, a professionally trained roofing inspection team can note the small temperature differences between the large surface areas of the roof and the damp or wet areas of insulation below the surface of the roof.

This can help you in determining whether damage is at a level which will require replacement of sections or the entire roof before water damage affects the underlying structure of the roof.

A roof inspection franchise is a great opportunity for a steady income for the dedicated professional. It requires training in acquiring and reading the infrared photographs, but that training is accomplished through the franchise process.