Leak Detection Dover | 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 commercial leak and water ingress investigation services in Dover, Britain’s historic gateway port, and the neighbouring area. Our technical experts address the demanding conditions facing this coastal location’s commercial buildings, from the port and ferry terminal facilities to town centre retail developments and the expanding business parks serving the logistics sector.

Dover’s coastal position means that commercial premises require high-performance waterproofing systems capable of withstanding challenging environmental conditions. Whether managing ongoing leak concerns, establishing preventative maintenance programmes, or requiring detailed documentation for asset assessments or transactions, Thornton Consulting delivers precise, dependable solutions. Our services encompass professional roof condition surveys documenting current status, commercial-grade waterproof integrity testing using advanced equipment and testing methods, and thorough building leak investigations that identify sources efficiently, protecting your investment from water damage.

How We Work

  • Planning

    We commence each project with a detailed collaboration and consultation, examining your building's construction, waterproofing specifications, and exposure to water ingress and coastal conditions. This preparation enables us to select the most effective testing methodology or methodologies, and develop an efficient strategy that can fit within your operational capacity and not disrupt workflows.

  • Testing

    Our experienced technicians utilise specialist electronic leak detection equipment suitable for your building's characteristics. Employing techniques including low voltage conductance testing, holiday detection, and differential pressure methods, we systematically evaluate waterproofed areas to locate defects with exceptional accuracy.

  • Evidence

    We deliver a comprehensive document for every investigation, consisting of precise positional data with detailed photography and technical measurements. This evidence provides contractors with exact target locations, eliminating ambiguity during repair specification and tendering processes.

  • Recommendations

    Based on our analysis, we deliver clear recommendations prioritised by severity and risk. Our guidance addresses immediate remedial requirements whilst considering long-term maintenance needs of your building, cognisant of coastal exposure, helping you protect your assets effectively.

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

Coverage

From our Kent headquarters, our specialist team provides comprehensive leak detection services throughout Dover, the White Cliffs Coast, and the wider East Kent region.

Dover: CT15, CT16, CT17
Surrounding Areas: CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4, CT5, CT6, CT13, CT14, CT18, CT19, CT20, CT21

Key Areas: Dover Town Centre, Dover Port, Western Heights, Buckland, River, Temple Ewell, Whitfield, Guston, Capel-le-Ferne, St Margaret’s at Cliffe, Kingsdown, Walmer, Deal, Sandwich, Canterbury, Folkestone, Hythe

What You Receive

  • Report

    A professionally structured technical document detailing our methodology, complete findings, and expert recommendations. Our reports communicate essential information to both technical teams and senior decision-makers who need critical data conveyed in different formats.

  • 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 system that distinguishes urgent defects as well as lower-risk issues that can be scheduled with routine, planned preventative maintenance. This framework supports effective risk management and strategic budget allocation for commercial property managers and owners.

  • Programme Guidance

    Our strategic, tailored recommendations address the building’s immediate repair needs, realistic and achievable timescales, and future inspection advice. We help you establish a feasible maintenance regime that supports the preservation of roof integrity and minimises the risk of emergency repair situations.

FAQs

How does salt air affect commercial roofing systems?

Salt-heavy coastal air can impact roofing materials and waterproofing systems, accelerating degradation in several ways. Salt crystals are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb moisture from the air, creating prolonged damp conditions on roof surfaces that accelerate material breakdown. The corrosive nature of salt affects metal components including fixings, flashings, and edge trims, potentially compromising waterproofing integrity at these vulnerable details. UV degradation is also typically more pronounced in coastal locations. For Dover’s commercial properties, this means roofing systems can invariably have shorter serviceable lives than those installed in inland properties. Regular integrity testing becomes particularly important in coastal environments, identifying emerging problems before accelerated weathering causes them to develop into serious failures.

Can you assess damage from severe weather events?

Yes, we regularly conduct assessments for commercial properties that have experienced severe weather. Following significant weather events, we recommend prompt professional assessment even if no immediate leaks are apparent, as wind damage may have created vulnerabilities that will only manifest as leaks during subsequent rainfall. Our electronic testing can identify breaches that aren’t visually obvious, whilst our roof condition surveys document mechanical damage for insurance claims and remedial planning. Given Dover’s exposed position, we understand the particular challenges that Channel storms present and can provide rapid response when severe weather threatens or affects your property.

What should we do if we discover a leak outside normal working hours?

If you discover a leak outside normal working hours, your immediate priority should be containing the damage and protecting building contents. Consider placing containers to catch dripping water, moving valuable equipment or stock away from affected areas, and if safe to do so, placing temporary coverings over obviously damaged areas to prevent further water ingress. Document the situation with photographs if possible. Contact us at your earliest convenience to arrange a professional investigation. Whilst we’re not a 24/7 emergency leak fixing service, we understand that serious leaks can cause significant disruption and make every effort to respond promptly to urgent situations, typically between 24 and 48 hours.

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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