You may not be aware of the complete history of your house unless you inquire directly about it. It’s important to uncover the age of your roof, as it is a significant investment. Roofing experts typically suggest that roofs will last between 25-30 years. Therefore, before purchasing your home, you should find out the exact installation date of your current roof.
If you haven’t designed and built your home from scratch, it’s important to know the age of your roof. This will help you plan for its replacement and anticipate potential problems. There are several ways to find out the age of your roof with these goals in mind.
How to find the age of your roof?
With these goals in mind, there are a few ways to find out the age of your roof.
Ask the previous owners
Once you have closed on your home and moved in, you shouldn’t cut off all contact with the previous owners. Most homeowners don’t mind answering any questions you may have about the state of the house, including when the roof was last replaced. You can usually make such inquiries without going through a lawyer. If the previous owners were in the house a long time, then they probably know when the current roof was installed.
Find the building permit
You can do a bit of research and find out whether your county requires a building permit for roof installations. If it does, then you can contact the county government and request a copy of the permit. This will contain the exact date the roof was installed and is one of the most accurate sources of information you are likely to find.
Request a copy of the receipt from roof replacement company
The previous owners may remember the roofing company that replaced the roof. However, they may have discarded their copy of the receipt. If you have the name, you can contact the company and ask for a copy of the receipt or perhaps request that the previous owners do so. Roof installation companies tend to keep records of all the work they perform.
Request a copy of the receipt from roof replacement company
The previous owners may remember the roofing company that replaced the roof. However, they may have discarded their copy of the receipt. If you have the name, you can contact the company and ask for a copy of the receipt or perhaps request that the previous owners do so. Roof installation companies tend to keep records of all the work they perform.
Get an estimate from a home inspector or roof company
If all else fails, you can call in a home inspector to evaluate the state of the roof and estimate its age. Such professionals are highly trained in their field. They know the signs of advanced age when they see them and can provide you a reliable assessment.
It’s possible to receive similar service from a roofing company. However, it’s important to note that the impartiality of a home inspector, who isn’t selling a specific product, is likely to be more reliable than that of a specialist sent by a roofing installation company.
Do you Need a New Roof?
If a roof is worn or damaged, it can be upgraded or repaired. An old roof doesn’t need to be replaced, especially if it is still within the 25-year time frame. However, there are sure signs that indicate your roof is beyond refurbishment and needs a replacement. They include:
Curled shingles
Curled shingles are the result of heavy winds, excessive exposure to heat, and the passage of time. If the shingles on your roof have curled, they cannot function properly. Such shingles cannot be repaired; they must be replaced.
Damaged roof valleys
Roof valleys enable water to be released from your roof. If they no longer work, it can lead to the rotting out of your roof and severe water damage to the inside of your home. If you need a reliable roof repair company in Florida, do not hesitate to reach out.
Missing shingles
Missing shingles are a sign that the adhesive that used to hold them to the roof has failed. This will inevitably occur after a specific time, and it is an indication that you need to replace your roof. A bad storm will cause loose shingles to fly off the roof, which can cause damage to other homes or injury to people passing by.
New Jersey Roofing Experts at Cambridge Roof Repair
Cambridge Roof Repair provides expert roofers for all your roofing needs. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality roofing solutions with a focus on customer satisfaction. Contact us today for professional assistance with roof repairs, replacements, and installations.
