Since flat roofs can often be repaired when they're leaking, they can last a long time. That makes it difficult to know when it's time to replace your roof. You'll want to replace it before too much water damage is done to the roof and your home. The best way to do that is to look for signs your roof is old and no longer protecting your home very well. Here are signs to look for. 

Cracks In The Membrane

If your roof has a lot of cracks in the membrane, the problem might be from hail strikes. Rubber membranes are a little more durable than plastic roofing since rubber is more flexible, but no matter what type of roofing you have, you'll need to deal with cracks before your roof leaks.

Cracks can be repaired, but when they are all over your roof as can happen with hail, you'll probably need to get a roof replacement. A roofing contractor will assess your roof and let you know if repairs are possible.

Rain Puddles Or Sagging Areas

Even though your roof is flat, it should drain properly when it rains. If water stays on the roof too long, your roof could sustain water damage eventually. If water gets in a puncture hole or a gap in a seam, the boards under the roof might get wet and be destroyed.

If your roof has a wood deck, it might sustain water damage too and start sagging. A roofer should figure out why your roof has standing water and fix that problem before putting on a new roof. The roofer may also do a moisture check of your roof to determine how much damage has been done to the boards under the membrane.

If your roof has a lot of water damage, the membrane and insulation boards have to come off so new dry roofing can be put down.

Loose Flashing Around Vents

If you have a membrane roof, the flashing is probably made from the same material and attached to vents and other roof protrusions with adhesive. The flashing should have a tight bond for a long time, but if the flashing works loose, the roofer needs to repair it.

Flashing is a common area for roof leaks, so the roofer will probably check it closely. Fortunately, flashing problems can probably be repaired unless a bad roof leak has developed that has caused significant roof damage.

Your roofer will check all parts of your roof when determining if repairs are needed or if a roof replacement is necessary. If your roof is close to the end of its life, you may want to replace the roof rather than spend money on repairs.

Contact a local roofing service, such as Commercial Solutions, Inc., to learn more.