What do you do if you have a leaking roof problem?

If you are a business owner, it can be a nightmare to see a leaking roof above your head. Apart from the aesthetic part of it there is an impending risk of further structural damage to the building and your plant and equimrnt, machinery etc.which may prove to be a costly affair if not handled early.

Locating the Leak:

There are many types of water leaks that may occur in a commercial building structure. Visible leaks can be those that occur in plumbing lines. Basic checks such as a visual survey under washbasins can locate simple leaks. But for leaks that may occur in roofs and walls and even basements, professional assistance will be required.

Not all water leaks are apparent, when pipes break down or crack they result in pinhole leakages that are virtually impossible to trace. So the next time you see a wet spot on your roof or wall or patches on your floor, make sure you get the assistance of a professional water leak detection service to take a look at it.

Detecting the Leak Source:

Leak Detection techniques in today’s modern world has evolved to contact free leak detection techniques. State of the art technology, which is simple yet intelligent, has enabled much easier and more efficient leak detection.  A leak under a slab can be detected without the need for digging to find out the source. New methods such as membrane thickness testing, infrared thermography, moisture path analysis etc. can help in detecting potential threats which can damage property in the future.

The Role of Leak Detection:

It’s better to replace a section of the roof than the whole roof after extensive damage. Many business owners prefer to test for leak detection as a precautionary measure in regular maintenance. Besides it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Read More

Advantages of Electronic Leak Detection over Traditional Testing Methods

Water leaks through the roof and building structure is a problem in many commercial establishments. It is estimated that almost 50% of newly built buildings in the UK encounter water leakage within the first year of building them. Over the years there have been many ways of detecting leaks in building structures, but one of the more effective methods of finding a leak has been through electronic testing rather than traditional methods.

Here is a look at why electronic leak detection testing is better than traditional methods of finding leaks.

Efficiency:

Electronic leak detection has the ability to detect the exact source of where the leak originates by taking advantage of the natural property of water to conduct electricity. Physically finding leaks and using flood detection cannot pinpoint the source effectively all the time, especially in large roof sections of a commercial establishment.

Time saving:

Traditional leak detection may take hours or even days to detect the leak (Involves draining and drying test area), but the electronic method does it in a few minutes. In the case of high-voltage testing, repairs can be completed immediately.

No issue of slopes:

Sloped decks in the building structure won’t be an easy place to test while conducting a flood test.

Less risk:

When a roof is renovated and test is conducted for water leak there is no risk of interior damage to the building structure or the drainage systems if the drains are unplugged. A far less amount of water is required in the electrical method.

For expert roofing consultants in UK get in touch with Thornton Consulting.

Read More

Why expert leak detection service is necessary for a Fitness Centre

With respect to water leak detection, fitness centres require frequent maintenance, due to the nature of equipment’s and the frequency in the use of the wet rooms. The showers, steam area and swimming pools are used much regularly than when compared to other commercial establishments.

In the case of water leak in a gym, extra care must be exercised to get the leak fixed as room as possible to prevent any further damage to the building structure.

Here are some of the best techniques used waterproofing testing to effectively determine leaks:

Water analysis:

This technique involves testing water samples for bacterial counts. By this test it can be determined if the water is fresh or contaminated. This helps in detecting any leaks from the drainage pipes into the main line.

Electrical testing:

Otherwise known as earth leak detection, it is based on the fact that water can conduct electricity and the structural membranes such as roofs and walls don’t conduct electricity. The electrical testing can be used to even find microscopic leaks. A sensitive meter records the pulsed electric fields of the leak portion. This testing method is generally used in cases where the leak originates from a weaker section above the roofing structure.

Tit Bit: Thornton Consulting was the first UK consultancy to offer electrical testing in the UK starting in early 1987.

Differential Pressure Testing:

The test is done by drawing air through a surfactant applied over laps, and this determines if there are any leaks in the structure.

Pin-Hole testing:

Previously only used to test bridge deck membranes, but now it’s used as mostly a certification tool.

Contact Thornton Consulting for expert commercial water leak detection services in the UK. Visit http://www.thorntonconsulting.co.uk/ for more details.

Read More