Replacing a roof can be expensive, so if you can eliminate damage and danger by repairing or patching your roof instead, this will help save your hard-earned money!

Signs that your roof may need to be repaired or patched

Cracked, loose or missing tiles

Any damage to your roof tiles, whether it’s a small crack, dent or significant external damage, should be assessed as soon as possible. Visible damage to the exterior of your property may not impact the interior in the short term, but over time it can start to weaken your roof and cause leaks.

Discolouration, moss and mould growth

Much like cracked roof tiles, discolouration and moss growth on your roof are unlikely to cause problems in the short term. With that said, if you allow it to build up, it can lead to issues down the line. As moss grows, it can push under shingles and tiles and create gaps which can eventually lead to leaks. Mould growth often indicates roof rot, which can be a significant issue to your property and should be assessed by a professional as quickly as possible.

Visible sunlight from the loft

If there’s visible sunlight through the roof when you access the loft, this is a sign that there could be a hole in your roof. This is not always the case, especially on older properties with thin rosemary tiles or no felt lining. However, we recommend getting an expert opinion, especially if you want to utilise your loft space.

Roof flashings that are separating

Flashing is the material around the protruding roof objects such as chimneys and vents. Loose flashing can result in water leakages into ceilings and walls, which can be irreparable if left untreated.

Damaged ridges

The roof ridge is the horizontal line running the length of the roof where the two roof planes meet. If a ridge is in bad condition, it can affect the whole structure and shape of the roof if left untreated.

It should be noted that these symptoms do not always mean that you should repair the roof. In some situations, roof replacement may be necessary. If you feel like these examples match your roof, it’s best to contact a professional roofing company to seek advice on approaching the issues.

Signs that your roof needs to be replaced

In some instances, a roof repair is either not an option or would only provide a temporary solution to a problem that is likely to deteriorate over time, even if you use better roofing materials. Below is a list of signs that your roof will need to be replaced:

Roof sagging

The ridge of your pitched roof should be a straight line. If it isn’t, it could indicate structural damage, a severe safety hazard.

Serious leaks

When it rains/snows, water will accumulate on your roof, and if your roof experiences serious leaks, this can drastically affect your roof quality and safety.

Objects have fallen through/onto the roof

Storms and freak accidents can often damage the structure of your roof beyond repair.

Flaking, delamination or powdering of slate tiles

Often contractors will reuse slate tiles on a new roof or for repairs, but if you see either of these issues, it’s time to completely update the roof as the slate has deteriorated and is just too porous to be effective.

It is viable to have a partial roof replacement for the broken segment if there is significant harm to just one facet of the roof. With that said, a complete roof replacement can be more effective in the long term, especially given that roofers will often utilise scaffolding, ladders and fitting tools every time they’re required to undertake work on your roof.

There is a lot of useful forums and roofing-related blog posts on the web, however if you’re experiencing any of the issues listed above, we recommend enlisting the help of a local roofing expert to assess your options.