Electronic roof leak detection with advanced technology

Electronic roof leak detection has emerged as a cutting-edge solution for identifying and locating leaks in roofing systems with unprecedented precision and efficiency. Utilising advanced technology, this method offers several advantages over traditional approaches, revolutionising the way roofing maintenance and repairs are conducted. Independent test house, Thornton Consulting was the first roofing consultancy in the UK to offer electronic testing for clients, having pioneered the concept in 1987.

At the core of electronic roof leak detection are sophisticated systems that employ various sensors and probes to detect even the most subtle signs of moisture intrusion. These sensors can be strategically placed across the roof surface, monitoring for changes in moisture levels. By detecting moisture at its earliest stages, this technique prevents minor leaks from escalating into costly water damage and structural issues.

One of the primary benefits of electronic testing approach is its non-destructive nature. Unlike traditional methods that often involve invasive procedures such as removing roofing materials or conducting extensive inspections, this leak detection method minimises disruption to the roofing system. This not only reduces labour costs and maintains project timelines, but also preserves the integrity of the roof, prolonging its lifespan. Crucially, there is also the prime benefit of unparalleled accuracy in pinpointing the exact location of the water ingress source. Advanced algorithms analyse data collected by sensors, enabling Thornton Consulting’s experienced field technicians to identify the source of moisture within millimetres. This precision not only streamlines remedial work but also eliminates guesswork, ensuring that repairs are targeted and effective.

Electronic roof leak detection , also referred to as ELD, is highly versatile and adaptable to various roofing materials and systems, tailored to suit specific needs. The versatility makes it a valuable tool for a wide range of applications, including the roofs of commercial and industrial buildings, hospitals, municipal car parks and apartment blocks. Where this method of testing is considered inappropriate, for example EPDM systems, asphalt or concrete, Thornton Consulting will recommend an alternative roof leak testing technique.

Thornton Consulting provides a comprehensive and highly professional service specialising in the analysing and location of roof leaks for clients throughout the UK and Ireland. Property owners can safeguard their investments, prolong the lifespan of their roofs, and mitigate the risk of water damage. Pro-active roof leak detection is also a valuable asset for roofing contractors, to ensure the newly installed waterproofing system is sound and breach-free.  Call us today on 01342 410508 or use the Contact Form to get in touch.

Read More

Why flat roof leak detection ensures the building’s integrity

Flat roofs in large buildings are often prone to leaks, presenting a significant challenge for property owners and facility managers. As an independent test house, Thornton Consulting offers a highly professional and specialised flat roof leak detection and consultancy service for clients throughout the UK and Ireland. The test method applied will be dependent on the initial survey and determined by the membrane material or roof system.  For example, although electronic testing has become a valuable aid in accurately locating the source of water ingress, not all waterproofing systems are compatible and alternative methods can also be implemented. This bespoke service provides a considerable benefit for both newly installed and aged roofs, ensuring the integrity of commercial and industrial buildings, hospitals, municipal car parks and residential apartment blocks.  

Several factors contribute to a flat roof’s vulnerability, making it more susceptible to water infiltration than their sloped counterparts. One key factor is the lack of natural water drainage on the roof area. Unlike pitched roofs that naturally guide rainwater away, flat roofs rely on artificial drainage systems such as gutters and drains. These systems require careful maintenance to remain effective, and any neglect or blockage can lead to ponding – the accumulation of water on the roof surface. Prolonged ponding exposes the roof to increased pressure and the risk of water seepage through seams and joints.

Another contributing issue responsible for leaks in these flat areas is the materials used in their construction. Flat roofs commonly employ materials like asphalt or rubber membranes, which are prone to wear and tear over time. Exposure to the elements, temperature fluctuations, and UV radiation can cause these materials to degrade, leading to cracks, splits, or membrane shrinkage. Such deterioration compromises the roof's stability, allowing water to penetrate and damage the building structure and interior contents.

Furthermore, the expansion and contraction of building materials due to temperature variations play a role in their susceptibility to water ingress. This constant movement can create stress on seams, flashings, and other vulnerable points, ultimately resulting in gaps where water can infiltrate.

