Knowing when to repair or replace a roof can be difficult but is essential. Your building’s roof–whether it’s a commercial office, your home, or an expansive industrial facility–is not just a critical part of the structure but also one prone to wear and tear due to environmental exposure.
In this article, we’ll help explore the common problems roofs face and help you know whether to repair your roof or whether it’s worth investing in an entirely new replacement.
Problems That Can Need Repair or Replacement
1. Leaks and Water Damage
Leaking roofs is probably the most common cause of roof damage. Leaks can develop from damaged shingles, flashing or the deterioration of seals around vents and chimneys.
In some instances, wild weather or a collision of some kind can damage a roof and cause water and moisture to seep through. This can lead to some further damage internally and in the worst of cases compromise some of the structural integrity of the roof itself.
2. Missing or Damaged Shingles
Shingles are the part of the roof that helps to protect it from the outside elements. If your shingles have not been installed properly, have deteriorated over time, are missing or are otherwise damaged it can compromise your roof’s ability to shed water properly and therefore be exposed to leaks.
Whether the roof needs to be repaired or replaced in such an instance is likely dependent not just on the state of the shingles but the damage caused as a result of the water seeping through.
3. Roof Surface Problems
An uneven or sagging roof can develop over time and indicate a number of different problems. In some instances a sagging roof can be caused by a structural issue, such as damaged joists or supports. In these cases, it’s important that you call a remedial builder as soon as possible.
Sometimes, an uneven or sagging roof can be indicative of some other issue that might not necessarily be structural and, even when not urgent, still requires professional attention.
4. Mould Growth
Mould growth can occur when the roof is exposed to moisture and that moisture is retained. Over time this can affect the aesthetics of the roof, the health levels of the air in your building and even the structural integrity of some of the materials in the roof itself.
5. Cracked Roofs
Extreme weather conditions are the most likely cause of roofing materials to crack or blister. This in turn reduces the roof’s effectiveness in protecting your building from ongoing exposure to the elements which can in turn cause the issue to worsen, and continue the vicious cycle.
How to Know Whether to Repair or Replace?
Identifying the Problem
The first step, whether you think you need to fix, patch or replace your roof, is to identify the need for remedial action.
Being the roof, which has many parts to it that are difficult to see, this can be more easily said than done.
- Interior Signs – Start by looking for signs such as water stains on the ceiling, peeling paint, musty odours and other water damage indicators.
- Exterior Signs – Inspect the outside of the building for visible damage, sagging areas, signs of mould or missing shingles.
- History of Repair Work – Review the age of your roof and see what sort of remedial repair work has been done in the past. This can indicate what attention it has received, if any, and what aspects may need to be inspected.
Ultimately, the most important action is to arrange a professional inspection by a roofing contractor or remedial builder. They’ll conduct a comprehensive onsite inspection to identify the problem and propose a solution, whether that’s repair or replacement.
Signs You May Need Roof Repair
Localised Damage
If the damage is confined to a specific or small area but the rest of the roof is in good condition, repair work will likely suffice.
Missing Shingles
If the shingles are the only bit missing or damaged, repair work is relatively simple to carry out.
Flashing Repair
Similarly, issues related to vents, skylights and chimneys can – when detected early – be simple repair work.
Sealing and Coating
Updating the sealant or coating of your roof to repair minor cracks will often extend the roof’s lifespan and delay the need to pay for a replacement.
Signs You May Need Roof Replacement
Extensive Damage
The more extensive the damage to your roof, the more likely you may need to invest in a more comprehensive replacement.
Age of the Roof
Roofs generally have a 20-30 year lifespan. If your building is nearing the latter side of this time period, it can often be more cost effective for you to replace it rather than committing to frequent and ongoing repair work.
Structural Issues
If the damage or wear and tear is indicative of structural problems, a remedial builder may consider a roof replacement the best and safest option.
Better Materials
From energy efficiency to developments in waterproofing, construction methodology and materials do improve over time. If your roof is getting on in years and you’re looking to invest in a long term solution to maintain its structural integrity, replacing your roof could be the right choice.
Call BIM Sydney to know when to repair or replace your roof
Deciding whether your roof needs to be replaced or just needs some repair work can require careful consideration and close inspections. Luckily, there’s no need for you to worry alone.
BIM Sydney is a professional, reputable and local Sydney-based remedial building services contractor. We work on, in and around residential, multi-residential and commercial properties providing a range of small and large-scale repair work.
