London and the South East
Flat Roof Survey in Reading
We cover all 34 towns and villages in Reading for flat roof surveys, with a written report and photos after every survey., with prices that include VAT.
Where we work in Reading
In short: surveys of flat roofs on homes, extensions and commercial buildings. Every town and village has its own page, listed below, or get in touch to book a survey.
Largest places
About flat roof surveys in Reading
Ponding is frequently the first sign that something on a flat roof isn’t right. It can point to poor falls, a blocked outlet or a deck that is deflecting. We record where water sits, check the outlets and look for dips that suggest deflection. Where the deck may be a structural issue, our report says a structural engineer should look at it. Common reasons to book are outlets choked with leaves and silt and blistering in felt or asphalt, on single-ply membranes, EPDM rubber and felt flat roofs.
We don’t take risks to get a closer look. We inspect everything that’s safely in view, and if part of the roof cannot be seen, the report says so. The survey usually takes roughly 1–2 hours for most houses, and more on a big or complicated roof.
- You let us know about the roof, its covering if you know it, and any leaks.
- We look at the roof from wherever it can be seen safely.
- The covering, falls, upstands, outlets, edge trims and rooflights are checked and photographed.
- Inside, we look for damp and staining under the roof where there’s access.
- The findings are written up with photographs and recommendations and emailed to you.
How our prices work
Flat roof survey starts from £150, including VAT. What you pay depends on how big and how high the roof is, access and the package you choose.
Why clients in Reading book us
- We hold a CAA Flyer ID and Operator ID
- 20+ years’ experience
- Surveys seven days a week
- Thermal imaging and drones used where they help
Book a survey
Most bookings start with a short call: phone 07833 053749 or use the contact form and we’ll ask a few questions about the roof. The price is agreed before a date is set.
Near you in Caversham
We work in homes and buildings around Eldon Square, Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre and Chiltern Nursery Nurse Training School and the streets around them. Also close by are The Hill Primary School (less than half a mile north-east), Grace Church (within half a mile east) and The White Horse pub (less than half a mile north). The closest station to Caversham is Reading station, about 1.3 miles south. Nearby you’ll also find Royal Berkshire Hospital (1.9 miles south) and Broad Street Mall (1.6 miles south). Open spaces near Caversham include South Lake and Sonning Hill.
Flat roof surveys across Reading: local notes
Reading has flat roofs of every size. The usual signs are standing water, blisters, splits and lifting edges.
London and the South East mix slate and clay tile roofs on older homes with concrete tiles on many later ones. That variety shapes every survey in Reading.
Caversham: For site and facilities teams at buildings such as The Hill Primary School, large flat roofs, common on schools and other public buildings, need their outlets, upstands and coverings checked regularly. Mapledurham House, about 3 miles west, is one of the historic houses in the wider area around Caversham. Older houses nearby often have flat roofs added much later, built to very different standards from the main roof.
What we’re asked to look at in Reading
Flat roofs swing between hot and cold more than most parts of a building. That movement pulls at seams, laps and the joints between boards, which can open splits and cracks over the years. Coverings that have hardened with age tend to suffer most.
Problems we come across often include:
- Water getting in at rooflights
- Splits and cracks in the covering
- Edge trims that have lifted or split
- Upstands pulling away from walls
What you can safely check yourself
Keep a simple record: dates of leaks, photos from the ground and any work done on the roof. Send it with your enquiry.
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. Don’t go up yourself.
Different roofs, different checks
Single-ply membranes
Single-ply PVC and TPO membranes are common on commercial roofs and newer buildings. The survey looks at welded seams, edges, fixings and signs of damage.
Felt and built-up roofs
The edges and upstands of a felt roof are typically where trouble starts. We check each one and photograph any that have split or pulled away.
Honest limits
Before you book, it is worth knowing what a survey won’t do:
- Fragile surfaces, which we don’t walk on
- A fixed date for when the roof will need replacing
- Whether the deck or joists are strong enough
How we price flat roof surveys
A few things affect what a survey costs:
- House, block, shop or office
- Which survey package you book
- Building height and the viewpoints available
- Chimneys, valleys, parapets and other details
The cost of a survey depends on the roof: how big it is, how high it is, the number of separate roofs and how it can be reached and seen safely. Prices start from £150, including VAT.
What to tell us when you get in touch
Before you get in touch, it helps to have:
- Any deadline, like an exchange date
- Why you want a survey: buying, a leak, a storm or new work
- Any marks or damp showing indoors
- Any photos you have, taken from ground level or a window
You can call us seven days a week, including Saturdays and Sundays. To book or ask a question, call 07833 053749 or drop us an email.
Your questions about flat roof surveys in Reading
Do you give a life expectancy for the roof?
There is no honest way to give an exact number of years. Typical ranges are around 15 to 20 years for felt, 30 to 50 for EPDM and up to about 30 for GRP, but your report describes the actual condition.
What do I do with the report?
The report arrives by email. With Standard there is a follow-up consultation; with Premium, an in-person consultation, so you can talk the findings through.
Do you carry professional indemnity insurance?
Our cover is professional indemnity plus public liability.
When does the report arrive?
Each package has its own report time. Basic is within 48 hours, Standard is 24–48 hours and Premium is the same day. If you have a deadline, like an exchange date, let us know when you book.
Do you survey commercial flat roofs?
Yes. We survey flat roofs on commercial buildings as well as homes. A commercial roof typically takes about 3 to 4 hours on site, longer if it’s large or complex, with larger roofs quoted on their size.
I live in a flat. Can you survey the roof?
Yes. Shared roofs just need a little more planning. Let us know about it when you book and we will plan the survey around it.
Do you need to get into the loft?
Yes, where the survey calls for it and there is safe access. Inside, we look for damp, staining, gaps and sagging.