How to decode your roof’s true age

By Janney Roofing. 

Unlock the secrets of your roof’s age to protect your home and save thousands with this essential guide. 

Whether you're a new homeowner or just haven't given much thought to your home's overhead armor, knowing the age of your roof is crucial. It's more than just about avoiding leaks — it's about safeguarding your investment and ensuring your home remains a sanctuary. In this guide, we at Janney Roofing explore simple, actionable steps to uncover your roof's age, recognize signs it might need replacing and decide when to call in the professionals. Dive in to learn how to keep your home protected from the top down. 

Finding out the age of your roof 

Unless you have designed and built your home from scratch, you will need to investigate the age of your roof. In addition to planning for its replacement, knowing the age of your roof can help you anticipate problems you may encounter and what you can do to prevent them. 

With these goals in mind, there are a few ways to find out the age of your roof. 

1 – Ask the previous owners 

Once you have closed on your home and moved in, you shouldn’t cut off all contact with the previous owners. Most homeowners don’t mind answering any questions you may have about the state of the house, including when the roof was last replaced. You can usually make such inquiries without going through a lawyer. If the previous owners were in the house a long time, then they probably know when the current roof was installed. 

2 – Find the building permit 

You can do a bit of research and find out whether your county requires a building permit for roof installations. If it does, then you can contact the county government and request a copy of the permit. This will contain the exact date the roof was installed and is one of the most accurate sources of information you are likely to find. 

3 – Request a copy of the receipt from roof replacement company 

The previous owners may remember the roofing company that replaced the roof. However, they may have discarded their copy of the receipt. If you have the name, you can contact the company and ask for a copy of the receipt or perhaps request that the previous owners do so. Roof installation companies tend to keep records of all the work they perform. 

4 – Get an estimate from a home inspector or roof company 

If all else fails, you can call in a home inspector to evaluate the state of the roof and estimate its age. Such professionals are highly trained in their field. They know the signs of advanced age when they see them and can provide you with a reliable assessment. 

You can get the same kind of service from a roofing company. However, you should know that the objectivity of a home inspector, who has no product to sell, will probably be sounder than a specialist sent by a roof installation company. 

Do you need a new roof? 

A worn or damaged roof can be upgraded or repaired. An old roof doesn’t need to be replaced, especially if it is still within the 25-year time frame. However, there are sure signs that your roof is beyond the point of refurbishment; signs that indicate you need a new roof replacement. They include: 

1 – Curled shingles 

Curled shingles are the result of heavy winds, excessive exposure to heat and the passage of time. If the shingles on your roof have curled, they cannot function properly. Such shingles cannot be repaired; they must be replaced. 

2 – Damaged roof valleys 

Roof valleys enable water to be released from your roof. If they no longer work, it can lead to the rotting out of your roof and severe water damage to the inside of your home. If you need a reliable roof repair company in Florida, do not hesitate to reach out. 

3 – Missing shingles 

Missing shingles are a sign that the adhesive that used to hold them to the roof has failed. This will inevitably occur after a specific time, and it is an indication that you need to replace your roof. A bad storm will cause loose shingles to fly off the roof, which can cause damage to other homes or injury to people passing by. 

Consult a roofing professional 

Roofing companies in Orlando provide the experience and expertise required to replace your roof. Roof installation is a highly complicated and complex job. Even if you are a DIY enthusiast, it is not the kind of project you should take on. 

The fundamental purpose of a roof is to protect your home from the elements. If it is not installed correctly or is installed with inferior materials, it can cause long-term problems to the interior and exterior spaces of your home. 

If you believe it is time to replace your roof based on acquired documentation or a recent expert assessment, then you should call an expert roofer like Janney Roofing to discuss the details of purchasing a new roof structure and installing it. 

Original article source: Janney Roofing