Reading · London and the South East
Roof leak investigation in Gallowstree Common, Reading
Know where you stand with the leaking roof before you spend money on it. We carry out roof leak investigations in Gallowstree Common.
- Leaks that appear only in driving rain
- Damp ceilings under a flat roof
- Condensation that looks like a leak
Roof leak investigations for homes and businesses in Gallowstree Common
On older houses, leaks frequently 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 often turns out to be the source in heavy rain. Parapet walls and their gutters are looked at from wherever it’s safe. The findings are recorded with photos. We survey the roof space, chimney stacks and valleys and parapet gutters, and the problems we are asked to look at most are leaks at a dormer or roof window and condensation that looks like a leak.
For a small place like Gallowstree Common, the inspection is the same as anywhere: we simply plan the journey and access ahead. It is useful to know where the water appears, in what weather, and what you’ve seen outside, plus any earlier repairs. If you have photos of the water coming in, they help as well.
Findings are set out part by part, from the coverings down to the gutters, with a note and a photo for each point. You’ll see the good as well as the bad.
- Place
- Gallowstree Common (RG4)
- Region
- Reading
- Cost
- From £150 inc. VAT
- Your report
- A written report with photos, by email
- Appointments
- Weekdays and weekends
- Insurance
- Professional indemnity and public liability
- Call
- 07833 053749
- Updated
- 27 October 2026
Gallowstree Common: your questions answered
Does a conservation area affect roof work in Gallowstree Common?
We can’t confirm that for you, but Historic England’s list and your council can. Both listing and conservation areas can limit changes of roofing material.
Do you carry out roof surveys in Gallowstree Common?
Yes, Gallowstree Common is one of the places we work. Every survey there gets the same written report with photographs.
Will you check the loft?
Usually, if there is one and it can be reached safely. From inside, the underside of the roof frequently shows damp, staining or daylight that can’t be seen from outside.
I live in a flat. Can you survey the roof?
Yes, once access has been agreed. The roof of a block or converted house is often shared, so we need permission from the freeholder or managing agent. We can only inspect what we are given access to.
How do you tell a leak from condensation?
Many apparent leaks turn out to be condensation. Leaks tend to follow wet weather and show in one place, while condensation is often spread out and worse in cold weather. We tell you which it is most likely to be.
Why is the stain in a different place from the leak?
Water rarely drops straight down. It runs along rafters, battens or underlay before it drips, so the entry point is frequently well away from the mark. That is why we trace the route rather than patching above the stain.
How soon will I get the report?
Basic reports arrive within 48 hours, Standard reports in 24–48 hours and Premium reports on the same day. Each one is emailed, ready to forward.
How we price roof leak investigations
When we price a survey, we consider:
- The number of roofs, including extensions and garages
- Roof area
- The package you choose: Basic, Standard or Premium
- House, block, shop or office
Every price we give includes VAT, and the report is not charged as an extra. Our price is from £150, including VAT. Where your roof sits in the range depends on its size, height and access.
Getting in touch
To price your survey accurately, we will ask about:
- Any deadline, such as an exchange date
- What’s prompted the survey
- What kind of property and roof it is
- Access details, such as a loft hatch or a shared roof
We confirm the price for your roof before booking, so you know the cost up front. Roof leak investigation starts from £150, including VAT. For a price for your roof, phone 07833 053749 or send us an email.
Gallowstree Common roofs and the weather
The wider area around Gallowstree Common has a long history of building, with Mapledurham House about 2.6 miles south-west. If you own one of the older houses, expect a mix of original materials and later repairs on the roof. Across the South East, older homes tend to have slate or clay tiles, and many later ones concrete tiles. Each of these roof types has its own typical places for water to get in.
If your home is one of the older ones in the streets near Church of St John the Baptist, old mortar, worn lead and slipped slates are the usual suspects when water gets in.
Gallowstree Common is about 3 miles north-west of Caversham, in Reading. Gallowstree Common gets the same service as everywhere else we work: a careful inspection, photographs and a written report. Gallowstree Common is one of the towns and villages in Reading we cover.
