4 Foolproof Ways to Find the Age of an Existing Roof

Have you ever looked at a roof and wondered how old it is? Maybe you're buying a new house, or you're curious about your own home. Knowing the age of an existing roof is important for many reasons. It can help you plan for future repairs, understand your insurance needs, or make smart choices when buying a home. But how can you figure out how old a roof is if you don't have the paperwork? Here are a few strategies to try. 

Ask the Previous Owners 

When buying a new home, it is helpful to ask the sellers about the age of the roof and ask them to provide any supporting paperwork. Even if they can only pass along the name of the roofing company, the contractor should have the work dates in their records. This may allow you to skip the step of finding the building permit. 

Check Building Permits

The most accurate way to determine a roof's age is to find the building permit. When a new roof is installed, the work usually requires a permit from the local government. These permits are public records, which means anyone can access them.

Homeowners can simply contact their local building department or city hall and ask about roof installation permits for their address. The paperwork will list the exact date the roof was installed. However, sometimes these records can be hard to find, especially for older homes.

Hire a Roofing Professional

If you can't find the building permit, ask a roofing contractor. Reputable roofing companies have years of experience and can perform an expert analysis to determine the age of an existing roof. They look at things like:

• Materials used: Different roofing materials have different lifespans. For example, asphalt shingles typically last 20-30 years, while metal roofs can last 30-50 years. 
• Condition of the roof: A professional will inspect the roof for signs of wear and tear, such as curling shingles, granule loss, or rust spots on metal roofs. The extent of wear and tear can help determine a roof’s age.
• Repairs and maintenance history: The contractor may also ask about any past roof repairs or maintenance, if that information is available, to get a better idea of the roof's age.

By taking into account the information about the materials, the condition of the roof, and its service history, a roofing professional can make a well-informed estimate of the roof's age. They might even spot issues you didn't know about, which is an added bonus!

Look for These Clues to Determine a Roof’s Age

While paperwork or an expert consultation are usually the best methods, there are a few things you can look for yourself to guess a roof's age. Here are some clues:

• Shingle type: The kind of shingles on your roof can give you a hint about its age. For example, if you see 3-tab asphalt shingles, the roof is probably older. Architectural shingles became more popular in the 1980s, so if you see these, the roof might be newer.
• Wear and tear: Look for signs of aging like curled shingle edges, missing shingles, or bald spots where granules have worn off. The more wear you see, the older the roof likely is.
• Algae or moss growth: If you see dark streaks or green patches on the roof, it could be a sign of age. These growths take time to develop.
• Sagging: A roof that's starting to sag in places is definitely showing its age.
• Neighbors’ roofs: If your neighborhood was built around the same time, look at when your neighbors replaced their roofs. This might give you a clue about your own roof's age.
• Age of the home: While not always accurate, the age of your home can give you a starting point. Most roofs last 20-30 years, so if your home is 25 years old, the roof might be original.

Remember, these methods aren't as accurate as official records or a professional opinion, but they can give you a rough idea, especially if you’re wondering whether it is time to repair or replace the roof.

What to Do Once You Know Your Roof's Age

Once you have determined how old your roof is, what is next? Here are some steps to consider:

1. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, start saving for or exploring options to finance a replacement.

2. Schedule a professional roof inspection to check for any current issues.

3. Look into your home insurance policy to see if your roof's age affects your coverage.

4. If you are buying a home with an older roof, consider negotiating the price or asking the seller to replace it.

Regardless of its age, regular maintenance can help your roof last longer. Clean your gutters, remove debris, and call a trusted roofing contractor to fix small problems before they become big ones.

Ask the Pros as Honest Abe Roofing

Knowing your roof's age helps you plan for the future, understand your home's needs, and make smart decisions about repairs and replacements. It's just one more way to be a responsible homeowner and take good care of your house.

With service centers across the US, the pros at Honest Abe Roofing are available to help you determine the age of your roof as well as help with troubleshooting any issues. Reach out to get started today.