The benefits of flood testing for leak detection

Accuracy and precision in leak detection is crucial to ensure the structure below and any interior mechanical installations are secure from water infiltration and potential damage. Over the years, various integrity tests have been developed, each with specific advantages and limitations of use.  Flood testing to establish the integrity of the waterproofing can be more cost-effective and preferable in some situations where Electronic Leak Detection (ELD) is not possible at the outset. For example, when the existing system doesn’t support ELD testing, such as structures with conductive membranes or where roof finishes are not easily removed, green roofs for example.

 

Thornton Consulting are specialists in the location and appraisal of water infiltration present on roofs and other structures with waterproofing systems, regardless of the ingress point of the leak in the building. This may initially have become visually evident with mould or damp patches appearing on the interior walls and ceilings and can result in serious structural damage over time if left unattended. 

Flood testing carried out by skilled technicians with the application of florescent dyes enable the water pathways to be traced and is suitable for virtually all waterproofing membranes. This method of leak detection is pertinent for any size of building structures, including residential, commercial and industrial premises. Flood testing can also be extremely beneficial for main contractors and roofers of new constructions, to ensure the membrane is completely sealed without defects and there are no potential areas for water penetration, before the work is signed-off.  This is often combined with electronic leak detection so that any breaches can be accurately located.

 

The flood testing is generally carried out over a period of up to 48 hours, depending on the size and roof stability of the structure. Essential pre-testing assessments are made by Thornton Consulting’s technicians to confirm the weight-bearing properties for the estimated volume of water, availability of internal water ingress monitoring during the test period and whether the existing drainage system will withstand the pressure of water release.

 

 

Early assessment and any necessary intervention detected during the flood testing avoids the consequences of greater expense and disruption to rectify water damage to property and content in the future. Thornton Consulting have an experienced team of field testers, consultants and dedicated office staff who all operate to the company’s core values and ethics, providing a cost-effective and reliable service throughout the UK and The Republic of Ireland.  Call us today on 01342 410508 or, if preferred, use the Contact Form on our website.

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The importance of roof leak detection

Why is early detection of a roof leak important? Water leaking into the property not only causes structural damage over time, it can also destroy valuable and perhaps irreplaceable contents in residential, commercial or business premises. The longer the seepage is neglected, the greater the expense to rectify the problem. There is also the potential for a risk to health when clean water is contaminated by debris entering from the leak site.

 

 

Locating the source of the leakage isn’t always straightforward and the first signs may be the evidence of mould growth and damp patches on the interior walls and ceilings. Climbing a ladder to search for disrepair can be a dangerous venture without the necessary experience, with the risk of causing further roof damage and even on inspection the leak site may not be obvious to the untrained eye. Thornton Consulting are highly respected specialists in their field, with more than 30 years of expertise in roof leak detection and the evaluation of breaches in all roofing systems throughout the UK and Ireland.

 

 

Although roof damage is often a result of storms and other adverse weather elements, it can also be due to the use of defective materials, sub-standard installation or poor maintenance. Thornton Consulting provide a condition survey service which is valuable for roofing contractors working on refurbishment projects of large commercial and industrial buildings, office and residential apartment blocks. Breaches in the waterproofing membrane can be identified by Electronic Leak Detection, using two different methods as appropriate for the specific membrane type and roof construction. This service provides reassurance to roofing operatives and contractors before completion that there are no breaches in the waterproofing which may cause infiltration in the future.

 

  

As the saying goes, forewarned is forearmed and early awareness of any weak areas in the roof which are a potential leak source can save expensive repair costs required to rectify further deterioration. Thornton Consulting have a dedicated team of experienced consultants, field testers and customer support who are committed to providing a service which is consistent with the long-established company ethics and core values. Call us today on 01342 410508.

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