How Old Is Your Roof? 4 Ways to Accurately Gauge Your Roof’s Age

Congratulations! You are now a homeowner.

You are in for a world of new and precious memories. There are lots of things to look forward to as a homeowner, including:

• Designing a home that matches your personal style
• Creating new traditions
• Celebrating life’s milestones

One of the big projects all homeowners have to take on at one point or another is a roof replacement. However, if you do not know the age of your roof, it can be tricky to determine whether or not a roof replacement is necessary.

If you’ve been wondering, “how old is my roof?” we have the answers you need. We’ll be breaking down our best tips on how to determine the age of your roof and when a new roof installation is necessary.

What Is the Average Lifespan of a Roof?

Knowing the age of your roof isn’t all that useful if you don’t know how long a roof is supposed to last in the first place! Different roofing materials have different average lifespans. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Asphalt Shingles – Most homes in the USA use asphalt shingles for their roofs. Asphalt shingles are easy to install and relatively affordable. However, they don’t have as long a lifespan as some of the other materials on this list. They only last for roughly 15-20 years.
• Cedar Shakes – Cedar shakes are a beautiful and natural roofing material. Cedar shakes can last a little longer than asphalt shingles, with most roofs lasting around 30 years.
• Metal – More and more homeowners are turning to metal for their residential homes. Metal is durable and has a lifespan of 50+ years when well maintained!
• Slate – Slate is one of the oldest known roofing materials. It is often referred to as a “forever roof” because it can last for over 100 years! However, keep in mind that slate roofs are significantly more expensive and require specialized roof installation.
• Clay – Unless you live in the southern states, it is unlikely that you see clay roofs around your neighborhood. Which is a shame because they are a hugely durable type of roofing material that can last 50-100 years!

How Old Is My Roof?: 4 Ways to Determine Your Roof’s Age

So, you own a house but you aren’t sure how old your roof is. You certainly aren’t alone! Many people buy a house and forget to ask about the age of the roof. The good news is that you have options when it comes to finding that information. Here are our top 4 tips that can help you discover the age of your roof.

1) Find the Building Permit

One of the best ways to find the age of your roof is to locate your building permit. Many counties require a building permit to be obtained before roof installations. You should be able to obtain your own building permits by contacting your local government. This will help you find the exact date that your roof installation took place.

2) Ask the Owners

If you have remained in contact with the previous owners of your house, you can simply ask them when the last time they replaced the roof was! However, we understand that not everyone has this type of contact information available to them.

3) Schedule a Roof Inspection

A professional roofer is one of your best bets when it comes to finding the age of the roof. By contacting your local roofing companies and scheduling a roof inspection, you can get a pretty clear picture of the age of your roof and what next steps need to be taken.

4) Ask the Roofing Company

If you talk to the previous homeowners and they know that they did, in fact, replace the roof but cannot remember the exact date, you can ask them for the name of the roofing company that they used. Once you have the information you can call the company yourself! They likely have your address on file and will be able to tell you everything you need to know.

5 Signs You Need a New Roof

Sometimes, you don’t need to know how old a roof is to know that a replacement is in its near future. Here are 5 signs that your roof is on its way out!

1) Frequent Leaks

It is almost inevitable that a roof will develop a leak at one point or another. However, if your roof is frequently leaking, even after being repaired, there is a good chance that your roof may be too old to be salvaged.

2) Missing Shingles

It isn’t uncommon for a shingle to blow off in the wind now and then, particularly after a large storm. However, if you are finding shingles in your yard often, you may be dealing with an older roof that could benefit from a replacement.

3) Moss Growth

As your roof ages, the shingles become less and less effective and more prone to moss and algae growth. While the moss itself is not harmful, it typically indicates that your shingles are retaining moisture in a way that they shouldn’t.

4) Curled Shingles

If you are dealing with curled shingles, your roof deck is susceptible to water damage. Curling shingles are a clear sign that you need to think about getting a new roof.

5) Damaged Roof Valleys

Your roof valleys are what allow water to run down your roof and into your gutter system. When they are damaged, you may have a water-damaged roof in the future. A roof replacement will help ensure that you have water where you want it and nowhere you don’t.

Get Started With Johnson Restoration Today!

Want to find out the true age of your roof? You need the help of your local roofing company. Johnson Restoration has the experience and know-how to properly assess your roof and find a roofing solution that works for you and your budget. Contact us today to get started!

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