The roof is one of the most important parts of your house, as it protects against the elements and natural events, such as rain, hail, and the sun’s rays.

As such, your roof needs regular maintenance checks. This process can help you identify issues that may cause further damage to both the structure and your property.

These roofing problems should be addressed as soon as possible. Otherwise, your roof can deteriorate quickly, leaving your house exposed to different hazards. Therefore, if there are broken tiles, leaking, and dark spots, you should get your roof inspected and repaired right away.

Professional roofers offer different services to help you address these issues: roof replacement and roof restoration are among the most common.

However, there’s still a question you need to answer before calling a roofing company: How do you know if you need a roof restoration or should get your roof replaced?

Read on to find out when you should take action immediately and fix or replace your roof.

Signs You Need a Roof Restoration or Replacement

Water Damage

One of the most common roof problems is water damage. These structures are strong enough to withstand rain. Most roofs are sturdy, so they aren’t affected by other extreme weather conditions, such as snow or hail.

However, water damage is not always avoidable. If water manages to seep into your property, moisture can wreak havoc and compromise the entire structure.

Water issues can also quickly become a health hazard if there’s moss or mould. Organic growth is one of the main signs that you need a roof replacement, especially if it has already affected your interior walls and ceilings.

If water damage has spread to other essential roof parts, causing corrosion around gutters, fittings, and fastenings, you may need professional help to restore the structure or install a new roof.

Did you notice any of these signs? The best thing to do is to have an experienced and professional roofer inspect the structure.

Reputable roofing companies will inspect your roof for corrosion or other types of water damage and advise you on whether you need a roof restoration or replacement.

Cracks and Holes in Tiles

Damaged tiles are another important sign that you need a roof restoration or replacement. Fixing this issue is essential if you want to make sure your roof can protect your property for more years and withstand Australia’s harsh weather.

If there’s only one damaged tile, water can seep into your roof and affect the insulation. As a result, your roof may start rotting. In the worst-case scenario, the damage spreads to interior walls and ceilings, which begin to stain, blister, and bubble.

Broken tiles can also support organic growth, which requires only a day to start developing. Mould spreads easily in damp and moist conditions. Therefore, if your roof was damaged and allowed water to enter your home, soaking the walls, ceiling, and carpets, you may soon face a major mould infestation issue.

Mould spores not only cause unpleasant odours and leave stains on your belongings. It’s a potential health hazard, as it has been associated with respiratory diseases.

Paintwork Degradation

As mentioned, regular maintenance is one of the most important aspects of keeping your roof in excellent condition.

If your roof is not properly maintained, it can deteriorate quickly. Peeling paintwork is a common sign that the structure has started to wear down.

Sometimes, it’s unavoidable due to normal wear and tear as the roof ages. However, flaking and damaged paintwork can indicate that your roof is no longer as sturdy as it once was and can no longer protect your property from the elements.

As a result, you may need to spend on a costly roof repair or replace the entire roof. Fortunately, if you ensure the paintwork is in tip-top condition, your roof will offer better protection to your property.

In addition, high-quality, well-maintained paintwork adds value to your home and extends the life of your roof.

Damaged Elements

By identifying roof issues early and addressing them right away, you can avoid structural damage and save money in the long run.

Ideally, you should focus on damaged elements and make roof repairs as needed to keep the system in excellent condition.

Roof parts that you should check frequently include roof valleys, downpipes, and gutters. Moreover, you should inspect the structure and look for signs of wear or damage. If there is worn or loose material around vents, pipes, and chimneys, water may have seeped into the roofing system.

Damaged flashing can also mean that your roof is not protecting your property as it should. These thin pieces of metal are installed in these structures to prevent water from seeping into your house.

Older homes often have cement and tar flashing, which can easily break down over time. In these cases, you should get your roof replaced immediately. However, new structures have modern metal flashing. It’s ideal if you want to avoid leaks.

Ageing Process

All roofs age naturally. In addition, pollution, weather, roof traffic, and moisture can accelerate degradation.

Generally, a roof lasts between 20 and 25 years. However, it depends on the type of material you choose. Metal roofs can last much longer than asphalt shingles, for example.

In this regard, other signs that you may need roof replacement or restoration are your roof’s age and status. You can make informed decisions about the best service to hire if you know these factors.

If your roof is 10 years old and requires frequent repairs, you probably need a roof restoration. However, if the structure is 20 years old, you may need a full replacement.

What to Look For When Inspecting the Roof

To sum up, if you want to know if you need a roof repair, restoration, or replacement, this is what you should look for when you inspect your roofing system:

From Inside:

Inspect inside your home to spot potential signs of deterioration, which may include the following:

  • Light coming through the roof
  • Dark spots that may indicate water damage
  • Trails that may indicate leaking

From Outside:

You can also use a ladder to take a closer look at the structure. However, remember to always use safety gear and be extra careful, especially if it’s a steep roof.

These are the things to look for during the outside inspection:

  • Missing roof tiles
  • Worn-out or loose materials around vents, chimneys, and other areas
  • Wear around the roof valleys
  • Worn or curled shingles
  • Mould, moisture, or rot signs
  • Single granules around gutters
  • Damage or wear signs around downpipes and gutters

Final Thoughts

A damaged roof can cause headaches, stress, and frustration. However, you can fix this issue with a restoration or replacement.

As you can see, different signs can tell that this structure needs work, but don’t worry! A restored roof can last for years. Therefore, if you notice dark spots, missing tiles, or any other issue, contact experts immediately!

At Fremantle Roofing Services, we have an experienced team of roofers ready to offer the best solutions to Perth residents. If you notice these signs and are concerned about the integrity of your roof, don’t hesitate to call us!

Besides inspecting the structure to identify issues, we offer roof restoration services and more! Get in touch today and request a free quote!