Tremco UAV Completes First FAA-Approved Nighttime Commercial Flight in U.S.

BEACHWOOD, Ohio (September 19, 2016) – Tremco Roofing & Building Maintenance announced its SkyBEAM unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) completed the first Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved nighttime commercial flight, to inspect rooftops at a southern Ohio business.  More than 2.3 million square feet of roofing were scanned.

The innovative SkyBEAM (Building Envelope Asset Mapping) UAV used its thermographic (infrared) camera to inspect the multi-level rooftops for trapped moisture, energy leaks and other damage. The evening flight was necessary because the UAV’s infrared camera is most effective at identifying temperature variations at night, when the sun is not warming the inspected building. These variations can indicate problems, such as hard-to-find leaks and roof system deficiencies.

Prior to SkyBEAM, conducting an inspection of this size would typically need 8 to 10 nights and would require survey team technicians to traverse rooftops. Scanning during the historic flight took approximately three-and-a-half hours and did not require anyone on the roof at night.

In addition, SkyBEAM conducted a daytime operation, using its high-definition (HD) camera to inspect the rooftops for potential issues. 

SkyBEAM’s cameras can also be used to detect façade issues such as tiny gaps and cracks, and deteriorating concrete, that would otherwise require scaffolding or cranes to locate.  Roofing and façade issues can lead to large capital expenses, increased operating costs, occupant discomfort and more.

An easy-to-understand report is created by overlapping daytime and nighttime images. The report is then reviewed to determine the best course of action. By detecting and understanding problems early, with SkyBEAM’s HD and infrared cameras, facility managers can address those needs and then implement cost-effective, long-term roof asset management and budgeting strategies.

“SkyBEAM is faster and safer than conventional methods of mapping buildings, in addition to being extremely accurate. It’s also very cost-effective for larger buildings or multi-building campuses,” said Robb Chauvin, executive director of inspection Services for Tremco Roofing. “This inaugural nighttime flight signifies a great advancement in the roofing and building maintenance industry. We look forward to working with our industry partners and clients, to continue to improve the building inspection process.”

The FAA granted approval to SkyBEAM for the first nighttime commercial drone operation in the U.S. in April of this year. SkyBEAM is also approved to operate during the day.

For more information, visit Tremco Roofing.