Roof leak detection to ensure property conservation

 

In the late 1980’s, access to hi-tech techniques for accurately pinpointing breaches in the roof waterproofing system revolutionised roof leak detection. This replaced more time-consuming and less environmentally-friendly processes by utilising water’s electrical conductivity and the insulating properties present in the majority of waterproofing membranes. Thornton Consulting was the first UK consultancy to offer this innovative service for clients throughout the UK and Ireland and has continued to be at the forefront of electronic leak detection.

This cost-effective and non-destructive technique provides significant assistance to roofing contractors, ensuring the integrity of the newly installed roofing membrane before hand-over. This not only guarantees there are no faults in the standard of workmanship, but also that the waterproofing material meets the industry specifications and that no damage has been caused by other workers with access to the roof area. Diligent roof leak detection avoids a costly call-back and in extreme circumstances, re-installation of the roofing felt or mastic asphalt. Any identified issues can be resolved, avoiding a potential call-back and enabling punctual payment of the completed project by the property owner.   

Thornton Consulting’s experienced team of field testers also provide a valuable service for locating water ingress on older roofs, when owners or facility managers become aware of interior leaks in the building. A timely response and early location of the breach will enable accurate repairs, preventing the inconvenience and expense of lengthy disruption or contamination of internal elements and damage to the building fabric.

Over the last 30 years, local authorities, roofing contractors and property owners of large industrial and commercial premises have benefited from Thornton Consulting’s comprehensive and highly professional leak detection service. Clients include the prestigious Broadgate and Canary Wharf developments and leading-edge testing techniques are constantly being developed to meet new challenges in the safeguarding of properties from water damage.  

 

Call us today on 01342 410508 for all your roof leak detection needs.  If preferred  use the contact form to get in touch.

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Roof robustness testing with electronic leak detection

Expansive flat roof areas on buildings are notoriously the source of water ingress and with restricted visibility from ground level, leaks can remain undiscovered until damage becomes evident inside the property. There are various issues responsible for roof breaches, including damaged materials, sub-standard installation and degraded waterproofing. Ensuring the durability and value of a property requires proactive maintenance to avoid costly repairs and internal deterioration.   

One element of this conscientious approach is the use of electronic leak detection which provides a pivotal role in the precise identification and resolution of any water-related issues before they potentially become more problematic. These highly accurate systems employ advanced technology to efficiently and non-invasively pinpoint any leaks in the waterproofing cover, avoiding property owners the disruption and expense resulting from substantial water damage.

Thornton Consulting is an independent test house, providing a professional and meticulous building leak investigation service for clients throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The company was a pioneer of electronic leak detection in the 1980’s and this technique is now widely endorsed and applied to determine the stability of the existing waterproofing system and the source of any membrane breaches. Thornton Consulting employs a dedicated and highly skilled team of Field Testers and Consultants applying either the dry or the wet leak detection method, determined by the low-pitched or flat roof construction and the nature of the membrane material. 

Where electronic testing deemed to be inappropriate, such as EPDM waterproofing membranes, other effective leak location methods can be utilised.

The integrity of newly installed waterproofing systems can be accurately verified with electronic leak detection, providing reassurance to main contractors and roofing operatives that the roof is defect-free. Should any breaches be located, these can be rectified before the final hand over of the roofing project. This method of roof integrity testing is also commonly applied when leaks are present in existing buildings, where establishing the stability of the waterproofing membrane prior to any escalation of damage, ensures the overall repair costs are reduced.

As the saying goes, forewarned is forearmed, giving property owners and facility managers a tactical advantage to locate and address any roof damage. Electronic leak detection can also be valuable for general roof maintenance. 

Thornton Consulting can provide a regular testing and inspection service either annually or bi-annually, enabling any necessary repairs to be carried out before more costly damage occurs. This scheduled service is invaluable for large commercial properties such as retail centres, hotels, offices, apartment blocks and municipal car parks. A timely intervention not only protects the property owner’s investment, it also enables businesses to avoid disruptions to operations and prevents the deterioration of valuable assets while safeguarding the well-being and safety of the building’s occupants.

Thornton Consulting’s core values are to provide a professional, prompt and cost-effective service which is always customer-focused, ensuring your investment is safe and secure in the long-term. Call us today on 01342 410508 or use the Contact Page to get in touch.

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