How do I find out how old my roof is? Read on to learn simple ways to check its age and make sure it’s still protecting your home.
Do you know how old your roof is? If not, don’t worry—you’re not alone!
Many homeowners in Eastern Connecticut don’t have this information, but it’s important to know. The age of your roof helps you plan for repairs or replacements before serious problems arise.
If you’re unsure, here are five simple ways to figure it out.
How Do I Find Out How Old My Roof Is?
- Check Your Home’s Paperwork:
Start by looking at your home purchase records. If you bought your house, the previous owner or realtor might have included details about when the roof was last replaced.
If you can’t find this information, try checking your home inspection report or asking the previous owners directly. They may remember or have receipts from the roofing work.
- Look Up a Building Permit:
In many parts of Connecticut, a permit is required for a roof replacement. You can contact your local building department to see if there’s a record for your home.
If a permit exists, it will tell you exactly when the roof was installed. This is especially helpful if you have an older home with missing paperwork.
So if you’re wondering, “How do I find out how old my roof is?”, checking for permits is a great place to start.
Check the Condition of Your Roof:
Your roof can give you clues about its age. Different roofing materials last for different amounts of time:
- Asphalt shingles (most common) last 20-30 years
- Metal roofs last 40-70 years
- Cedar roofs last 30-50 years (depending on maintenance)
- Slate roofs last 75-100+ years
If you notice curling, cracking, missing shingles, or dark streaks, your roof might be getting old. Moss, sagging areas, or frequent leaks are also signs that your roof may need to be replaced soon.
- Contact the Roofing Company:
If you know who installed your roof, call them and ask. Many roofing companies keep records of past jobs and can tell you when your roof was last replaced.
If you don’t know the company, look for extra shingles or paperwork in your garage or attic. The manufacturer’s information can help estimate the roof’s age.
When asking yourself, “how do I find out how old my roof is?”, getting in touch with the roofing contractor can give you an exact answer.
- Get a Professional Inspection:
If you’re still unsure, call a professional roofing company for an inspection. An experienced roofer can look at your roof and estimate how old it is. They can also check for damage and tell you how much longer your roof will last.
Regular inspections help catch small problems before they turn into big, expensive repairs.
What If My Roof Is Too Old?
Once you know your roof’s age, you can decide if it needs repairs or a full replacement.
- If your roof is over 20 years old, it’s time to start planning for a new one.
- If you see damaged shingles, leaks, or high energy bills, your roof may need immediate attention.
- And if you’re not sure, professional roofing contractors can check it for you.
Remember: an old, worn-out roof can lead to water damage, mold, and costly repairs inside your home. Replacing it before problems arise can save you money and protect your home from serious damage.
Contact HammerHead Roofing for Professional Help!
If your roof is old or showing signs of wear, don’t wait until leaks or damage get worse. HammerHead Roofing provides roof inspections, repairs, and replacements for homeowners in Eastern Connecticut. We’re a local contractor and we’ve been in the industry for years. Just call today to schedule your roof inspection!
