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

9/19/2016

BEACHWOOD, Ohio (September 19, 2016) – Tremco Roofing & Building Maintenance announced today 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 eight 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.

Toronto-based Industrial SkyWorks (ISW), a leader in aerial building inspections using unmanned technologies, developed SkyBEAM in partnership with Tremco Roofing. ISW has been operating Tremco Roofing SkyBEAM drones in Canada over the past 21 months to great success. SkyBEAM is available to Tremco Roofing’s customers through an exclusive relationship with ISW.

About Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance

Headquartered in Beachwood, Ohio, Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance helps manage building life cycles for customers in education, healthcare, government, manufacturing and many other industries. Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance is a division of Tremco Incorporated, which has been in business since 1928. Tremco Roofing works closely with Tremco Incorporated subsidiary WTI, which provides general contracting and roofing services, and Canam Building Envelope Specialists, which provides air barrier analysis and solutions. To learn more, visit www.tremcoroofing.com or call toll-free at 800-562-6013 in the United States or 800-668-9879 in Canada.