London and the South East
Roof Leak Investigation in Reading
We cover all 34 towns and villages in Reading for roof leak investigations, with a written report and photos after every survey., with a written report and photos and surveys on weekdays and weekends.
Where we work in Reading
In short: tracing where water is getting into your roof. Pick your town below to see the details for your area. To book, call 07833 053749.
Larger towns
Our roof leak investigation service in Reading
On older houses, leaks often start at lead work and hidden gutters. Worn lead, tired valley linings and blocked parapet outlets are frequent causes. A central valley gutter on a butterfly roof frequently turns out to be the source. Parapet walls and their gutters are checked from wherever it is safe. Our report shows what we found, with photos. Common reasons to book are damp walls below an overflowing gutter and leaks below a flat extension roof, on flat roof details, slate and tile slopes and valleys and parapet gutters.
A survey visit follows a simple order: we listen to what’s been worrying you, inspect the roof from every safe viewpoint, take photographs as we go and make notes for the report. It normally takes between one and two hours, more where the leak is intermittent or the roof is large.
- You tell us where the water shows and when it appears.
- Inside, we check the damp area and the loft space above it.
- We check the likely entry points outside, like flashings, valleys, chimneys and gutters.
- Moisture readings and thermal imaging are used where they help.
- You receive a written report with photos showing the likely source and what needs attention.
What you’ll pay
Simple, low roofs take less time to survey than tall or complicated ones, and the package matters as well. The price is always agreed first.
Why customers in Reading book us
- 98% customer satisfaction
- Packages from £150, including VAT
- Over 5,000 surveys carried out
- Thermal imaging and drone inspection where they help
Arrange a survey
You can call us seven days a week, including Saturdays and Sundays. For a price or to book, ring 07833 053749 or send us an email.
What’s near Caversham
We work in homes and buildings around Eldon Square, Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre and Chiltern Nursery Nurse Training School, among other places. Also close by are The Hill Primary School (under half a mile north-east), Grace Church (under half a mile east) and The White Horse pub (within half a mile north). The nearest railway station is Reading station, roughly 1.3 miles south of the centre. A little further out are Royal Berkshire Hospital (1.9 miles south) and Broad Street Mall (1.6 miles south). Green spaces nearby include South Lake and Sonning Hill.
Roofs and weather across Reading
Across Reading, we check leaks and storm damage on homes and businesses, from Caversham, Norcot and West Reading to the quieter places in between. Each report records what was seen, with photographs.
Even in the South East, autumn and winter storms find any loose slate, tile or ridge. In Reading, as elsewhere, exposed details are where damage shows first.
Caversham: The streets around a church such as Grace Church are often among the oldest in a place, and if your house is among the older ones nearby, water on an older roof tends to find its way in at the lead, the valleys or the chimney. Trees in and around Eldon Square shed leaves that can end up in nearby gutters, and an overflowing gutter soon means a wet wall.
What a survey costs
What a survey costs depends on the time and equipment it needs. That comes down to:
- Building height and the viewpoints available
- Whether thermal imaging or a drone is needed
- Whether it’s a home or a commercial building
- The roof’s overall size
For a price for your roof in Reading, ring 07833 053749 or send us an email with the address and some details. The price is agreed before a date is set.
Helping us price your survey
Getting the details right at the start saves time. Please include:
- Where the property is, with the postcode
- The type of building and roof, like pitched or flat
- Why you want a survey: buying, a leak, a storm or new work
- Photos of the roof, taken safely from the ground or a window
If you are buying, it’s useful to book soon after your offer is accepted, so you have the findings in time to act on them before you exchange. For any other survey, just ring 07833 053749 or use the contact form when you’re ready.
What a survey does not cover
In fairness, there are limits to any roof survey:
- The repair itself (the investigation finds and reports the cause)
- Plumbing leaks that look like roof leaks
- Whether rotten timbers meet design loads
Tips that help
Some practical points come up on survey after survey. They apply to most roofs:
- Let us know what has already been tried
- Clear the loft hatch so we can get in
- Do not touch fittings that water is reaching
- Leave roof access to professionals
We email the report to you. It explains the likely entry point, the route the water takes and our recommendations. Basic reports come within 48 hours, Standard within 24 to 48 hours and Premium the same day.
Keep gutters, valleys and outlets clear, ideally once the leaves have fallen. Blocked outlets on parapet and flat roofs cause many leaks. Use a professional rather than climbing up yourself.
For landlords and managing agents
Where a roof is shared: we need access agreed with the building owner or managing agent. Tell us about it when you book and we’ll plan the visit with that in mind.
Managing agents and residents’ management companies use roof surveys to plan maintenance. Recommendations are set out in order of urgency where relevant, which helps with budgets and planning.
Should I look at the roof myself first?
It helps to keep a record: when leaks happen, ground-level photos and any past roof work. Send it with your enquiry and it will help the survey.
Your own check is a good start, but it is not a survey. You won’t see flashings, valleys or the backs of chimneys properly from ground level.
Reading questions
How long have you been surveying roofs?
We’ve been surveying roofs for over 20 years and have carried out more than 5,000 surveys.
How much does a roof leak investigation cost in Reading?
Roof leak investigation starts from £150, including VAT. The final figure depends on the roof and the package you choose, and it’s agreed before booking.
Why is not the leak directly above the stain?
Water follows the easiest path, not the shortest. On a flat roof it can travel under the covering before it finds a way through the ceiling. Tracing that path is the heart of a leak investigation.
Is this an asbestos survey?
No. We don’t carry out asbestos surveys or testing. If we see materials that could contain asbestos, such as cement roof sheets or soffits on buildings from before 2000, we flag them, and recommend a specialist asbestos surveyor checks them before they’re disturbed.
How long will you be at the property?
Allow an hour or two at most homes, while a commercial roof takes nearer three to four hours. We will give you an idea of timing when booking.
Can you survey a shared roof?
Yes, if the building owner or managing agent agrees access. We look at the parts we’re given access to, and the report makes that clear.
Can you always find the source?
Not every leak can be pinned down in a single visit. Most leave clues we can follow, but some only appear in certain weather. We report what we found and the likeliest sources.