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.

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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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The value of electronic leak detection services

 

 

An electronic leak detection service is an invaluable tool for the construction industry, facilities management and the broader property sector, as it provides a non-invasive and highly accurate method of detecting leaks in roofing and waterproofing systems. By utilising advanced electronic equipment, Thornton Consulting’s experienced leak detection operatives are able to pinpoint the exact location of a leak even in hard-to-reach areas, without causing any damage to the underlying structure.

One of the primary benefits of testing waterproofing membranes electronically is the ability to save time and money on repairs. Traditional leak detection methods often require invasive techniques, such as opening up large sections of roofing or waterproofing materials, or other areas of the structure in order to locate the source of the leak. This can result in extensive repair costs and significant downtime for businesses and property owners. Electronic leak detection on the other hand, allows for quick and accurate location of breaches in the roof waterproofing, often with minimal disruption to daily operations. Established in 1986, Thornton Consulting was a pioneer in this technique for clients throughout the UK and Ireland.

Another benefit is its high level of accuracy. By using specialised equipment, leak detection consultants are able to identify breaches in the roof waterproofing membrane with a high degree of precision. This means that repairs can be made quickly and efficiently, reducing the risk of further damage to the structure. This high-tech method also offers a more environmentally-friendly approach to leak detection as it avoids the waste of high volumes of water used in more traditional methods, such as flood testing. 

Electronic leak detection services can provide property owners, businesses, main contractors, Roofers and Architects with peace of mind. By identifying leaks before they become major issues, costly repairs and downtime can be avoided, ensuring the safety and integrity of the structure.

All Thornton Consulting operatives provide a highly professional service in line with the strong company ethics and core values. Their broad and prestigious client base is testament to an outstanding efficiency and competence in the field of leak detection.

Call us today on +44 (0) 1342 410508 for more information.

 

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The value of commercial roof leak detection

 

Roofs in commercial properties generally cover a much larger expanse than residential homes and determining the entry point of a leak when a breach occurs

can prove to be challenging. Thornton Consulting have been providing a highly professional commercial roof leak detection services since the 1980’s as the leading test house across the property sector. This includes office blocks, municipal car parks, hotels, airports, retail centres, factories and distribution hubs throughout the UK and Ireland.  

 

Water ingress may not be immediately visible to the naked eye, especially if the water is pooling in an area of the building which is not regularly accessed. In warehouses for example, stock can be subject to water damage well before the

leak becomes evident. Mould and fungal growth spreads rapidly in a damp environment and if left unresolved this can result in considerable costs

and disruption to business operations. The origin of a breach in the roofing membrane may not be immediately above the point where water is manifesting into the property, as leaks can travel through the roof system of other part of the structure before they become evident.

 

Roof leak detection on commercial properties requires a methodical and accurate approach to establish the source of the water ingress and Thornton Consulting will liaise with clients to ascertain vital information regarding the type of roofing material and construction or other relevant information on the construction of the building. This pre-survey research will determine the best testing system to apply for identification, enabling recommendations to resolve the breach. 

 

Various positive detection methods have been developed over the years, which in the majority of survey procedures and whenever the structure allows, are non-destructive. Thornton Consulting’s team of time-served, skilled operatives work closely with Main Contractors, Architects, Facilities Management and Roofers to ensure the roof integrity of commercial property is secure and safeguarded from future water entry causing potential structural and internal content damage.   

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