Roof surveys across London and the South East 07833 053749info@independentroofsurvey.co.uk

Wokingham · London and the South East

Roof surveys in RG6

Live in RG6? Our roof surveyors cover Reading, Earley and Lower Earley and the rest of the district, for homes, flats and commercial roofs.

Roof surveys in RG6

How a roof survey works in RG6

Across London and the South East, roofs differ widely. A Victorian or Edwardian terrace may have slate, a central valley gutter and parapet walls, while many post-war homes have concrete interlocking tiles. Whatever yours has, the survey is adapted to it. Older tiled homes may have clay plain tiles, and many homes have a flat-roofed extension too. Every part gets the attention it needs. Common reasons to book are gutters that overflow in heavy rain and cracked mortar along the ridge, on ridges, hips and valleys, clay and concrete tiles and lead flashings.

Expect us to ask a few questions before we start, about the roof’s history, any leaks and past repairs. Then the inspection itself takes about 1–2 hours for an ordinary house roof, and longer if there are extensions, dormers or several chimneys.

  1. We start by hearing what you’d like checked and why.
  2. A visit is booked for a weekday or a weekend.
  3. We look at the roof from every safe viewpoint, inside and out.
  4. We check the coverings, ridges, hips, valleys, flashings, chimneys and gutters, and photograph what we find.
  5. We email a written report with photos and recommendations.

What affects the price in RG6

Simple, low roofs take less time to survey than tall or complicated ones, and the package matters as well. We’ll give you the figure before anything is booked.

Why clients in RG6 book us

  • More than 5,000 surveys completed
  • More than 20 years surveying roofs
  • 98% of clients satisfied
  • Clear package prices, inc. VAT

How to book

If you have photos of the roof, send them over. Pictures from ground level or a window are fine; never climb up to get a better view. To get started, ring 07833 053749 or use the contact form.

Local landmarks in Reading

Around Reading, our work takes us to homes and buildings near Eurospeak Language School, University of Reading library and All Nations Christian Centre. Also close by are Former Kennet Arms (within half a mile east), Kendrick School (0.6 miles north-east), Coley Primary School (within half a mile north) and Eldon Square (0.9 miles east). For rail, the closest station is Reading West station, about 0.7 miles north-west of the centre. A little further out are The Oracle (within half a mile north-east) and Berkshire Medical Heritage Centre Museum (0.8 miles east). Not far away are Sonning Hill and Longwater.

Roofs, chimneys and gutters across RG6

Across RG6, from Reading, Woodley and Earley outwards, roofs range from old slate and clay tile to modern concrete tiles and flat roofs. Chimneys, valleys, flashings and gutters are usually where the work is.

Across London and South East England, older homes often have slate or clay tiles, while many later ones have concrete tiles. That variety shapes every survey in RG6.

Reading: With Mapledurham House about 3.6 miles north-west, the area around Reading has a long history. Older homes in the area may have roofs that need matching materials when work is done. If you live near a park such as Eldon Square, or anywhere with mature trees, autumn leaves can block gutters and valleys, and an overflowing gutter soon means a wet wall.

What a survey costs

Prices always include VAT. What changes the price is:

  • If the survey needs thermal imaging or a drone
  • Whether you choose the Basic, Standard or Premium Survey
  • The number of roofs, including extensions and garages
  • The height of the building and how the roof can safely be seen

The cost of a survey depends on the roof: its size, its height, how many sections it has and how it can be reached and seen safely. Our price is from £150, including VAT.

What we need to know

To price your survey accurately, we’ll ask about:

  • The type of building and roof, such as pitched or flat
  • Anything about access we should know
  • What made you get in touch
  • When you need the report by

To arrange a survey, ring 07833 053749 or send us an email and tell us the address and what’s prompted the survey. You will know the price before anything is booked.

Why act early?

Roof faults rarely stay the same size. A single gap lets water onto the timbers underneath, and damp timber slowly weakens. Finding it early keeps the work smaller.

Questions to ask before booking

  • Will they check the loft as well as the outside?
  • What experience they bring
  • Whether the price includes VAT
  • Their report turnaround times

Different roofs, different checks

Clay plain and peg tiles

Where tiles hang on walls or dormers, we check them too. Gaps in tile-hanging let water reach the wall behind.

Concrete interlocking tiles

Mortar at ridges and verges frequently cracks on tiled roofs. We check for loose ridge tiles and missing mortar.

DIY checks: what’s safe

The one thing to avoid is getting up close. Roofs are fragile and slippery, and a fall can be serious. That’s where a survey comes in.

After heavy rain, check ceilings and the tops of walls for new stains. Photograph them and note the date, which helps when we look at the roof.

What a survey does not cover

It’s useful to know what a survey will not do before booking:

  • A promise that the roof will not leak in future
  • A full building survey of the property
  • Faults hidden behind ceilings or boarding

RG6 questions

Do you look in the loft space?

Where it’s relevant to the survey and there’s safe access, yes. A clear path to the hatch helps, and if the loft can’t be reached safely, the report says so.

Do you carry out asbestos surveys?

No. Asbestos testing isn’t part of our service. If we see materials that could contain asbestos, like cement sheets or soffits on older buildings, we flag them and recommend a specialist asbestos surveyor checks them before they’re disturbed.

Can you tell me how long my roof will last?

Not as an exact number, because so much depends on the fixings, underlay and upkeep. What we do is explain the roof’s condition and what to deal with first.

What insurance do you have?

Our cover is professional indemnity plus public liability, and we can provide details if a managing agent needs them.

Can you look at a roof that is joined to next door?

Yes, the part you own or can give access to. Next door’s roof is only inspected as far as we can see it. Shared chimneys and party-wall upstands are checked from your side.

How long will you be at the property?

The visit normally takes an hour or two for most houses, while a commercial roof takes nearer three to four hours. We’ll give you an idea of timing as you book.

Is RG6 in your area?

Yes. RG6 is part of the area we cover.

20+ yearsRoof survey experience
5,000+ surveys98% customer satisfaction
Drones and thermal imagingCAA-registered drone operator
Fully insuredProfessional indemnity and public liability
Reports from £150Prices include VAT