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09 Oct 2003 Roofing Specialist Utilises Microboring Technology A Norman & Underwood craftsman uses the microboring equipment to test church roof timbers The Roofing and Stained Glass Division of Norman & Underwood is taking a scientific approach to assessing the condition of timber at some of Britain’s finest historic buildings. The Leicester company is currently utilising the latest microboring technology to test the integrity of structural timber in UK heritage buildings including the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral. The digital microprobe is a portable device that uses a one millimetre diameter rotating probe to penetrate any type of wood up to one metre deep. It detects decay, insect attack or other flaws and can accurately measure and assess structural members and analyse bearers and joints. This tool is also capable of determining the size and density of structural wood without the need for costly and potentially damaging opening up operations. Powered by a rechargeable battery pack, the microprobe provides up to 125 tests between charges, making it ideal for survey work. The digital information it produces can be converted instantly into graphical form using a portable printer. Data can also be downloaded to a computer from where it can be transferred to a conventional spreadsheet package for further analysis. Norman & Underwood Roofing Contracts Manager, Darrell Warren said the new equipment had already proved invaluable during recent major roofing contracts at Salisbury Cathedral and other churches throughout the country. He added: “We can be confident that the information we receive from the probe’s readings is extremely accurate with little margin for error. “This information was vital when we surveyed the last two phases of the Salisbury Cathedral roofing restoration contract as we needed to be assured that the ancient roofing timbers would continue to safely support the building’s lead roofs – a very important consideration as the new lead recently installed by ourselves to the Nave, North Transept, North Choir and North Choir Aisles is going to be in place for at least the next 100 years. “To the best of our knowledge we are the only roofing and lead work specialist to make use of this equipment on heritage projects.” Norman & Underwood is currently using the microboring equipment on the third phase of the roofing restoration contract at Salisbury Cathedral. back to top back to previous page   The Freeschool Building, 170 Scudamore Road, Leicester LE3 1HP, England Company Registration Number 911571. Registered in England tel: 0116 231 8000 fax: 0116 231 8005 e-mail: [email protected]