Roof Leak Detection & Building Leak Detection Experts in Birmingham | 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

With nearly six decades of combined leak detection and management experience, Thornton Consulting delivers specialist investigation services to property owners throughout Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.

Our technical expertise encompasses electronic leak detection services, building leak investigations and roof assessments for all sorts of buildings, from historic industrial structures to new commercial developments.

 

We understand the operational challenges facing property owners and managers who are trying to preserve their building integrity while preventing the risk of water damage. Our services include planned roof inspections/ that identify potential weak spots before they compound, detailed roof condition surveys for a full overview of the condition of your roof and targeted building leak investigations that pinpoint sources of water ingress with exceptional accuracy. We approach every project with the same method of combining proven leak detection methodologies with clear, actionable reports.

How We Work

  • Planning

    Each investigation begins with careful preparation, reviewing your building's construction details, waterproofing specifications, and any known problem areas. We tailor our testing approach to suit your building's specific characteristics and your operational constraints, ensuring minimal disruption.

  • Testing

    Our leak detection technicians deploy sophisticated electronic detection equipment suited to each structure. Whether using low voltage methods for conductive substrates (also known as the “wet method”), pinhole or holiday testing for membrane installations, or differential pressure techniques for specialist applications, we systematically survey all waterproofed areas to achieve comprehensive coverage and reliable results.

  • Evidence

    We create detailed documentation of all of our findings, combining precise positional data with photographic evidence and technical analysis. This rigorous process provides the exact location of breaches in the waterproofing or specific source of the leak, eliminating ambiguity during the repair specification and tendering process.

  • Recommendations

    Our reports translate technical findings into practical, actionable guidance, outlining cost-effective repair strategies. We provide clear direction on both immediate remedial work and longer-term maintenance planning, where necessary, helping you protect your property investment and manage budgets efficiently.

Coverage

Our leak detection specialists provide services across Birmingham and throughout the West Midlands metropolitan area.

Birmingham City Centre: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5
Greater Birmingham: B6, B7, B8, B9, B10, B11, B12, B13, B14, B15, B16, B17, B18, B19, B20, B21, B23, B24, B25, B26, B27, B28, B29, B30, B31, B32, B33, B34, B36, B37, B38, B40, B42, B43, B44, B45

Key Areas: Birmingham City Centre, Digbeth, Jewellery Quarter, Edgbaston, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Erdington, Perry Barr, Selly Oak, Harborne, Kings Heath, Moseley, Acocks Green, Sheldon, Castle Bromwich

What You Receive

  • Report

    Following our investigation, you’ll receive a professional document detailing our complete findings and recommendations. These reports will suit both technical teams and senior management and stakeholders who need to understand implications and make informed decisions.

  • Annotated Plans

    We’ll include accurate scaled drawings pinpointing every identified defect with clear reference markers. These plans enable roofing contractors to prepare precise quotations and execute repairs efficiently, avoiding unnecessary investigation work that runs the risk of inflating overall roof repair costs.

  • Programme Guidance

    We’ll include accurate scaled drawings pinpointing every identified defect with clear reference markers. These plans enable roofing contractors to prepare precise quotations and execute repairs efficiently, avoiding unnecessary investigation work that runs the risk of inflating overall roof repair costs.

FAQs

What types of buildings do you work on?

We work across the full spectrum of commercial and large-scale residential properties, including office buildings, retail centres, industrial warehouses, distribution facilities, multi-storey car parks, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, hotels, and apartment complexes. Regardless of building age or construction type, we tailor our approach to suit your specific structure.

Can you test newly installed roofing systems as well as existing ones?

Absolutely. In fact, integrity testing of newly installed waterproofing is one of our areas of particular expertise. Testing new installations before handover provides verification that the system is free from defects and meets specification requirements. This quality assurance protects your investment and ensures any issues are identified and rectified during the contractor’s liability period rather than becoming your problem after that window closes.

How soon after reporting will we need to undertake repair works?

The urgency depends entirely on the severity and location of the defects identified, although where immediate attention is required, this will be highlighted in the report. Other minor issues can be scheduled at a later date or incorporated into a planned maintenance programme.

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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