Leak Detection Canterbury | Building Leak Investigations

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 provides expert water ingress investigation services to commercial property owners across Canterbury, combining technical precision with sensitivity to many building’s unique architectural heritage within the city. From university and retail buildings to historic city centre premises and centuries-old landmarks, we deliver specialist leak detection that protects valuable building assets whilst respecting their individual characteristics.

Whether managing water ingress issues affecting your commercial premises, implementing strategic maintenance programmes for multi-site portfolios, or requiring detailed condition assessments for upcoming transactions, our experienced team delivers dependable, evidence-based solutions. We offer comprehensive roof condition surveys that document current status and maintenance needs  waterproof integrity testing using advanced electronic methods, and thorough building leak investigations that identify sources and remedial action for leaks accurately.

How We Work

  • Planning

    Each project commences with careful consultation to understand your specific concerns, building construction, and operational constraints. We examine available documentation and historical information to develop a targeted testing strategy that delivers comprehensive assessment whilst minimising disruption.

  • Testing

    Our qualified technicians utilise specialist electronic leak detection equipment matched to your building's construction type. Employing techniques including low voltage testing, holiday detection, and differential pressure methods as appropriate, we systematically evaluate waterproofed areas to locate defects with precision.

  • Evidence

    We create detailed documentation for every finding, combining accurate positional data with comprehensive photography and technical measurements. This evidence provides contractors with exact target locations, reducing ambiguity during repair specification and tendering.

  • Recommendations

    Following our analysis, we deliver clear recommendations prioritised by urgency and risk. Our guidance addresses immediate remedial requirements whilst considering longer-term maintenance strategies, helping you allocate resources effectively and protect your property investment.

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

What You Receive

  • Report

    A professionally structured technical document detailing our methodology, complete findings, and expert recommendations. Our reports communicate essential information clearly to both technical teams and senior stakeholders.

  • Annotated Plans

    Scaled architectural drawings with every detected defect precisely marked and referenced. These annotated plans streamline contractor quotations and ensure repair works target confirmed problems efficiently.

  • Priorities

    A structured ranking distinguishing urgent defects from lower-risk issues that can be scheduled within routine maintenance windows. This framework supports effective risk management and budget planning.

  • Programme Guidance

    Strategic recommendations addressing repair scheduling, appropriate timescales, and future inspection intervals. We help you establish maintenance regimes that maximise roof longevity and prevent emergency repair situations.

Coverage

From our Kent base, our specialist team provides comprehensive leak detection services throughout Canterbury, the surrounding district, and the wider East Kent region.

Canterbury: CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4
Surrounding Areas: CT5, CT6, CT7, CT8, CT9, CT10, CT11, CT12, CT13, CT14, CT15, CT16, CT17

Key Areas: Canterbury City Centre, University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University, Sturry, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Broadstairs, Margate, Ramsgate, Sandwich, Deal, Dover, Folkestone

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 …

FAQs

What's the typical cost of commercial leak detection testing?

Costs vary considerably depending on several factors including roof size, complexity, access requirements, and the type of testing methodology most appropriate for your building. A small commercial unit might require just a few hours of testing, whilst a large distribution centre or multi-level retail development could need several days of comprehensive surveying. We provide detailed quotations following an initial consultation where we understand your specific requirements and building characteristics.

Can testing identify the age or remaining life of our roof?

Electronic leak detection specifically identifies breaches in waterproofing membranes rather than assessing overall roof age or remaining serviceable life. However, the pattern and extent of defects we discover can provide useful indicators about general condition. A roof with numerous widespread breaches might suggest advanced deterioration, whilst isolated defects could indicate specific installation issues or localised damage. For comprehensive assessment of remaining roof life, we recommend combining leak detection with a visual roof condition survey.

What happens if you can't locate the source of our leak?

Whilst electronic leak detection is highly effective, occasionally water ingress stems from sources other than membrane breaches, such as failed flashings, defective gutters, condensation issues, or building fabric problems that aren’t immediately detectable through waterproofing integrity testing. If our standard testing doesn’t identify clear membrane breaches, we’ll discuss alternative investigation approaches. We’ll always be honest about our findings and recommend appropriate next steps rather than claiming certainty where none exists. We work collaboratively with you to identify the most effective diagnostic approach for your specific situation.

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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