Reading · London and the South East
Electronic Leak Detection in Fords Farm
Get a clear view of the flat roof membrane at a property in Fords Farm from an independent roof surveyor. We visit on weekdays and at weekends.
- Breaches hidden under paving or planting
- Holes around roof penetrations
- New roofs to check before paving or planting
How electronic leak detection works in Fords Farm
Green roofs, ballasted roofs and roofs under paving are harder to test. The layers on top can limit the methods we can use, and some may need lifting. We talk this through before we quote. Drawings or details of the roof’s layers are useful because they show what’s under the surface. If testing is not possible, we will say so. We survey flat roof membranes, commercial flat roofs and green roofs, and the problems we are asked to look at most are leaks at pipes, outlets or fixings and leaks under green or ballasted roofs.
Around Fords Farm, many homes have a garden room, garage or outbuilding with a flat roof. They’re rarely looked at until something gets wet. If you want them looked at too, mention them when you book, along with the main flat roof. Smaller roofs use the same coverings as bigger ones, from felt to rubber and GRP, and age in the same way.
Pictures do a lot of the work in our reports, so you can see each defect rather than just read about it. If something couldn’t be seen safely, the report is clear about it.
- Location
- Fords Farm (RG30, RG31)
- Region
- Reading
- Price
- Quoted for your roof
- Reports
- Written, with photos, emailed to you
- Survey days
- Weekdays and weekends
- Insured
- PI and public liability insurance
- Phone
- 07833 053749
- Last updated
- 27 October 2026
Why get it checked now?
Testing a new membrane before it is covered is easier than tracing a leak later. Once layers are added, finding a breach is harder. On a bungalow or cottage around Fords Farm, the roof sits close to the rooms below, so water can show inside quickly once it gets past the covering. Catching the cause first saves redecorating as well.
Larger roofs, taller buildings and commercial roofs take longer, so the price reflects that. The price is confirmed before booking.
Why choose Independent Roof Survey in Fords Farm
- An independent look at the roof
- Visits on any day of the week
- 5,000+ roofs surveyed
- Thermal imaging and drone inspection where they help
See our cost guide and two real surveys.
Places near Fords Farm
More services for Fords Farm
Landlords, agents and block managers in Fords Farm
Landlords and letting agents in Fords Farm book surveys as well as householders. A report with photographs gives you a clear record of the flat roof membrane.
Letting agents can arrange access with tenants. We survey seven days a week, which can make access easier.
Local flat roofs in Fords Farm
With Mapledurham House about 3.1 miles north, Fords Farm sits in an area with a long building history. Older homes in the wider area often have features worth a closer look, such as lead valleys, tall stacks and roofs that have been patched over the years, and the council can say whether a home is in a conservation area. In this part of the South East, older roofs are mostly slate or clay tile and many newer ones concrete tile, with flat-roofed extensions, dormers and garages common everywhere. Alongside them, flat-roofed extensions, dormers, garages and commercial units are common almost everywhere.
If you own a rental within reach of Reading Green Park station, flat roofs on let property tend to be checked only when they fail, which is the costly way round. Take an older house close to St Matthew's: the joins between later flat roofs and the old walls are where problems usually start.
Fords Farm is about 2 miles west of Reading, in Reading. In Fords Farm, as across Reading, every roof gets the same careful survey. Fords Farm is one of the towns and villages in Reading we cover for electronic leak detection.
We work across RG30 and RG31 for electronic leak detection and the streets around it. We cover properties on Low Lane, Mill Lane and Bath Road and the roads around them. If you are just outside Fords Farm, we cover Horncastle (1 mile north), Southcote (1 mile east), Burghfield Bridge (1 mile south), Beansheaf Farm (1 mile west) and Calcot (1 mile west). Further out, we also cover Caversham (4 miles north-east), Shinfield (4 miles south-east), Arborfield Garrison (7 miles south-east), Caversham Heights (3 miles north-east), Whitley Wood (3 miles south-east) and Sonning Common (6 miles north).
