7 Telltale Signs Your Roof Needs Urgent Repairs

A small, unnoticed problem on a roof has a nasty habit of becoming a big, expensive emergency. Water ingress can damage your home's structure, ruin plasterboard, and lead to damp and mould issues. The good news is that your roof will almost always give you warning signs before a catastrophic failure.

The key is knowing what to look for. This guide is designed to help homeowners in Surrey and Hampshire identify the seven most common signs of roof damage. Spotting these issues early and calling in a professional can be the difference between a simple repair and a full-scale replacement.

Checking for Damage from Inside Your Home

You don't need a ladder to spot some of the most critical warning signs. The first place to check is directly underneath your roof.

Sign 1: Damp Patches or Stains on Ceilings

This is often the first sign a homeowner notices. A discoloured patch of paint, often with a brownish ring around it, on a top-floor ceiling or in the loft is a clear indication of a slow, persistent leak. Don't just paint over it—find the source.

Sign 2: A Sagging Ceiling

If you see your ceiling plaster beginning to droop or bulge, you must act immediately. This suggests that water is pooling and collecting in one area, adding significant weight to the plasterboard. This is a serious issue that requires urgent attention before the ceiling collapses.

Sign 3: Daylight Visible in the Loft

On a bright day, head up to your loft (if you have one) and turn off the lights. If you can see slivers of daylight shining through the roof boards, you have a direct entry point for water. This could be due to a slipped tile, a hole in the felt underlay, or failed flashing.

Spotting Trouble from the Outside (Safely from the Ground)

Some of the most obvious signs are on the roof itself. These checks should always be done safely from the ground; never attempt to go onto your roof yourself. Use binoculars for a closer look if needed.

Sign 4: Slipped, Cracked, or Missing Tiles/Slates

Scan your roof for any tiles that look out of place. A single missing tile can expose the protective underlay to rain and damaging UV rays from the sun, causing it to become brittle and fail, which will lead to a leak.

Sign 5: Blocked or Overflowing Gutters

During heavy rain, check if your gutters are overflowing. Gutters clogged with leaves, moss, and debris can cause water to back up and seep under the eaves of your roof, potentially rotting the timber fascias and roof trusses.

Sign 6: Mortar Crumbling from Ridges or Chimneys

The cement mortar that holds your ridge tiles in place or seals your chimney stack can degrade over time. If you see pieces of cement on the ground around your property, it’s a sign that your pointing is failing, leaving your roof vulnerable to leaks and wind damage.

Sign 7: Excessive Moss or Algae Growth

While a little bit of moss is normal in the British climate, thick, heavy clumps can be problematic. Moss acts like a sponge, trapping moisture against the surface of your roof tiles. In winter, this can freeze and expand, potentially cracking the tiles.

When is a Roof Problem an Emergency?

Not every issue requires a middle-of-the-night call-out. It’s important to know the difference.

• Book an Inspection For: A few cracked tiles, crumbling mortar, or clogged gutters. These are important issues that need fixing soon but are not immediate emergencies.

• Call for an Emergency Repair If: You have a sagging ceiling, a significant and active leak during rainfall, or have suffered major damage during a storm.

Found a Sign? Get a Professional Roof Health Check

If you've spotted any of the signs on this list, don't ignore them. The safest and most effective course of action is to have a professional roofer assess the situation.

Our team at Surrey & Hampshire Roofers offers a free, no-obligation roof health check. We'll identify the source of the problem and provide you with a clear, honest quote for the necessary repairs, giving you peace of mind that your home is protected.