Burnley lead Reading 1-0 at half time thanks to Danny Ings's 11th goal of the season.
The home side had to defend well towards the end of the half, though, as Reading came back into it.
Burnley started confidently and dominated possession in the early stages. They went ahead after 21 minutes thanks to top scorer Ings, who found space in the box and fried home from Kieran Trippier's drilled cross.
The hosts almost went 2-0 in front minutes later but neither Michael Kightly nor Steve Jones could hit the target.
Reading improved after that with Pavel Pogrebnyak getting more involved. The Russian striker saw one attempt blocked before another was tipped over by the goalkeeper.
The visitors created a couple of more chances thanks to Jobi McAnuff, but Burnley were able to hold on until the break.
