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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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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