Roof Leak Detection & Building Leak Detection Experts in Manchester | Thornton Consulting

Established in 1986

Pioneers of electronic leak detection in the UK

Over 35,000 successful tests

Excellent Client Reviews

Professional Roof Assessment & Leak Detection Service

Thornton Consulting brings over four decades of specialist leak detection expertise to property owners and commercial facility managers across Manchester. Our transparent approach combines cutting-edge electronic leak detection technology with thorough investigations to identify and analyse water ingress affecting roofs, buildings, and waterproofed structures throughout the region.

From ongoing leak problems in city centre office blocks to preventative testing programmes for retail parks and industrial estates, we deliver accurate, evidence-based leak assessments that enable you to make informed decisions with confidence. Our services support businesses across Greater Manchester with waterproof integrity testingroof condition surveys, and comprehensive roof maintenance, helping protect valuable assets and avoid costly water damage.

How We Work

  • Planning

    We begin each project with a detailed assessment of your specific situation, closely examining existing building plans, construction details, and any historical, underlying or structural issues. This important preparation phase allows us to select the most appropriate testing methodology and develop an efficient survey plan that respects your requirements and space

  • Testing

    Our qualified leak detection technicians employ specialist electronic equipment suitable for commercial or high-rise applications. We use a number of different techniques to locate leaks in buildings, including electronic leak detection, utilising both the “wet method” and pinhole/holiday test. We thoroughly survey waterproofed areas to locate defects with exceptional accuracy and precision.

  • Evidence

    Every potential leak is precisely mapped, photographed, and recorded with the exact location clearly identified. Our documentation is designed so that roofing contractors can understand exactly what’s needed, reducing the scope for misinterpretation and ensuring repair works target the correct areas first time.

  • Recommendations

    We translate any technical findings into clear, practical advice and our recommendations can consider both your short-term remedial needs and long-term maintenance strategies, allowing you to accurately plan and budget accordingly, ultimately safeguarding your building investment.

Coverage

Our experienced leak detection team regularly services properties throughout Greater Manchester and the surrounding region.

Manchester City Centre: M1, M2, M3, M4, M15
Greater Manchester: M5, M6, M7, M8, M9, M11, M12, M13, M14, M16, M17, M18, M19, M20, M21, M22, M23, M24, M25, M27, M30, M32, M33, M40, M41, M50

Key Areas: Manchester City Centre, Salford, Trafford, Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale, Bolton, Bury, Wigan, Tameside, MediaCityUK, Spinningfields, Trafford Park

What You Receive

  • Report

    We will provide an in-depth technical report presenting our methodology, findings, and expert analysis in a clear, accessible format. We ensure the implications and required actions can be understood by both technical personnel and senior decision-makers.

  • Annotated Plans

    You’ll be provided with detailed, scaled plans with every leak location clearly marked and referenced to avoid any ambiguity. These annotated drawings provide clear information of the issues identified and relevant locations on the roof, providing valuable information for those tasked with repairs.

  • Priorities

    We’ll make sure to provide clear, strategic recommendations for remedial work, to ensure the issues can be addressed as a priority, ensuring your roof’s serviceable lifespan can be achieved or even exceeded.

FAQs

Why is electronic leak detection more effective than visual inspections?

Electronic leak detection can pinpoint even the smallest breaches not visible to the naked eye. It can also detect water paths through poorly bonded laps, which may not be immediately apparent upon an initial inspection. Electronic leak detection methods identify hidden faults with accuracy as they would otherwise likely remain undetected until substantial damage had occurred.

How accurate is electronic leak detection in pinpointing leak locations?

Our electronic testing methods are highly accurate and can pinpoint the exact location of a breach in the waterproofing, eliminating unnecessary and time-consuming exploratory work. The technology relies on the electrically insulating properties of most membranes and the conductive properties of the substrate to be effective. Where the membrane is breached, an electrical path to earth is created, which can be detected by our test equipment, allowing us to map defects precisely.

Is leak detection testing affected by weather conditions?

Some testing methods require specific weather conditions for optimal results. Low voltage testing typically requires wet conditions, whilst pinhole testing works best in dry weather, although, often, the tests are interchangeable. During our planning phase, we assess the most suitable approach for your building and schedule works accordingly.

Client Testimonials

I’ve worked with Thornton’s team for nigh on 10 years and I’m yet to be disappointed by any aspect of their business or interaction with any of their staff. I feel that the collaborative approach we have when working together not only benefits our site in a speedy response and solution, but it also strengthens our relationship with our onsite client team, building in faith that together we can self-solve most, if not all issues. Working with Wendy and the onsite teams is nothing short of a pleasure. I would highly recommend using Thornton Consulting Group for all investigative services when it comes to finding leak issues.

OCS Group (Bluewater)

Your team have successfully found the cause of the water ingress. I also wanted to write to express how impressed we are with the professionalism of both Sam and Dave and there health and safety whilst on site. I will be recommending Thornton Consulting going forward to the Hospital and will certainly use this service in the future with Carillion. Many thanks, and also for attending at such short notice.

Carillion Plc

We have worked with Thornton’s for several years now and we could not be happier with the service. The team are really helpful, accommodating and always happy to help us out if we are under pressure from a client. The team are always happy to take a call to discuss a project with them to get a clear understanding of the issues found on site. Thorntons always find the issues and provide a very thorough report to outline them with recommendations on repairs required.

Foxleys Fabrick & Building Maintenance

Thank you for your assistance with the DLI. The contractors used were fantastic and I would definitely recommend using them in the future.

Smart Property Development

Thornton Consulting are extremely professional, reliable and carry out a fantastic service with excellent communication throughout – we would recommend using them and we certainly will be using them again.

Rendall & Rittner

Just wanted to take a moment to commend your team for the works carried out on site. We are really pleased with the results.

TS, M

Thanks for the work carried out and the subsequent report. Sam and Dave were 1st class.

Complete Building Services Ltd

Latest Blog & Case Studies

To find out more about what we do and how we work, read our case studies and blogs below.

What is Waterproofing Integrity Testing?

Integrity testing of newly installed waterproofing membranes has become common place for new build projects, in particular large commercial constructions or apartment blocks, although it …

Get in Touch Today

Call us on 01342 410508, email us at mail@thorntonconsulting.co.uk or send us a message using the form below. A friendly member of our team will be in touch shortly.

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