You can expect your roofing contractors to ask you several questions when they come to your home for an inspection. The more they know about your roof, the better they can diagnose the issue and more likely address it permanently. One of the first things they need is the roof installation or replacement date. However, roof age isn’t something that many homeowners think about until they get asked about it.
Read on to learn the importance of knowing the age of your roof.
What Can Affect the Aging Process of a Roof?
Material and Product Quality
The most common factor that affects the age of a roof is the material. Asphalt shingles remain the most popular residential roofing option. With proper installation, ventilation and maintenance, this roofing system can last for around three decades. Other well-known roofing materials include metal, slate and wood shingles.
Your Location
Where you live plays a vital role in how well your roof ages. For instance, if your area is prone to weather extremes, your roof can deteriorate faster. Your location can also affect how much sun your roof gets. Homes in sunny or warm climates and higher altitudes are more susceptible to a reduced roof life span due to ultraviolet (UV) exposure.
Pitch
Slope or pitch pertains to the steepness of a commercial or residential roofing system. You should consider your location when deciding how steep your roof will be. Generally, roofs with a higher pitch tend to have a longer lifespan because they are better at withstanding ice dams, leaks and other issues.
Ventilation
Good airflow is essential to preventing moisture-related issues, such as mold growth and rot. Proper ventilation helps roofs last longer, especially those that are located in warmer climates. Without it, there is an increased risk of accelerated deterioration and storm-related roofing issues.
Installation
High-quality roofing materials will only last a long time if your contractor installs them correctly. Even the best products in the industry can fail early when not handled and installed properly. Workmanship errors can lead to problems that can reduce your roof’s lifespan, such as leaks and mold.
Maintenance
Another factor that can affect the lifespan of your roof is maintenance. Well-maintained roofing systems tend to last longer than neglected ones. Experts recommend scheduling inspections with a professional roofing contractor at least once a year and after a serious weather event.
Why Should You Know Your Roof’s Age?
Both you and your contractor will benefit from knowing the age of your roof. This information will help them determine the most appropriate solution for the roofing issue. While a thorough inspection is necessary to learn what your roof needs, your contractor will know what to anticipate before coming to your home if they know its age.
You’ll know whether repairs are sufficient or it’s time to replace the roof if you know its age. Even if repairs are all you need, this information will help you prepare for when a replacement is necessary. Getting a new roof is often more reasonable if your existing one has already surpassed at least 85% of its expected lifespan. In the long run, investing in new quality material is more cost-effective than frequently spending on repairs.
How Do You Know How Old Your Roof Is?
Get in Touch With the Previous Owner
A residential roofing contractor usually advises a property owner who isn’t sure about the age of their roof to ask the past owners. Homeowners usually won’t have issues supplying you with information about their former property. There’s a high chance the previous owner knows the roof’s installation date if they lived in the house for many years.
Ask for a Copy of the Receipt From the Installer
You can ask the previous owner which company installed or replaced your roof. If they don’t have a copy of the receipt, you can request it yourself from the roofing company. Fortunately, many contractors store records of all the projects they have completed.
Locate the Building Permit
Through research, you’ll know if roof installation requires a permit in your area. If a permit is necessary, you can reach out to your local government and ask for its copy. This document should indicate your roof’s installation date.
Obtain an Estimate From a Professional
If there’s no other way to determine the age of your roof, you can always seek help from professionals. Either a home inspector or a roofing company can check your roof and tell its age. You can count on experienced contractors to provide you with a reliable assessment of your roof. They will know if it needs repairs or replacement and give you an estimate of how much the job will cost.
Has Your Roof Reached the End of Its Service Life?
Damaged Shingles
Sometimes, repairs and maintenance are not enough to restore the original condition of your roof. Missing and curling shingles are common signs the system is reaching the end of its life. Shingles can get damaged due to daily exposure to the elements and weather extremes. Moreover, they tend to curl when exposed to extreme heat and high winds.
Compromised Valleys
Valleys let rainwater flow to your gutters and downspouts. Like other roofing components, they deteriorate over time, causing shingles to move or lose their granules. An accumulation of debris in the valleys is a sign your roof might need to be repaired.
Significant Granule Loss
Shingles have granules that protect them against damage due to UV ray exposure. Without these granules, your roof will be left exposed to UV rays, debris, hail, high winds and other harsh elements. Bald spots on the roof can indicate it’s time to schedule a professional inspection.
Sagging
Another sign a roofing system is reaching the end of its life is sagging. This issue can occur due to water damage, insufficient joints and rafters, and added weight from snow and ice. Contact a roofer immediately to address sagging and reduce the chances of collapse.
Keep in mind that delaying to address roof damage will only cause the issue to get worse. Choose a reliable residential and commercial roofing contractor for your project like AQ Roofing LLC. Call us at (501) 951-1683, or fill out our contact form to request an estimate.