The age of your roof is one of the first questions roofers will ask you when you get in contact with them. They need this information to figure out the best way to fix the problem with your roof. Whether you own a residential or commercial property, knowing how long it’s been since your roof was installed is essential.
Why It’s Important to Learn Your Roof’s Age
Knowing the age of your roof will help you anticipate when you might need to replace it. Additionally, it allows you time to get ready for your new roof. The typical lifespan of dimensional asphalt shingles, for instance, is 30 years. Your roof should last even longer with appropriate installation and maintenance.
To determine whether you require a roof repair or replacement, a comprehensive roof inspection is still essential. Prior to visiting your home, your contractor would also benefit from understanding how old your roof is. Moreover, it’s best to start considering a replacement when your roof is approaching 80-85% of its expected lifespan.
How to Determine Your Roof’s Age
Many homeowners do not know how old their roofing is, particularly those who are not their home’s first owner. If you’re among them, don’t worry – the following are some of the ways to find out your roof’s age.
- Documents and records. If the house’s previous owners replaced the roof, they may have given you the roofing contract, a copy of the receipt, or the building permit. If the roof came with a warranty that could be given to someone else, it might have the information you need.
- Emails or messages. You and the roofing contractor may have talked about the age and condition of the roof in texts and emails. You might also find digital versions of the roofing documents as attachments.
- Previous owners. The house’s former owners might have the paperwork you need or at least remember when the roof was installed. They may also know the local contractor who put the roof on, and that person may have records of how the roof was put on the first time.
- Professional roof inspection. If all else fails, hire a roofing expert to evaluate your roof. They have the expertise to precisely evaluate the age of a roof by identifying its wear indicators.
Summit Roofing & Restoration, Inc. is a family-owned and -operated business that provides exceptional roof replacement and storm damage repair services. Call us at (901) 430-1974. You can also fill out our contact form to request a quote.