Most people don’t think about their roof until there’s water dripping through the ceiling. By then, it’s usually too late. A good roof should last decades, but nothing lasts forever. Over the years I’ve seen plenty of Cork homes where small warning signs were ignored, and the repair bill ended up being far bigger than it needed to be.
Here are the main signs your roof is telling you it’s on its last legs.
Leaks and Water Stains
Obvious one to start with. If you’re seeing brown patches on your ceilings or damp running down the walls, that water is coming in from above. A patch might buy you a bit of time, but if leaks keep showing up in different spots, that roof is done.
Leaks don’t just damage plaster and paint either. They can rot timbers, cause mould, and knock thousands off the value of your home.
Missing or Broken Slates/Tiles
Take a look from the ground. If you can spot slates or tiles that are cracked, slipped, or missing altogether, it’s a clear sign the roof’s not doing its job.
One or two slates can be fixed, no problem. But if every storm seems to take another batch, you’re chasing your tail. At that stage, replacing the whole lot works out cheaper in the long run.
A lot of our work in Cork is swapping out roofs that keep losing slates every winter. If you’re curious what that kind of job involves, have a look at some of our recent roof replacement projects in Cork.
Sagging Roof Lines
Your roof should look straight and solid. If it’s sagging in the middle or dipping at the edges, that’s a big red flag. It usually means the timber underneath has started to fail from age or water damage.
I’ve seen houses in Cork where the roofline dipped for years before anyone did anything, and by then the structure needed major work. If you see sagging, don’t wait.
Constant Repairs
If you’re calling a roofer every few months, the roof is telling you it’s had enough. Small fixes add up quickly. In the end, you’re better off putting that money into a proper new roof instead of wasting it on patch jobs.
Moss and Plant Growth
Bit of moss is normal in Cork with all the rain, but if your roof is covered in green and weeds are popping up between slates, water is getting trapped. Over time, that moisture breaks down the roof surface and gets into the structure. Once moss takes over, the roof is usually near the end of its life.
Rotting Underlay or Damp in the Attic
Pop your head into the attic. If you see damp patches on the felt, water staining, or smell mould, it’s a sign the roof above is failing. Same goes if daylight is shining through where it shouldn’t.
The roof covering might look fine outside, but the damage underneath tells the real story.
Age of the Roof
Even if it looks okay, age matters. A slate roof might last 80–100 years if it’s looked after. Tiles can last 40–60. Flat roofs? Usually 20 or so before they need a full replacement. If your roof is at or past its lifespan, it’s worth planning ahead rather than waiting for a leak.
Rising Energy Bills
Not one people always link to roofing, but it matters. If heat is flying out through poor insulation or gaps in the roof, your energy bills will show it. A new roof with proper insulation keeps your home warmer and saves money every year.
The Bottom Line
A roof doesn’t fail all at once. It gives you warning signs. Leaks, missing slates, sagging, constant repairs.
Ignore them and the damage spreads. Spot them early, and you can plan a proper replacement before the costs spiral.
If you’re starting to notice these issues, it’s worth having a chat with us as we work on Cork roofs day in, day out.