Thornton Consulting

We specialise in locating and analysing leaks in buildings and other waterproof structures, whether they originate in the roof or other elements of the building envelope, as well as leaks or dampness in service floors, basements and water pipes. Thornton Consulting was the first UK consultancy to offer this service, starting in early 1987. The process was also adopted early on as a method for confirming the waterproofing integrity of membranes. A roof condition survey of an aged flat roof is an invaluable tool for assessing its current performance and condition and can then provide pointers as to the remaining projected lifespan.

At Thornton Consulting, we specialise in locating and analysing leaks in buildings and other waterproof structures, whether they originate in the roof or other elements of the building envelope, as well as leaks or dampness in service floors, basements, car parks etc. We offer a leak detection service for newly installed waterproofing membranes for clients including roofers and main contractors, who need the peace of mind that their waterproofing system is free from defects at completion of the project.

Wall cladding systems come in many shapes and forms. They range from lightweight metal systems to stone or concrete facades. More often than not, by the time a leak appears, the information relating to design and build has been lost. At Thornton Consulting we use our expertise and knowledge derived from thousands of leak detection tests on wall cladding systems over more than three decades and are now recognised experts in tracing and analysing such leaks. Where we come upon a new system that we have not investigated before, we will undertake the necessary researches with the supplier and, if available, the cladding contractor.

Curtain walls are defined as non-load bearing wall structures, so include lightweight composite panels, glazing, louvres, or combinations of any of these. They also include traditional materials, such as brick slips and other specialist design products. Notwithstanding the above, we at Thornton Consulting use our expertise and knowledge and are now recognised experts in professional leak detection in Curtain Walls. The tried and tested principle is to identify suspect points and then prove them via positive testing.

Leak Detection in Composite Walls might be described as having substantially different elements. For example, modern buildings with a steel frame may have an external insulating panel and render finish. Such structures are notoriously difficult to work on, as they provide little scope for physical inspection. Notwithstanding that, Thornton Consulting have considerable expertise in establishing not only where, but also why, leaks occur in composite walls. We use our expertise and knowledge derived from many of thousands of tests over more than three decades and are now recognised experts in tracing and analysing such leaks.

Office roofs vary enormously, from the straightforward to complex inverted roofs with a multitude of plant. Depending on circumstances, we will develop a test strategy to first provide pointers as to the source, then home in on it by selecting the optimum test. We are employed by developers, architects, major construction companies, house builders and specialist waterproofing and roofing contractors. Provided safe access is available and there are safe working conditions, we never mind where we work - throughout the UK and Ireland in particular, although we have also worked abroad.

Leak detection in Windows and Glazing systems has many potential causes, including the wrong type of glazing system for a particular application, general deterioration or defects in the junction between glazing and sections and other structural elements, such as cavity walls. Defects in glass and glazing systems, plus other elements such as door frames, can often result in building leaks, which are then interpreted incorrectly as roof leaks. Where we come upon a new system that we have not investigated before, we will undertake the necessary researches with the supplier and, if available, the cladding contractor.