See the water inside your roof.
Wet insulation rarely shows from the surface. A Roof MRI scan maps moisture across the whole roof, square by square, so repair, restoration or replacement decisions start with data.
Roof MRI uses impedance scanning to find moisture trapped under the membrane across the entire roof, then confirms it with probe readings. You get a color-coded map and the square footage that is wet, damp or dry.
Structure performs Roof MRI moisture scans and delivers the Roof MRI moisture report, using a non-destructive moisture detection method developed by ReDry LLC.
Water that gets into a commercial roof can sit in the insulation for years. It adds weight, lowers insulating value, damages decks and can make a restoration unworkable. Most of it never shows up as a ceiling stain, which is why it gets missed.
Identify. Understand. Remediate.
Identify
The roof is scanned on a 10 x 10 ft grid tied to aerial imagery and compass orientation, so every reading has a location.
Understand
Each square is classified as wet, damp, dry or undetermined, then totaled by square footage and percent of the roof.
Remediate
Findings aim repairs, wet-insulation removal or a restoration plan at the areas that need it, not the whole roof.
How the scan works
- Impedance scanning. A Tramex DecScanner reads moisture below the membrane without penetrating the roof system.
- Probe confirmation. A Tramex MEX5 moisture probe confirms readings and calibrates the scanner. These pin-prick checks are small, semi-destructive spot tests.
- Calibration. Instruments are calibrated before and during the scan, with readings checked against known wet and dry samples.
- ASTM-aligned method. The process follows ASTM standards for non-destructive roof moisture testing, including the grid documentation in ASTM D6232.
What is in the report
- Overview. Location, date, inspector, methods used, roof type, insulation type, approximate square footage and number of roof sections.
- Moisture map. A color-coded grid over an aerial image of the roof showing where moisture was found.
- Moisture analysis. Wet, damp, dry and undetermined areas in square feet and as a percent of the roof.
- Comments and next steps. A plain-language summary with recommendations, such as targeted remediation or follow-up testing.
- Documentation. Technician ID, calibration photos, timestamps and compass orientation for your records.
Example: a 180,100 SF Houston roof
Here is what an actual Roof MRI report found on a five-section, gravel-surfaced roof in Houston.
- Wet5,900 SF3%
- Damp3,100 SF2%
- Dry171,100 SF95%
- Undetermined0 SF0%
The scan found low-level moisture: about 3% wet and 2% damp, with 95% of the roof dry. The recommendation was a targeted remediation plan for the affected areas and a detailed follow-up inspection to keep the moisture from spreading.
What a scan cannot tell you
A moisture report shows conditions where and when testing was done. It is not a structural diagnosis and should not be the only basis for a repair decision. When findings will drive a repair, restoration or replacement, core samples or other testing may be recommended to confirm what is in the roof.
Does a Roof MRI scan damage the roof?
The scanner itself does not penetrate the roof. A limited number of pin-prick probe readings are taken to confirm and calibrate the results.
When should I get a moisture scan?
Before choosing between restoration and replacement, before buying or budgeting for a building, after a significant leak or storm, or when an older roof keeps leaking.
Can a roof with some wet insulation still be restored?
Sometimes. If moisture is limited to small areas, the wet material can be removed and replaced before restoration. Widespread moisture usually means the roof is not a restoration candidate. The scan shows which case you are in.
What is Roof MRI?
Roof MRI is a moisture detection methodology and trademark of ReDry LLC. Structure uses it to scan commercial roofs and produce Roof MRI moisture reports.
Roof MRI™ is a trademark of ReDry LLC. The example above is from an actual Houston report, shown with property details removed.
Find out what is inside your roof.
Tell us about the building. A member of our team will follow up during business hours to talk through a Roof MRI scan.