It may not seem important to know how old your roof is as long as it does not leak. But, knowing the age of your roof tells you a lot. Roofs don’t last forever and knowing how old the roof is, is an indicator of when you should get more maintenance to help it last longer, or, start saving for a new roof. If a roof is more than 20 years old, it is past time to start inspecting it for signs of wear and aging. Newer roofs have more years of service left if they are well-maintained.
Getting a new Roof
If the roof is over 20 years old and showing signs of wear, leaking, or damaged by storms, you might consider getting a new roof. Metal roofing is gaining more and more popularity because it lasts longer and is more damage resistant. Contact https://eriemetalroofs.com/ for more information on metal roofs. Metal roofs can look like other materials and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
There are many roofing materials to consider including asphalt shingle, wood shingle, clay tiles, and more. Choose the material that meets the needs of the house and the roofing budget. Having a certain roofing material now does not mean you can’t change materials for the new roof. It is most important to hire a dependable, licensed, insured roofing company that carries quality roofing materials.
4 Methods to Find Out How Old The Roof Is
Since the average life of a roof is between 25 and 30 years, it is important to know how old a home’s roof is before you purchase the home. No one wants to buy a home one year and replace the roof the next year. If the roof is near the end of its life, ask for a lower price on the house or the seller to pay for a new roof. But sometimes you need to know the age of the roof on the house you are now living in.
1. When purchasing a home ask the sellers to state the age of the roof. Or, if you know the previous owners of your house, give them a call to see if they remember when the roof was installed. Don’t forget to look in all the papers you got with the house when you bought it. The information could be there.
2. If your county requires permits for roof replacement, you can contact the county government to request a copy of the newest roofing permit.
3. If you can get the name of the roofer who installed the roof from the previous owner, you can contact them for a copy of the roof replacement receipt.
4. You can call a local home inspector to inspect the roof and estimate the age and condition of it.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is knowing when the roof needs repair or replacement and here are some signs to look for. If you are not a DIY type of person or don’t like climbing ladders, contact a dependable roofing company or a home inspector to inspect the roof and report to you.
· Torn, cracked, or missing shingles, or obvious patches or cracks
· Damage to the roofing or flashing around chimneys, pipes, or vents
· A lot of missing shingle granules or evidence of shingle granules on the ground at the base of the house
· What looks like roof sagging, low spots, or leaning, or an accumulation of debris on the roof
· Leaks in the roof or damp ceilings are a real bad sign
· Detached gutters and downspouts or algae growth on the roof
You should form a habit of glancing up at the roof every so often to look for signs of damage. After storms, check the roof for damage. If your roof is older, get it inspected regularly to find out when it is time to replace it before it starts leaking.
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