Signs Your Roof Needs Replacing (and When a Repair Will Do)

A roof does not usually fail overnight — it gives you warning signs. Spotting them early can save you money and stress. Here is what to look for, and honest advice on when you need a full re-roof versus a simple repair.

Signs to watch for

• Slipped, cracked or missing tiles or slates — especially after a storm.
• Leaks or damp patches on upstairs ceilings or walls.
• Daylight through the roof when you look up in the loft.
• Sagging in the roof line, which can point to a structural or timber problem.
• Lots of moss and a generally tired, worn look.
• Granules or bits of tile in the gutters — a sign the surface is breaking down.
• Age — most roofs last 20–30 years or so; older than that and problems become more likely.

Repair or replace?

Not every problem means a new roof. A few slipped tiles, a bit of failed flashing or a single leak can often be repaired quickly and cheaply. We will always tell you honestly if a repair will do the job — we would rather keep you as a happy customer than sell you a re-roof you do not need.

A full re-roof makes sense when the problems are widespread, the roof is well past its age, or repairs are becoming a regular expense. A proper re-roof includes new underlay, battens and ventilation — not just new tiles — so it lasts.

Not sure how bad it is?

A free survey is the easiest way to find out. We will take a proper look, explain what we find in plain English, and give you honest options.