Regular inspections, pro-active maintenance, and the use of high-quality roofing materials correctly installed, can mitigate these risks and prolong the lifespan of flat roofs, ensuring their functionality and preventing costly water damage.

For more information call us today on +44 (0)1342 410508 or get in touch via the Contact Form on our website.

Read More

The Precision of Electronic Roof Leak Detection

 

 

The safeguarding of a building’s structural integrity encompasses reassurance that the roof waterproofing membranes are sound and breach-free, preventing water ingress into the property. Thornton Consulting, as an Independent Test House has almost 40 years of experience in providing a professional and comprehensive building leak investigations and consultancy service for clients throughout the UK and Ireland. The precision of electronic roof leak detection with advanced technology, enables even pinpoint breaches to be located in the waterproofing cover that may not be visible to the naked eye. In newly installed membranes faults could easily be overlooked, resulting in costly and time-consuming call-backs for roofing contractors.

 

Theelectronic roof leak detection method has the advantage of being non-destructive and highly accurate, utilising two key techniques; the dry method, commonly referred to as the pinhole or holiday test and the low voltage or ‘wet’ test method. The efficiency and application of these two specific roof integrity tests are determined by the electrically conductive properties of the insulating waterproofing membrane and the roof deck material. Thornton Consulting has a dedicated team of experience field testers and consultants, with the technical expertise to identify the optimum roof leak detection method for the membrane component.

 

On new build properties during the roof construction phase, waterproofing membranes are particularly vulnerable to damage that can weaken their effectiveness. This can be the result of punctures or tears in the roofing material caused by the wear and tear of worker traffic and site equipment, or deficiencies in the installation such as defective laps or insufficient application of adhesives. Flat roof electronic roof detection can also be of benefit prior to the laying of green roof or paving finishes, to ensure the membrane is sound and secure from potential leaks, and will withstand severe weather conditions.

 

Roof electronic leak detection is also of considerable benefit for owners and facility managers of large commercial and industrial buildings, residential apartment blocks and municipal car parks. This pro-active approach to safeguarding the property ensures the interior assets are protected and the long term value of the building is secure. For more information call us on +44 (0)1342 410508 or use the Contact form on our website to get in touch.

Read More

Effective and proactive roof condition surveys

How confident are you that the integrity of your roof area is secure from water ingress or general deterioration, especially on an ageing roof? Thornton Consulting employs a highly skilled and experienced team of Field Testers, providing a cost-effective and comprehensive roof condition survey for clients throughout the UK and Ireland. This service ensures that property owners and facilities managers have an accurate audit of the current resilience and the estimated lifespan of an existing roof. This can be of significant value when forecasting the budget for maintenance or roof replacement.

Commercial and large residential blocks benefit considerably from scheduled roof condition surveys, where the roofing structure serves more than solely protection from the outside elements. For example, contractors may require access to maintain rooftop equipment such as water tanks, plant or air-conditioning units.  Regular inspection and remedial maintenance when issues are detected, is invaluable to ensure the area is free of breaches and safeguarded for work to take place.

Flat roof condition surveys aren’t confined to weathered roofing systems. New-build properties can benefit greatly from addressing any potential problems identified before the project is signed-off, or with reassurance that the integrity of the newly installed roof is secure.

Thornton Consulting utilise various combinations of test techniques to confirm the integrity of the whole roof span, surveying the waterproofing system and identifying any areas of weakness or concern. This is a valuable resource for preserving the serviceable life of a roof, enabling the appropriate remedial works to be carried out to prevent water ingress into the property. A bespoke service is provided to meet the specific requirements of the property owner, specific building structure, or facilities management.

The inclusion of an annual roof condition survey into a scheduled maintenance plan provides peace of mind that the building is secure and remains serviceable, protecting the long-term property investment. Call us today on +44 (0)1342 410508 or use the Contact Form to get in touch.

