When you call a roofing company to repair your roof, the team will likely ask about its age or when it was installed. Doing so gives them an idea of what to expect regarding your roof’s condition. It also allows them to prepare for potential issues and determine the best solution to your roofing issue. That said, your roof’s age can reveal underlying issues and help roofers assess whether your roof is still worth repairing or it’s time for a replacement.
Continue reading to learn more about the top reasons you should know your roof’s age.
Top Reasons It’s Important to Know Your Roof’s Age
- To Give You an Idea of Your Roof’s Condition
Older roofs tend to be more susceptible to leaks and storm damage because their shingles and other components have deteriorated. Even roofing systems from the leading manufacturers will eventually wear out and fail. If your roof has been needing repairs more frequently, this could be a sign that it’s near the end of its lifespan.
- To Figure Out the Right Time for Roof Replacement
Roofs usually have an expected lifespan, which depends on their material and quality. If you know when your roof was installed, it’s easy to anticipate when you’ll need a replacement since you can simply base it on the age of your roof. A roofing contractor can also help you determine the age of your roof through an inspection. Roofs typically develop signs of weathering, so a roofer needs only to look for these to give you an estimate of when you’ll likely need to replace your roof.
- To Determine Your Home’s Resale Value
Brand-new roofing increases the appeal and value of your home. If you plan on selling your property, you should know the age of your roof so that you can decide whether to replace it. Home buyers will also likely ask for this piece of information, so you should be prepared to answer their questions about your roof.
How to Figure Out Your Roof’s Age
Finding out your roof age isn’t rocket science. You simply need to check the roofing documents you have – such as receipts, warranties and building permits – to know when your roof was installed. However, if you’re not the original owner of your house, you may need to try a few different ways to figure out how old your roof is. Here are some of the things you can do to find out your roof’s age:
- Call Up a Roofer to Inspect Your Roof
As mentioned earlier, a roofing contractor can give you an estimate of your roof’s age by checking for signs of wear. It’s one of the easiest and most reliable ways of knowing how old your roof is.
- Ask the Previous Homeowner
If you’re still in touch or you have the contact information of the previous homeowners, you can simply ask them when the roof was installed. You can also inquire if they have roofing records that they can send to you. In case they no longer remember the year the roof was installed, you can ask if they still recall the contractor that worked on the roof. You can then reach out to the roofing company and inquire if it has a record of the roof. Alternatively, you can visit your local government office to get a copy of the building permit when the house was constructed or the roof was installed.
- Check With Your Neighbors
If the houses in your neighborhood were built around the same time, you can just take the cue from your neighbors. Have they been replacing their roofs recently? Perhaps, it’s time for you to replace yours, too. You can also follow the same approach if a storm recently hit your area. If your neighbors’ roofs sustained damage during the storm, it’s likely that your roof is in a similar condition and might be needing repairs or replacement.
Tips on Prolonging Your Roof’s Lifespan
Your roof’s lifespan and performance depend on various factors, such as the roofing material, installation quality and maintenance. To help you maximize the lifespan of your roof, make sure to follow these tips:
- Clean Your Gutters Regularly
When dirt and debris accumulate in your gutters, the system will get clogged. This will cause water to get stuck inside your gutters and possibly back up onto your roof. Water could pool on the roof surface, spill onto your siding or flood your yard or basement. When your shingles are exposed to or soaked in water for a prolonged period, they will likely get damaged. This can result in leaks and water damage.
- Repair Leaks ASAP
You can spot leaks early if you schedule regular roof inspections. This means roofers can fix them before they even cause major damage and inconvenience. Leaks can spread quickly and affect large sections of your roof, so time is crucial when addressing this type of roof issue.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance
Stick to a regular maintenance schedule. If possible, sign up for a roof maintenance program offered by your trusted contractor. This way, you won’t forget when your roof is due for cleaning and upkeep.
The Importance of Roof Maintenance
Your roofing system can last for several years with proper care and regular maintenance. Typically, a maintenance routine includes roof cleaning, inspections and any necessary repairs. You can expect your roofer to check your entire roof thoroughly, inside out. If they find any damage or potential issues, they’ll address them immediately and take preventive measures to avoid major problems in the long run.
Experts recommend scheduling your roof maintenance once or twice a year. You should also have your roof inspected by professionals once after winter and once again at the end of autumn. These are vital to prepare your roof for the change of seasons.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Roof
High-quality shingles can last for decades, but they will inevitably require replacement at some point. Whether it’s due to storm damage or aging, make sure you don’t delay roof replacement.
Some common signs that your roof must be replaced include shingle curling, cracking and splitting. Several missing shingles throughout your roof are also another indication that you should schedule a roof replacement soon. Roof sagging is another sign you should replace your roof. It might also necessitate reinforcing or replacing your roof structures.
Make sure to work only with experienced, qualified roofing professionals. With their expertise and reputation, you can have peace of mind that your roof replacement will be carried out properly.
If you need skilled and dependable roofers for repair or replacement, contact Sterling Exteriors. We also offer other home improvement services, including siding replacement. Call us at (513) 685-8055, or complete this contact form to request a quote. We proudly serve customers in Cincinnati, Loveland and Newtown, OH.