Honestly, I’d rather deal with a small upfront cost than get hit with a monster change order halfway through.
Preach. I’ve had projects where skipping a couple of those “peace of mind” cuts ended up costing way more in the long run. But man, green roofs are a different beast—one time we found a leak only because the sedum started looking like it needed a lifeguard. Still, I always wonder if there’s a way to get around demo without feeling like I’m playing the world’s most expensive game of Minesweeper. Anyone actually trust just the thermal scans? I’ve had mixed results.
Anyone actually trust just the thermal scans? I’ve had mixed results.
Thermal scans are a decent tool, but I wouldn’t rely on them alone, especially with green roofs. Vegetation can mask or confuse the readings—seen it happen more than once. I usually pair thermal with a moisture meter and, if possible, a small test cut in suspect areas. It’s not perfect, but it beats chasing phantom leaks later. Demo’s a pain, but sometimes it’s the only way to be sure.
I’ve had thermal scans throw me off before, especially on older ballasted roofs. Once, the scan flagged a whole section as wet, but when we cut in, it was just residual heat from some HVAC work earlier that day. Now I always double-check with a moisture probe and, if the numbers don’t add up, I’ll open up a small area. It’s more work upfront, but it’s saved me from underbidding when hidden damage pops up later. Those surprises can kill your margins fast.
Now I always double-check with a moisture probe and, if the numbers don’t add up, I’ll open up a small area.
That’s the only way I trust the results anymore. Had a scan mislead me last year—turned out to be sun-baked gravel, not moisture. It’s tedious, but skipping those checks cost me a bundle once. I’d rather spend an extra hour than eat a surprise later. Thermal imaging’s great, but it’s not gospel.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve honestly had the opposite happen—over-checking ended up costing me more in patchwork repairs than just trusting the scan and monitoring over time. Maybe it’s just my luck, but sometimes opening up a “suspicious” spot led to more headaches than leaving it alone. I do agree thermal imaging isn’t perfect, but I guess I’m a little more willing to gamble if the readings look consistent and there’s no other red flags. Guess it depends on how much risk you’re willing to take on a given project.