What GCs Can Learn from Thermal Scans

Thermal drone imaging isn’t just for high-tech industries; it’s now a powerful tool for general contractors. From detecting water damage to verifying insulation, thermal scans reveal what the eye can’t see.

So, what exactly is thermal scanning? It uses infrared cameras to measure surface temperatures. When mounted on a drone, these cameras can scan roofs, walls, and entire structures safely from the air.

For contractors, this means you can spot problems early without ladders, lifts, or physical contact with the building. It’s safer, faster, and often more revealing than manual inspections.

For example, heat escaping through a commercial roof can be a sign of insulation failure. A thermal scan will show this as bright yellow or red hotspots in the image, while well-insulated areas remain cool (blue or green).

This kind of insight is especially valuable before a handoff or warranty phase. Contractors can use scans to validate the quality of work, find leaks, or spot faulty materials, before a client notices and files a complaint.

One of our clients recently scanned a newly installed TPO roof on a retail plaza. The thermal imagery revealed three areas of heat loss that were invisible to the eye. After further inspection, the contractor found gaps in the insulation where it had shifted during install. A quick fix saved the GC from future repair liability.

Thermal imaging also plays a role in solar panel installations. Faulty panels or connections often appear hotter than working ones. With one flyover, we helped a contractor identify 12 underperforming panels. That is something that could have gone unnoticed for months.

What makes drone-based thermal scanning ideal is the coverage and speed. You can scan an entire building in minutes, including hard-to-reach areas.

Plus, radiometric thermal overlays give you calibrated data, not just pretty pictures. This makes reporting easier and more credible when shared with clients or insurance providers.

Thermal scans may sound like a luxury, but for contractors focused on quality, they’re becoming a necessity.

Ready to see what’s hiding under the surface? A thermal scan might reveal more than you expect.