Depending on the severity of any damage your roof has sustained, there are two key options you have.

One of them is to have your roof repaired. The second option is a total roof replacement. What’s important to understand is that there are times where a roof replacement will simply be the better option.

To help you understand what types of damage may mean you need a roof replacement, here are 5 signs worth noting.

1. There are leaks in your roof

A very common sign of roof damage, which will then mean your roof will either require repairs or a replacement, is that of leaks. While leaks may be hard to initially identify (after all, they occur in your roof and you probably don’t spend much time in the roof void), there are other signs that could mean a leak or a series of leaks are present in your roof.

Chief among these signs to look out for is if you notice water or moisture forming either on your ceiling or the walls. You’ll be able to notice the moisture as it will likely soak into the ceiling or walls and, if left unresolved, may lead to the dark spots forming where too much moisture has built up. As is commonly the case, this moisture in your ceiling/walls will likely have its origins in the roof.

It may difficult to try and identify leaks when it’s not raining, so you may have to wait until the next downpour. Regardless, you should check your roof to see if there are any minor or major leaks. Depending on the severity of the leaks, a roof replacement could be in order.

2. Missing / broken tiles

If you have a tiled roof (either concrete or terracotta), then you should keep an eye on your roof in the event that any tiles could end up being broken or missing. As a tiled roof ages, it can become more susceptible to damage. When throwing severe storms or strong winds into the mix, such conditions could cause tiles to be pulled away from sheer force.

Missing or broken tiles can also contribute to the issue of leaks in your roof and, if a large number of tiles are either damaged or missing, this will also affect your roof’s ability to insulate the conditions inside your house. So if it feels colder inside than it usually should, it could have to do with the fact that the cold is getting in more easily through cracks in your roofing. What’s important is that you check for damaged or missing tiles.

3. Your roof is sagging

A sagging roof can result from poor initial roof design, a bad roof job, inadequate roof framing, or it can occur when your roof is weighed down with moisture. Now, of course, modern day roofs are designed to be resistant to water damage, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. As mentioned, a poorly designed roof could be more vulnerable to water damage by allowing it to pool up in a certain area and slowly find its way into the roof and weakening it.

Once its weakened, it will be more easily affected by further rain and moisture. As the weight builds, the roof could then sag. The simple fact is if your roof starts to sag, then a total roof replacement may be your only option. That’s why it’s important to always be looking out for signs of damage or possible weaknesses.

4. Rusting

Now, when discussing metal roofing, the options you have nowadays, such as COLORBOND, are designed to not be damaged by water, humidity or any other natural formations of moisture. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t old types of aluminium and metal roofing that are exactly the best at fighting against moisture and its ability to cause rusting.

Rusting will usually result for certain metallic items that haven’t been sealed when the item comes into contact with water and then is left to dry out. During the process of drying out, this is when rust can form. However, rust can also be a problem if an unsealed metallic item is left in water for an extensive period of time. In short, it’s possible that if you have an old metal roof that isn’t rust resistant, it could be problematic. The more rusting your roof is experiencing, the more problematic it is. More than likely, it’ll need to be replaced with a rust resistant alternative.

5. Excessive damage

Now, in the past 4 signs we’ve offered, from leaks to rusting, all of these are causes for concern. But one of the biggest signs that you’ll need a roof replacement is when any of these types of damage have become notably extensive. For example, a couple of damaged or missing tiles can easily be replaced as opposed to the whole roof. But if your entire roof is filled with damaged tiles and others a missing, then the more logical answer would be a total replacement.

So if you have lots of leaks or plenty of damaged tiles, if a large portion of your roof is sagging or your metallic roof is covered in rust, then a roof replacement will be the better solution. There is a certain turning point where basic repairs will not be enough.

If you believe your roof has sustained damage that will either require repairs or a roof replacement, give Roo Roofing a call on 1300 734 148.