FIELD NOTES & COMPANY NEWS
PROJECT UPDATES, INFRARED IMAGERY AND OBSERVATIONS FROM THE FIELD
RECENT UPDATES
Follow Accurate Infrared into the field for project stories, unusual findings, inspection imagery and updates from the places our work takes us.
Aerial Infrared Roof Survey for a Multi-Building Public-Facilities Portfolio
A multi-building roof portfolio can involve a great deal of square footage, limited access and a narrow window of suitable inspection conditions. For a recent fall assignment, Accurate Infrared used a helicopter-based approach to survey multiple public-facility roofs during one coordinated flight.
One flight, multiple facilities
The project required an organized route, clear communication and a building-by-building collection plan. Working from the air allowed the thermography team to move efficiently across the portfolio while capturing both infrared and visible-light imagery for later review.
Aerial collection can be especially useful when a portfolio includes large or separated buildings, difficult roof access or a schedule that favors covering several sites during the same thermal window. The appropriate approach always depends on roof construction, site conditions, weather and the objectives of the survey.
Timing is central to an infrared roof survey
Infrared roof moisture surveys rely on suitable environmental and thermal conditions. Solar loading, precipitation history, wind, surface conditions and the transition into evening can all affect the patterns visible in the data. Careful planning helps the thermographer distinguish meaningful anomalies from normal roof features and environmental effects.
After the flight, the imagery is organized and reviewed by building. Areas showing notable thermal patterns can then be documented for qualified follow-up and, when appropriate, targeted verification. The infrared survey helps focus attention; it does not replace professional evaluation of the roof assembly.
The people behind the fieldwork
A project-day photograph at the airfield captured the crew and family members who shared the moment. We appreciate having permission to share a glimpse of the people behind the work while keeping the client, exact facilities, aircraft registration and location confidential.
Learn more about infrared roof surveys and our broader project experience.
Planning a multi-building roof assessment? Send us the building count, locations, roof areas and schedule, and we will help determine whether aerial or ground-based collection is the right fit.
Six Practical Applications for an Infrared Inspection Program
Infrared thermography is useful anywhere temperature patterns can reveal how a system is performing. The equipment and inspection conditions vary, but the core advantage is the same: important differences can often be documented without dismantling or interrupting the system.
1. Electrical systems
Electrical infrared inspections evaluate energized equipment for abnormal heating associated with connections, components, phase loading and other conditions that warrant further investigation. Common targets include switchgear, panels, bus connections, transformers and distribution equipment.
2. Mechanical equipment
Mechanical infrared surveys compare operating temperature patterns across motors, bearings, couplings, pumps and driven equipment. Trending and repeatable inspection conditions can help maintenance teams recognize change over time.
3. Building envelopes and commercial roofs
Building-envelope thermography can help document thermal patterns associated with insulation continuity, air leakage and moisture. Under suitable weather and roof conditions, infrared roof surveys can support investigation of suspected moisture within compatible roofing systems.
4. Utility assets
Utility infrared surveys extend thermal inspection to substations, overhead equipment, cable terminations and distribution assets. Efficient collection methods help utilities evaluate large groups of components while keeping the results organized and actionable.
5. Solar arrays
Solar infrared inspections evaluate modules and related electrical equipment for patterns that may indicate cells, connections or components requiring closer review. Appropriate irradiance and operating conditions are important to the quality of the survey.
6. Maritime and shipboard systems
Maritime infrared inspections bring the same disciplined approach to electrical and mechanical systems aboard working vessels. Planning around vessel access, operating schedules and confidentiality is a central part of the assignment.
Building the right inspection scope
The strongest programs match the method to the asset, operating condition and maintenance objective. Infrared may also be combined with services such as optical gas imaging or ultrasound inspection when those technologies better address a particular question.
Not sure where to begin? Describe the systems, locations and concerns, and Accurate Infrared will help develop an appropriate inspection plan.
Built to Travel: Infrared Inspection Support Across the U.S. and Around the World
Infrared inspection work does not always stay close to home. Accurate Infrared is based in Oregon near Portland, but our thermographers mobilize for projects throughout the United States and internationally. That range matters for organizations that want a consistent inspection approach across multiple facilities, utilities, industrial sites or vessels.
