Roofs are expected to last a certain number of years, and knowing its age can be helpful when you need to make informed decisions about roof repair and maintenance. But what if you don’t know its exact age? In today’s post, local roofer company Jack The Roofer takes a look at why homeowners should know their roof’s age.
How to Determine the Age of Your Roof
The best way to determine your roof’s age is through paperwork. Receipts, warranty registration, insurance forms or even the original contract with the roofer should have information on when the roof was completed. If you’re not the house’s original owner, the previous owner may have left related paperwork like a warranty transfer (if the roof has transferable warranties) or updates to the homeowners’ insurance information.
If you don’t have such paperwork on hand, a professional roofer can estimate the roof’s age with a thorough inspection. Signs of wear are cross-referenced with factors such as local climate, roofing type and roofing material brand, when applicable.
Factors That Affect Roof Life Span
Roofs have expected life spans that vary depending on the roofing type. Asphalt shingles are expected to last 20 to 30 years while metal roofs are expected to last 50 years. Tile and slate roofing typically last longer at 100 years or more. There are, of course, certain factors that affect roofing life spans — local climate, quality of installation and whether or not the roof is receiving regular maintenance can add or take away years.
Why Should You Know Your Roof’s Age?
Knowing your roof’s age can be helpful when you need to make important decisions about your roof. For example, if your roof is showing signs of premature wear, it may indicate a factory defect, therefore, repairs may be covered by its factory warranty. At some point, you might be presented with the choice to repair or replace the roof. If the roof is reaching the end of its service life, replacement may be the more practical solution.
A good roofer can help you determine your roof’s age, as well as the best ways to get more years out of it. Schedule an appointment today by giving Jack The Roofer a call at (720) 722-2255 or filling out our contact form. We serve communities in Denver and Parker, CO.