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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The asset of differential pressure testing for roof membrane integrity

Differential pressure testing is a critical procedure in evaluating the integrity of roof membranes. It is used when traditional electronic leak detection of waterproofing membranes is not possible, often as a result of a particular roof construction. This could be due to the membrane being conductive, EPDM for example, or where the substrate is non-conductive, such as timber.

The differential pressure testing process involves applying negative pressure through a Perspex chamber placed on the surface of the waterproofing and monitoring the laps within the chamber for integrity. A surfactant applied to the laps will indicate where a water path is present which can then be marked on the roof surface and repaired by the contractor.

Here are some reasons why differential pressure testing is a valuable asset for waterproofing roof membranes:

1.   Accurate Detection of Leaks: Roof leaks can be challenging to identify because water can penetrate the membrane in one area and travel a considerable distance before showing up inside the building. Differential pressure testing can accurately detect even the smallest of leaks by creating negative air pressure on the outside of the waterproofing membrane and positve air pressure beneath. Any holes, tears, or punctures in the membrane will cause the air to escape, which can then be observed through a perspex chamber.

2.  Cost-Effective: Repairing a leaking roof can be expensive, especially if the problem is not identified early enough. Differential pressure testing can help identify potential problems before they become major issues. This process can save building owners, contractors and roofers considerable expense in repair costs by identifying leaks early and allowing for prompt repair.

3.  Manufacturer Warranties: Many manufaturers require roof membranes to be tested for intergrity by an independent party . Differential pressure testing is an excellent way to meet these requirements and ensure that the roof system is performing as intended.

4.  Verification of Installation Quality: Roof membranes are often installed by a variety of contractors, and their workmanship can vary greatly. Differential pressure testing can help verify that the installation was done correctly, and the roof system is functioning as intended.

5.  Peace of Mind: Roof leaks can be stressful and disruptive to building occupants. Differential pressure testing provides peace of mind by ensuring that the roof system is working correctly and there are no hidden leaks that could cause problems in the future.

Thornton Consulting has a team of experienced field testers and consultants providing an efficient and comprehensive building leak detection and consultancy service for clients throughout the UK and Ireland.  Call us today on 01342 410508 or use the Contact form to get in touch.

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Why an annual roof inspection is invaluable

 

An annual roof inspection is a preventative measure that can provide a range of advantages to the property sector. Thornton Consulting provide a professional and meticulous planned roof inspection and maintenance service in counties throughout the UK and Ireland. Here are some of the key benefits:

1.  Early detection of problems: Inspecting the roof area annually or biannually can help to identify any issues with your roof before they become major problems. This could include identifying breaches in the roofing membrane, cracks or other types of damage. Establishing any weak spots promptly can save property owners money in the long run by preventing the need for costly repairs in the future or even a full roof replacement.

2.  Extending the life of your roof: Regular inspections and maintenance enables small issues to be identified and addressed, preventing more serious consequences developing that could potentially lead to structural damage and deterioration of the building’s contents.

3.  Maintaining your warranty: Many roofing warranties require regular roof maintenance and inspections in order to remain valid. By scheduling an annual inspection, you can help to ensure that your roof remains sound and in compliance with your warranty terms.

4.  Improved energy efficiency: A damaged or poorly maintained roof can contribute to energy loss, with an increase in your energy bills. Annual inspections and maintenance can help to ensure that the roof integrity is secure and watertight and isn't contributing to an energy deficiency.

5.  Peace of mind: Knowing that the roof is in good condition provides reassurance for property owners. Scheduling a roof inspection annually with Thornton Consulting can help to identify any areas of concern so that these can be addressed before they develop into major problems. This can help you to feel confident that your property is protected from the elements and is safe and secure from water ingress.

Overall, an annual roof inspection and maintenance carried out by Thornton Consulting’s experienced team of Field Testers and Consultants, is a smart investment. By identifying and addressing minor issues early on, this can extend the life of your roof, maintain your warranty, and save money on repairs and energy bills.   Call us today on 01342 410508 to find out more, or, if preferred use the Contact Us Form

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Protecting property with a roof condition survey

 

Thornton Consulting has more than 30 years of roof consultancy experience, with a team of specialist consultants providing a comprehensive service with the use of advanced leak-detection technology for the property sector in the UK and Ireland.  A professional roof condition survey is a detailed assessment of a building's roof integrity, conducted by an experienced roofing consultant. It is an essential step in maintaining the integrity of any property, as the roof is one of the most critical components of a building's structure. Here are some of the benefits of obtaining a professional roof condition report:

1.   Identifying potential problems before they become serious:  A report on the roof integrity will reveal any issues that may exist in the waterproofing layer, such as leaks, structural damage, or other potential problems. By identifying these issues early, it is possible to prevent them from developing into more significant problems that can be costly and time-consuming to repair.

2.   Extending the lifespan of the roof: A well-maintained roof can last for many years. A roof integrity report provides an accurate assessment of the roof's stability, enabling property owners, facilities management and building re-furbishers to take appropriate steps to maintain the roof and extend its lifespan.

3.   Providing a baseline for future maintenance: A proficient roof condition report carried out by an experienced consultant will establish a baseline for future maintenance and budget allocation. It will outline the condition of the roof at the time of the assessment, providing a reference point for future inspections and repairs.

4.   Enhancing safety: A damaged roof can be a safety hazard, particularly if it is leaking or structurally compromised. Thornton Consulting will advise on any safety concerns enabling steps to be taken to address and resolve these issues.

5.   Reducing energy costs: A well-maintained roof can help reduce energy costs by preventing heat loss during the winter months and heat gain during the summer months. A diligent and precise assessment can identify any areas where insulation or ventilation may be inadequate, enabling the necessary measures to be put in place to improve energy efficiency.

The Thornton Consulting specialist consultants are commissioned to undertake surveys on an eclectic range of buildings, including large commercial facilities, office and apartment blocks and car parks. This ensures peace of mind, knowing that the building is safe, secure, and well-maintained.  Call us today on 01342 410508.

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