Good fieldwork starts before the trip
Travel is only one part of a successful assignment. Before arriving on site, we work with the project team to understand the systems being inspected, expected operating conditions, access requirements, safety procedures and reporting priorities. Clear preparation helps the inspection time stay focused and productive.
For multi-site or remote work, planning may include equipment lists, site contacts, operating windows, shutdown schedules and any special transportation or security requirements. Maritime and shipboard projects may add vessel schedules, port access and coordination with onboard personnel.
One inspection partner across different environments
Our work can involve energized electrical equipment, operating mechanical systems, utility assets, commercial roofs, building envelopes, solar arrays and shipboard systems. The environment changes, but the fundamentals remain consistent: disciplined data collection, careful interpretation and clear documentation.
That consistency is especially valuable for owners and maintenance teams responsible for multiple locations. A common inspection process and reporting format makes it easier to compare conditions, communicate priorities and track follow-up over time.
Confidentiality travels with us
Many of the facilities and vessels we inspect are operationally sensitive. Client names, vessel identities, exact locations and site-specific details are handled with care. The project imagery shared on this website is selected and prepared to illustrate the work without revealing confidential identifiers.
Explore representative assignments on our Industries & Project Experience page, or learn more about maritime and shipboard infrared inspections.
Need inspection support away from your home office? Send us the location, scope and schedule. We will help plan an approach that fits the project.
What Infrared Thermography Reveals Before Equipment Fails
Heat is often one of the earliest visible signs that an electrical or mechanical component is no longer operating normally. Infrared thermography gives maintenance teams a non-contact way to compare thermal patterns while equipment is operating, helping them investigate developing conditions before those conditions become outages, damage or safety concerns.
Where abnormal thermal patterns develop
A good infrared survey is not simply a collection of colorful images. The thermographer evaluates patterns, temperatures, loading and operating context. Depending on the system, the survey may reveal conditions associated with:
- Loose, resistive or deteriorating electrical connections
- Imbalanced loading between phases
- Overloaded components or conductors
- Unusual heating in motors, bearings and driven equipment
- Insulation, moisture or air-leakage patterns in building assemblies
These observations give the facility team a focused starting point for further evaluation. Infrared findings should be considered alongside equipment history, visual observations, electrical measurements and the knowledge of qualified maintenance personnel.
Why operating conditions matter
Many electrical anomalies are most apparent while equipment is energized and carrying representative load. Mechanical patterns likewise make more sense when the inspector understands speed, duty cycle, ambient conditions and recent operating history. Planning the survey around normal operations helps create results that are more useful and repeatable.
For multi-site programs, consistent procedures also make it easier to compare findings across facilities and inspection cycles. That is especially valuable when maintenance teams need to prioritize work across a large equipment population.
From thermal image to maintenance decision
Accurate Infrared documents findings with clear infrared and visible-light imagery, equipment identification and practical observations. The goal is to help the people responsible for the system quickly understand what was observed and where follow-up is warranted.
Our certified thermographers support electrical infrared inspections, mechanical surveys and broader condition-monitoring programs throughout the United States and internationally. Client, facility and location details remain confidential.
Planning an inspection? Tell us about the equipment, location and operating schedule, and we will help determine the right approach.
Accurate Infrared at the Oregon Zoo
Accurate Infrared and the rest of the community sure do miss our visits to the zoo and other Portland area attractions during these challenging times. The Oregon Zoo has been closed since March 17th due to the coronavirus restrictions. They have been doing what they can by providing virtual tours and updates through social media. We hope to get back to see all the beautiful animals soon.
The Oregon Zoo Foundation, the private nonprofit fundraising arm of the zoo, is asking for donations through a new emergency recovery fund. The fund’s goal is a $1 million infusion to support zoo operations during the closure.
To contribute to the fund, go to oregonzoo.org/donate.
Helicopter Rooftop Inspections
Accurate Infrared partnered with Hillsboro Aviation to conduct helicopter rooftop inspections of 23 buildings. The helicopter allows us to be more efficient and cost effective. We were able to attack all 23 buildings in just over an hour using our two Flir infrared cameras with a thorough plan of attack. We identified several problems that will save our client thousands of dollars in damage and repairs.
PLANNING YOUR OWN PROJECT?
Our field notes show only a small sample of the systems and environments we inspect. If you have a facility, portfolio, utility system or vessel that needs attention, tell us what you are working on.
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE WORK
Share the location, scope and schedule, and we will help determine the right inspection approach.