Innovation in Roof Monitoring

Catastrophic roof collapse is the last thing a business or home owner wants to have happen. While the best way to prevent such disasters is regular maintenance, in some cases even the best roofs can’t hold up.

Many property owners, managers and roofers have started to use drones (UAVs) to have eyes on a roof without an actual presence. However, another company is embracing technology for a more automated (and yet to be proven) approach to roof monitoring.

A company called Roof Monitor has created a new system — using wireless technology and sensors attached to the roof — that will allow them to catch both snow and water buildup. It measures things like head pressure on drains, load and other factors that are often responsible for structural collapse. The sensors can be adhered to any type of surface without causing any damage to roofing materials. The sensors are battery operated and the batteries generally last 12 – 24 months. A simple push-button paring allows sensors to send up-to-the second info on changes in the roof’s condition.

While this system works best on commercial roofing (generally low slope roofing or flat roofing), they can also be used on pitched roofing systems as well. In snow country, this can be vital element in knowing when the snow load is getting too heavy for the structure. In Monsoon country, it can help monitor damage from extreme summer storms and warn when repairs are necessary.

Roof Monitor actually monitors the roof for its customers and will send an alert when action is necessary. Then your roofing professional can come and fix whatever is wrong before any major damage causes problems.