Property damage prevention with efficient leak detection

The timescale for property damage occurring from even relatively minimal water ingress can be rapid, resulting in high-cost repairs and restoration. Independent test house Thornton Consulting provide a professional and highly efficient electronic leak detection and consultancy service to assess where a weakness in the waterproofing system or building envelope has resulted in a water path into the structure to ensure early intervention will prevent further deterioration. This precise location and analysis of water ingress into a building has significant value for Main Contractors, Roofers and Architects, Facilities/Building Managers, Surveyors and the wider property sector throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

 

Water ingress during the construction of a new building can delay completion and necessitate the costly removal and replacement of damaged materials. This can be prevented with precision leak detection and is particularly beneficial in identifying defects or breaches in the roofing membrane or any other vulnerable parts of the building envelope. Commercial and industrial premises are at risk of both operational delays and financial loss when leaks are not detected when they first occur. Thornton Consulting use specialist equipment to identify the origin of the leaks, avoiding serious damage to water-sensitive internal systems and valuable or irreplaceable stock.  

The initial indication of water infiltration may be visual evidence of damp patches or mould appearing on interior walls and ceilings, with a distinctive musty smell. However, not all leaks are visible initially so may only become visible over time, particular where voids in the structure are present,  in which case more severe, unnoticed damage may occur.  In such circumstacnes early detection and repair are essential to ensure the ongoing intergrtiy of the structure. A planned maintenance plan of an existing building is one way in which this can be achieved, utilising Thornton Consultings leak detection or roof condition survey services.

 

As water ingress sites in buildings are variable and complex, Thornton Consulting employ various leak testing methods to accurately pinpoint the issue and wherever possible this will be non-destructive. Established over 30 years ago, the company has achieved a high reputation for an exceptional leak detection service and a close working relationship with clients.  Call us today on 01342 410508 to find out how we can help.

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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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Watch Out for These 5 Roof Leakage Signs in your Building

If you’re a property manager or owner, you will surely know the importance of keeping your building in its best shape for optimum results. This is especially true in the case of roofs as failure to maintain them can result in expensive repairs or replacements that could have been prevented. We bring you the top 5 signs to watch when you’re opting a leakage detection UK. 

1. Bubbles or Blisters – If you are suddenly noticing some blisters or bubbles on your industrial roof, it may be a sign of trapped moisture. This can lead to a major roof leak, especially if the weather is rainy. 

2. Tears or Cracks – It can be difficult to notice cracks on the roof and thus, it is important to conduct regular checks and inspections to see spots that show excessive wear and tear.

3. Indoor Damage – If you notice any water marks, discolouration, stains, peeling paint on the ceiling or walls or even weeping, it may be an indication that there is a flat roof leakage that needs immediate attention.

4. Environmental Changes – A leak can also create the right environment for mould and mildew to grow and its exposure can pose serious health issues like asthma, allergies and respiratory issues to your building occupants.

5. Electrical Shortages – Though it is rare, an electrical shortage can also occur due to a roof leakage. If you see no issues with your electrical wiring but are experiencing shortages, it may be time to consult an expert for a building leak detection UK. 

If you notice any of these signs in your building, get immediate help to detect the problem and get it resolved to avoid expensive repairs in the long term.

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Leaky Roof Left Unattended? You Are In Danger.

One of the major issues we face with our buildings over time is the leakage of roofs. Leaky roofs cause major damages, as we usually notice them only days after the leak develop, and by the time the damage would have been already done. There are a lot of leak detection specialists in UK, who are offering services to detect the source of leaks, so that necessary steps can be taken to prevent further damages.

Dangers of having a leaky roof:

1. Deterioration of the roof structure:

When the roof leaks, water starts dripping on to the ceiling underneath. Once the ceiling gets dampened up, it starts to deteriorate and can fall off anytime. Leak detection specialists in UK use the best technology to detect the leaks, so that it can be fixed.

2. Damages to walls and ceiling:

If the leaks go unnoticed, the walls and ceiling will absorb too much of water and bubbles starts to popup, leading further damages to the things that are mounted on it.

3. Risk of fire accidents:

When the leaked water comes in contact with the electrical wirings, it leads to short circuits and can cause fire accidents. If leaked water gets clogged in junction boxes, the people who operate the switches are at the risk of getting electrical shocks.

 4. Health issues:

Due to the moisture accumulated due to leakage, the chance of mold growth in the attic is very high and the people who come in contact with mold will have allergies and other health issues.

So it’s always better to get the services of leak detection specialists in UK, to locate the leaks, so that further damages can be avoided.

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Signs That Show You Have a Possible Leakage in Your Building

In England and Wales 3 billion litres of water gets wasted per day. The fault in the water distribution network may contribute to some of this lose. But a significant portion of leaked water is from within the consumer properties. Just because a leak is not noticeable doesn’t mean you don’t have one. Get help from a specialist known for building leak detection in UK to check for a leak. Few indications that points to water leakage are listed below,

•    Check the winter water usage in your building. If the water usage exceeds the required amount, hire a leak detection specialist in UK immediately.

•    Inspect your water meter before and after a specific period when no water is used. You have a leak if the reading changes in the meter.

•    Find if you have a toilet leak by dropping food colouring in the toilet tank. If the bowl shows the colour without flushing within 10 minutes then you have leak.  Flush the toilet immediately after this experiment to avoid staining the tank.

•    If there is any sign of low water pressure, there could be a leak in the roof or the toilet

•    A loud noise in a hot water system is not a good thing. It is a warning sign that it is about to burst or leak.

•    If you find a mysterious patch of grass really growing quick in your place, there is a possibility of an underground leak somewhere around the area.

Do not ignore any of the above signs and locate the source of the leak by hiring a professional in leak detection before going for a repair.

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