Flat roofs typically have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years, but even if yours is younger than this, there are some signs it could need replacing straight away.
Leaking
Unsurprisingly, the first sign that the roof is starting to fail is finding damp patches or seeing areas where rainwater has leaked through.
It might have been a very wet month, much like it was in March, in which case you are more likely to see rain dripping into the building if the roof is no longer water resistant.
Though nobody wants this to happen, it is a good indication that your roof needs to be replaced before more damage is caused later on down the line. Although small leaks can be rectified, a flat roof specialist will determine whether it is better to remove the entire structure and start again.
Pooling
Another sign it is time to replace the flat roof is if you notice any pooling. If this regularly happens, it shows that water is not efficiently running off the roof and it could weaken the integrity of the structure.
Therefore, over time, there is a risk the roof could collapse, which would cause significantly more damage.
Cracks in the coating
Flat roofs tend to have white coating on them to make them more energy efficient. However, this can begin to crack after a while, though it can usually last around 15 years.
If the cracks are clearly visible, this means they need to be seen immediately, as it could be a sign the roof is failing.
Knowing what to look for means you can act quickly, which could prevent further damage from occurring, saving you lots of money in the long-term.