Knowing the condition of your roof is essential for keeping your home in good condition and determining when you may need to have it replaced. Whether you are a first-time homeowner, getting ready to sell, or just an enthusiast of home maintenance, understanding the age of your roof can alert you to some rather tedious surprises. We at Solaroof NY believe this to be life-saving information in an effort to protect your home.
In this blog, we will discuss tips for finding out when your roof should be replaced.
1-Look at Home Improvement Records
Begin by looking at any home improvement papers you may have. Receipts, contracts, guarantees , warranties, or permits for roofing work may have specific dates of when the roof was installed or replaced. Such records may include particular information about the types of materials used and the specifics of the work done.
2-Consult Previous Owners
If you got your home from someone else, contact that person. They may remember when the roof was last replaced or have documents on the house. Even if they don’t have receipts, their memory can supply a rough time period.
3-Check with Local Authorities
In many municipalities, roof replacements require permits. Call your local building department and ask if any permits were taken out on your property and, if so, for what work; permits can provide a clue as to when the work on the roof was performed. Those records are usually available online or via a request.
4-Inspect the Roof Physically
There are sure signs that can indicate your roof’s age:
Shingle Condition: Shingles that are curling, cracked, or absent may be on their last legs.
Loose Granules: Too many granules in the gutters can signal wearing.
Moss/Algae Growth: These can accumulate over time, especially in damp areas.
Flashing Rust: Rusted flashing indicates the roof has been exposed to the elements for some time.
5-Ask Neighbors
Neighbors can be surprisingly helpful, particularly if you’re in a neighborhood of homes constructed around a similar time. This approach draws on local knowledge and community history, which can offer clues not just about your home but also about broader construction trends in the area. In many neighborhoods, homes are completed in phases representing different construction periods, all built by the same construction company with similar materials and designs. Since this neighborliness comes with the age of your roof, it means that if your neighbors know when their roofs were replaced or set up, the odds are that so was yours, especially if your two benefits were built simultaneously.
6-Use Public and Recorded Documents
Building permits are often kept at the local government level, including issuing licenses for roof jobs. These records can tell you the date a permit was granted to work on a roof, which is often a good indication of when the roof on the building was installed or replaced. Go to an office of your city or county’s building department. Most departments have records that are available to the public and may describe the type of work done and when it was finished. Many local governments now provide online portals where you can look up building permits by address.
7-Ask Your Insurance Company
Homeowners insurance companies generally keep track of the most recent date your home\’s roof was replaced. The insurance company will know whether it was replaced as part of a storm damage claim. But proceed with caution when you ask such questions because insurers may jack up your rates if you tell them your roof is old. Then they’re going to make you re-roof to keep your insurance. If you inquire about the age of your roof yourself, the insurer may begin looking into it and adjust your rates or policy accordingly.
8-Connect with a Local Roofer
Call a reliable roofer or contractor in your area to inspect your roof’s health and age. A roof inspection averages $235, although the cost might depend on the roof’s design and size.
9. Check for Manufacturer Stamps or Labels
Inspect your roofing materials for manufacturer stamps or labels. Many roofing products have date codes imprinted, indicating the manufacturing date or the batch’s production time. These codes are usually found on the back of asphalt shingles or underneath the roofing material, where they are not easily visible from the ground.
Furthermore, check for any manufacturer’s warranty information that may be included with the roofing materials. Some warranties provide details about the expected lifespan of the product, which can give you an idea of when your roof was installed.
10. Engage a Professional Roofing Contractor
A professional inspection can accurately assess your roof’s age and condition. Roofing experts can identify subtle signs of aging and recommend necessary actions. They can also advise on maintenance or replacement timelines based on the materials used and the roof’s current state.
Solaroof NY: Your Roofing Professional You Can Trust
At Solaroof NY, we focus on the complete solution for your roofing project. Our services include:
- Comprehensive Roof Inspections:
- Evaluating the condition and determining the age of your roof.
- Repairs and Maintenance:
- Solving problems in a timely fashion to prolong the life of your roof.
- Roof Replacements:
- We provide top-of-the-line materials and professional installation for long-term defense.
Our staff is committed to keeping your home safe and secure. We appreciate the needs of our area’s homeowners and offer products that will maintain their good looks and performance for years to come.
Conclusion
Assessing the age of your roof is critical to proactive home care. There is some value to be gained working with available records, speaking with former owners, and also relying on professionals to help you get a good idea of the health of your roof. When you choose Solaroof NY, we will support you through the process and help you keep your home safe, secure and leave you worry free.For the professional roofing help you need, reach out to Solaroof NY.
