Roof Repair or Re-roof? Signs It Is Time to Replace

Why leaks appear far from their cause

Water rarely drops straight through the roof. It runs along a sheet, a purlin or the top of a ceiling board until it finds a gap, so the stain in your room can be some distance from where the water actually gets in.

If the roof only leaks in heavy rain, wind driven water is probably being pushed under a lap, flashing or valley that stays dry in light showers. That is why a proper inspection looks at the whole roof, not just the wet patch.

Signs a repair will do

These problems are local. Fixed properly, they usually do not need a new roof.

• A few damaged sheets or broken tiles
• Failed flashing or sealant at a wall, ridge or chimney
• Loose or missing fixings
• Blocked valleys or gutters causing overflow

Signs it is time to re-roof

When problems are spread across the roof, repairs tend to chase one leak after another and the money is better spent on a new roof.

• Rust across large areas of sheet
• Leaks in many places
• A sagging or weakened structure
• An old roof that no longer suits the building or how it is used

What an inspection checks

A useful inspection covers the whole system and shows you what was found.

• Sheets or tiles, laps and fixings
• Ridges, flashings and valleys
• Gutters, outlets and downpipes
• The structure, and the ceiling below
• Photos of every problem, so you can see it too

Can I repair now and replace later?

Often, yes. If the roof is near the end of its life but the budget is not ready, targeted repairs can keep it watertight for a while. Ask for both options on the quotation so you can compare the cost of repairing now against replacing sooner.

What you should not do is leave a known leak. Water damages ceilings, timber and wiring quickly, and the repair grows with every storm.

Need an inspection?

Send us photos of the roof and any ceiling stains with your location. We will tell you the next step and arrange an inspection if it is needed.