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 testing, roof condition surveys, and comprehensive roof maintenance, helping protect valuable assets and avoid costly water damage.
Our Services
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.
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.
Programme Guidance
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.
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​
Case Studies
FAQs
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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.
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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.
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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.