What’s near Fords Farm
In Fords Farm, that means homes and buildings near Prospect School, Elvian School and The Cunning Man pub and the streets around them. Fords Farm’s nearest station is Reading Green Park station, about 1.4 miles south-east. A little further out are Battle Hospital (1.7 miles north-east) and Beaumys Castle (4.8 miles south-east). The countryside around Fords Farm includes Fobney Island Wetland Reserve and South Lake.
What we’re asked to look at in Fords Farm
Flat roof membranes can be punctured by foot traffic, dropped tools or debris. Some are too small to see, but still let water through.
Signs worth acting on include:
- Breaches around outlets and penetrations
- New roofs to check before paving or planting
- Leaking laps in the waterproofing
- Breaches hidden under paving or planting
If you look after a building like Kennet Valley Primary School, schools and public buildings frequently have big flat roofs, and their outlets and upstands need regular checks.
Before you book any roof surveyor
- What insurance they carry
- Whether any drone flown is registered with the CAA
- How long the report takes to arrive
- What they won’t be able to tell you
What you can safely check yourself
During heavy rain, look at the gutters from ground level or a window. Water spilling over the edge can point to a blockage or a sagging run.
Look up at the roof after a storm, from the ground: pieces of tile or slate on the ground, a gap in the ridge or a lifted flashing are all worth noting. Leave anything above ground level to a survey.
What affects the cost of electronic leak detection
We confirm the exact price before you book. This is what makes a difference:
- The roof’s overall size
- Features like valleys, chimneys, dormers and parapets
- Whether thermal imaging or a drone is needed
- The number of roofs, including extensions and garages
All our prices include VAT. Electronic leak detection is quoted for your roof, because the method depends on the roof. You will know the price for your roof before you book.
Helping us price your survey
Some details help us point you to the right survey and price. When you get in touch, it helps to mention:
- Pictures of the roof from a safe spot, if you have them
- When you need the report by
- The style of property, from a terrace to a block
- The property’s address and postcode
Most bookings start with a short call: ring 07833 053749 or use the contact form. You will have a price before anything is arranged.
Fords Farm: your questions answered
Do you cover Fords Farm?
We do. The survey and report are the same in Fords Farm as anywhere else, and visits run on weekdays and weekends.
Is Fords Farm within the area you cover?
Yes, Fords Farm is on our map. A small place gets exactly the same survey as a big one.
How long have you been surveying roofs?
We have been surveying roofs for over 20 years and have carried out more than 5,000 surveys across London and the South East.
Does this replace a RICS home survey?
No. We look at the roof, not the whole building, and it isn’t a RICS Level 2 or Level 3 survey. Many buyers have both.
Do you use drones?
Yes, where it is applicable. Whether we can fly on the day depends on the weather and the airspace rules, including flight restriction zones near airports. We hold a CAA Flyer ID and Operator ID.
How much time does ELD need?
The roof’s size and build-up decide how long it takes. You’ll know roughly how long before we start.
Do you take photos of the roof?
Yes. We photograph the roof as we go, and the report uses them to show each finding alongside our recommendations.
How it works
It helps to start with what’s prompted the survey: a purchase, a leak, a storm, new work or simply peace of mind. It helps us focus on what matters most to you. The visit usually takes more time on a big roof than a small one, with the construction of the roof playing a part too. In a smaller place like Fords Farm, as anywhere, the forecast plays a part: the parts that need calm, dry weather are planned around it.
- We start by finding out what the roof is made of and where it leaks.
- We check that the membrane and build-up suit electronic leak detection.
- The testing method is chosen to suit the membrane and build-up.
- We test the membrane and find where current is passing through it.
- You get a report showing where each breach is, for your roofer to repair.
Getting ready for the survey
- Leave a clear route to the loft
- Tell us about parking before the day
- Unlock side gates and any roof access doors
Arrange a survey
Photos help, if you have them. Pictures from ground level or a window are fine; never climb up to get a better view. To get started, ring 07833 053749 or send us an email.