Your roof’s age may sound like a trivial thing, but it’s important for you, as a homeowner, to know it – and not because your roofer will give you a pop quiz. Here’s why it’s important to know your roof’s age, and how to determine it if you don’t.
Your Roof’s Expected Lifespan
All roofing systems have expected lifespans that vary between roofing types: standard asphalt shingle roofs are expected to last 20 to 30 years, metal roofs 50 years and tile and slate about 100 years. Your roof’s actual lifespan is affected by factors, such as wear and tear, local climate conditions and the roofer’s workmanship. Maintenance – or the lack of it – will also affect your roof’s lifespan.
Again, it may sound trivial, but the roof’s age is a key piece of information needed by roofers when finding ways to address a roofing problem. For example, fixing a roof that’s showing premature signs of aging, which is usually caused by manufacturing defects, will require a different approach compared to a roof that’s approaching the end of its service life. Also, repairs on a roof that’s older than its expected lifespan would be impractical. In this case, a roofer may recommend replacement instead.
How to Determine Your Roof’s Age
The following are some of the ways to determine your roof’s age:
- Documents: Documentation that may include information on the roof’s completion date includes the installation or replacement contract, the receipt of the final payment, the building permit and paperwork related to warranty coverage.
- Communication history: If documentation isn’t available, check your communication history with your roofer. Emails, texts and past chats with your roofer may clue you in on when the roof was completed.
- Previous owners: If you’re not your home’s first owner, the previous owners may have kept documents like transferable warranties or the original contract. They may also refer you to the original roofing contractor, who may have kept records of the original installation.
Roof Masters provides roofing services to customers in Beltsville, MD, and the surrounding communities. Give us a call at (301) 230-7663, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
