Do you know how old your roof is? You might be surprised to know that this information is more important than you think. Being aware of your roof’s age is crucial for effective maintenance, planning for replacement and even negotiating the price when selling your home.
In this post, we discuss the importance of your roof’s age and ways to get this information.
Understanding Your Roof’s Age
Roofing materials have different lifespans. For instance, shingle roofs typically last between 15 to 20 years while metal roofs can last for 40 years or more. That said, knowing your roof’s age lets you plan for roof replacement and avoid unexpected costs. It also informs the kind of maintenance it currently needs.
How to Determine Your Roof’s Age
Here are a few ways you can find out the age of your roof:
- Check Your Home Improvement Records: If you’ve been in your home for a while, you might have records of when the roof was last replaced.
- Ask the Previous Owners: If you recently moved into your home, the previous owners or the realtor might have this information.
- Look at the Building Permit: This document, which is usually filed with the city or county, often contains information about roof installations.
- Hire a Professional: If you can’t find the information yourself, consider hiring a professional home inspector or roofing contractor. They can estimate the roof’s age based on its condition and the materials used.
- Examine the Roof’s Condition: The state of the shingles can give you a rough idea of the roof’s age. For example, if the shingles are curling, buckling, or missing, the roof is likely nearing the end of its lifespan.
Consequences of Having an Old Roof
As your roof ages, wear and tear starts to take a toll. An old roof might not withstand harsh weather conditions, leading to leaks and causing damage to your home’s interior. Even though you can file a roof insurance claim, it can get denied if the roof’s age and condition indicate a lack of maintenance. Moreover, it’s important to keep in mind that depending on the material and your location, the metal roofing cost can be significant, so it’s crucial to plan accordingly.
If you have roofing concerns or need personalized advice, WaynCo Roofing, LLC is the expert to call. Reach us at (704) 814-9566 or via our contact page to schedule a consultation.