Read More

Bespoke differential pressure testing

 

 

Accurately identifying the precise location of water ingress in the roof area requires a diligent assessment of the specific roof construction and the membrane type, in order to  determine the appropriate testing method. Independent Test House, Thornton Consulting provides a comprehensive roof leak detection service for clients throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Their DifferentialPressure Testing technique was developed for when electronic testing is technically incorrect or isn’t suitable for the membrane category or the particular roof construction, as found for example with  EDPM membranes or a timber decks which are non-conductive.   

Differential Pressure Testing for roof leaks is a non-destructive, and cost-effective method that assesses a roof's integrity by creating a pressure differential between its interior and exterior. This process involves sealing the building and pressurising it while simultaneously measuring the pressure difference. If the roof is intact, the pressure should remain stable. However, if there are leaks, the pressure will drop, indicating compromised areas. Thornton Consulting’s experienced team of Field Technicians use specialised vacuum chamber equipment to pinpoint and identify leaks precisely. Air is drawn through a surfactant which has been applied over the membrane laps, enabling integrity testing. This method is particularly effective for flat or low-slope roofs, where water infiltration can be challenging to detect through other means. It provides a reliable and efficient way to diagnose and address potential roof vulnerabilities.

This testing tool has proved to be an invaluable asset in the wide range of techniques employed by Thornton Consulting for verifying the integrity of newly installed waterproofing systems, reassuring clients that their roof is sound and watertight. Differential Pressure Testing is valued by roofing operatives, main contractors and manufacturers of waterproofing materials where traditional testing methods are not viable. For the past four decades, their client-focused leak detection service has been procured by owners of commercial, industrial properties, municipal car parks, hospitals and large residential blocks. Ensuring the roof’s integrity and timely resolution of any breaches gives peace of mind that the investment is secured.

Call us today on 01342 410508 or use the Contact page to get in touch.

Read More

How pro-active roof leak detection safeguards your property

Pro-active roof leak detection is a crucial aspect of safeguarding your property against potential damage and costly repairs. A well-maintained roof is the first line of defence against the elements, and identifying leaks early can prevent extensive structural damage, mould growth, and other related issues.

Professional roof leak testing plays a pivotal role in locating a breach in the roof area waterproofing system. By scheduling assessments, any signs of deterioration or potential vulnerabilities can be located before they escalate into major problems. Over the past 30 years independent test house, Thornton Consultinghas provided a highly professional roof leak detection service for clients throughout the UK and Ireland. Hi-tech equipment applied by their experienced field testers can accurately identify subtle indicators such as weakened or poorly installed waterproofing membranes, deteriorating flashing, or areas of the roof that might be prone to leaks during heavy rainfall or other harsh elements.

Over the years, Thornton Consulting has Invested in advanced leak detection technology to ensure that with professional intervention, their clients property continues to be secure and free from water ingress. Sophisticated tools such as thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters, and wet or dry detection systems can identify leaks precisely even before they become visible to the naked eye. This early roof leak detection procedure allows for prompt repairs and preserves the building’s contents by preventing water infiltration that can also compromise the structural integrity of your property.

Pro-active roof leak testing not only prevents structural damage but also helps to mitigate the risk of secondary issues including rapid mould growth in a damp interior. Moisture, when left unchecked, creates an ideal environment for mould to thrive, which can be harmful to the health of occupants in the building and also damage vital equipment. Timely detection and the subsequent addressing of roof leaks ensures that the integrity of your property remains dry and secure, reducing the likelihood of considerable depletion of your investment which would potentially necessitate expensive remediation and interrupt working schedules. 

In addition to protecting your property, professional and pro-active roof leak detection is cost-effective. By addressing issues early on, this avoids the need for extensive repairs or even entire roof replacements, which can be significantly more expensive. Regular maintenance and vigilant leak detection are the keys to preserving the longevity and resilience of your property's roof. This is a valuable asset for roofing operatives, main contractors and facility managers. Thornton Consulting provide a comprehensive and highly effective roof leak testing service primarily on large commercial or industrial properties, car parks, residential blocks and hospitals.  Call us today on 01342 410508 us use the Contact Page to get in touch.

Read More