If you are not the first owner of your home, you may have questions about the age of your roof. Knowing the age of your roof can help you understand problems you may encounter and how to plan for or prevent them. No one wants to be surprised to learn they need a completely new roof without fair warning. If you know the age of your roof, you’ll know what to expect. There are a few methods to finding out the age of your roof if it’s unknown. The best way is to find solid proof with paperwork.
Ask the Previous Owners
If you didn’t think to ask during the home sale, it’s not too late. If the previous homeowners lived in the home for a long time they probably replaced the roof at some point, and if they didn’t, then you at least know that the roof is older than however many years the homeowners were in the home. The one downside to this method is that it can be inaccurate, relying on memories.
Find the Building Permit
Some counties require a building permit for roof installations. If yours is one of these, contact the county building department to find out when a roofing permit was awarded. This can be an extremely accurate source of information.
Request a Copy of the Receipt From the Roofing Company
If you know the roof installation company, contact it for a receipt of workmanship. Most companies keep records of all work performed. Be sure the paperwork received is a receipt, not simply a proposal for work.
Have a Roofing Company or Home Inspector Provide an Estimate
If you are struggling to track down the right paperwork, you can always go straight to the professionals. Roofing experts are highly trained to spot signs of age and can give you a reliable estimate on the age of your roof. They will also be a great resource if you are wondering when your roof might be due for replacement. Roofers and home inspectors are both qualified to evaluate the roof’s condition and provide an estimate. If you need some help determining the age of your roof, give Mr. Roof a call.
Do I Need a New Roof?
Sometimes it’s not necessary to determine the age of a roof to know it’s time for a replacement. If you don’t want to go through the trouble of finding the age of your roof, there are a few signs to look for to indicate you need a new roof.
- Curled Shingles: When shingles begin to curl, they are no longer working effectively. This can be caused by heavy winds, accessive heat from sun exposure, or age. If there are areas of your roof experiencing curling, it’s time for a replacement.
- Roof Valleys: If the shingles in the valley of your roof are falling apart or missing, it’s time for a new roof. Valleys provide water release and can cause severe water damage when not properly maintained. Roofs with heavy damage to the valleys should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
- Missing shingles: Missing shingles on a roof indicate the adhesive has failed. This will occur after the normal lifespan of a shingle and is a sign to replace the roof. If the missing shingles flew off your home during a storm, there’s a chance your roof will only need to be repaired, not replaced.
Mr. Roof Is Here to Help
If you’re concerned about the age or lifespan of your roof, contact us for an evaluation. Our experts can provide you with an estimate of the roof’s life and indicate when the roof may be due for a replacement. Call us today!