We survey roofs across the RG4 postcode area for roof leak investigations. You’ll find streets such as Reades Lane, Hearns Lane and Horsepond Road, and we cover them all. Other places close to Gallowstree Common include Cane End (1 mile south-west), Hook End (2 miles north-west), Stoke Row (2 miles north), Checkendon (3 miles north-west) and Woodcote (3 miles west). We also work in nearby towns such as Caversham (3 miles south-east), Norcot (4 miles south), West Reading (4 miles south), Tilehurst Within (4 miles south), Shinfield (8 miles south) and Arborfield Garrison (10 miles south-east).
Landmarks near Gallowstree Common
Around Gallowstree Common, our work takes us to homes and buildings near The Reformation pub, Kidmore End Church of England Primary School and The Warwick School. Gallowstree Common’s nearest station is Tilehurst station, about 3.3 miles south of the centre. Nearby you’ll also find Battle Hospital (4.1 miles south). Green spaces nearby include Hartslock.
What this survey can’t tell you
Our findings are based on what we can see safely on the day, so there are some things a survey cannot cover:
- Faults hidden behind ceilings or boarding
- Plumbing leaks that look like roof leaks
- Structural calculations (that is a structural engineer’s job)
Not sure which survey suits your roof? You can phone 07833 053749 or send us an email and we’ll tell you before you book. The full list of what we check.
What this survey covers
- Rooflights and dormers
- The roof space
- Slate and tile slopes
- Flat roof details
- Valleys and parapet gutters
- Chimney stacks
- Lead flashings
Towns and villages near Gallowstree Common
More services for Gallowstree Common
Common roof problems in Gallowstree Common
A chimney stack has lots of places for rain to get in. Eroded pointing, cracked flaunching, failed flashings and open pots can all be responsible. It can show up on the chimney breast, nearby ceilings or in the loft space.
Most people get in touch after spotting one of these:
- Wet patches high on an inside wall
- Leaks that appear only in driving rain
- Damp underlay across a wide area
- Water marks that spread in wet weather
If you own a rental within reach of Tilehurst station, finding the cause of a leak fast keeps a tenant’s home dry and the work focused.
Questions to ask before booking
- When you will get the report
- Do they have a CAA Flyer ID and Operator ID for drone work?
- Their insurance cover
- What’s outside the scope of the survey
Before and after the survey
A survey works best with a little help from you, before and after. Some tips:
- Record whether it leaks in every downpour or only some
- Tell us if there are tanks or pipes in the loft
- Make sure the loft is accessible
- Mention earlier attempts to fix the leak
If there are several possible sources, we list them in order of likelihood. Recommendations are prioritised by urgency where relevant, so you know what to deal with first.
Have leaves and moss cleared from gutters, valleys and outlets, particularly in autumn. Blocked outlets on parapet and flat roofs cause many leaks. Use a professional rather than climbing up yourself.
What happens on the day
Before we start, tell us why you’ve booked: a purchase, a leak, a storm, new work or simply peace of mind. It helps us focus on what matters most to you. Most visits take an hour or two for most homes, though a hard-to-trace leak can take longer. Somewhere as small as Gallowstree Common, access is often the only tricky part. Let us know about outbuildings, past repairs and any leaks you’ve noticed. Visits can be on weekdays, Saturdays or Sundays.
- We help you choose the package that suits the leak.
- We agree a date, including weekends.
- We inspect inside and out, starting from the stain.
- Where it is useful and included, we take moisture readings and use thermal imaging.
- You get photos, the likely cause and clear recommendations.
Preparing for the visit
- Tell us about any leaks, stains or damp patches you know of
- Mention any parking restrictions on your street
- Find any records of previous roof work
Booking a survey
Buyers should book once an offer has been accepted, so you have the findings in time to act on them before you exchange. For any other survey, just ring 07833 053749 or drop us an email when you are ready.
Read more
How the survey changes by roof type
Chimney stacks
Water that gets in at the top can show up lower down. Open, unused pots let rain fall down the flue.
Parapet and box gutters
Linings, joints and outlets are inspected wherever it is safe.