No one wants to replace a roof any sooner than they have to, so having at least a rough idea of its age can help you plan for what will be a considerable expense.
An asphalt roof should last between 20 and 25 years if it’s properly vented and maintained. But unless you remember when it was replaced or kept records, knowing how old it is can be tricky. This is especially true if you’ve recently purchased an older home.
With a little digging, you should be able to determine your roof’s age.
3 Ways to Find Out How the Age of Your Roof
Check public records: Your city or county’s building department should have a permit on file detailing the date your home was constructed. If the roof was replaced, they’d have that information, too. That’s because any structural changes made to a property generally require a permit. However, there is a chance that your home predates the local government. This isn’t uncommon in the greater Orlando area, where new municipalities seem to sprout up overnight. At the very least, your local building officials should point you in the right direction.
Contact the previous owners: If the thought of digging through public records sounds too burdensome, you can try contacting the previous owners. If you recently closed on a property, your realtor may be able to put you in touch with them. Otherwise, you’ll have to dive into public records again. The county recorder’s office can supply you with all legal documents related to the property, such as mortgages, taxes, deeds, etc.
Get a professional roof inspection: This is probably the easiest way to go because you can skip the paper trail. A roofing contractor can inspect your roof’s condition to give you a good estimate of its age. An inspector will use a trained eye to assess all aspects of the roof, including the flashing, valleys, and vents. Signs that suggest your roof may be due for replacement include:
- Shabby shingles: Shingles that are curling, buckling, or are missing mean that your roof is way past its prime.
- Blistering: This occurs when vapors pop out of the shingle layers, typically from a roof overheating. Poor ventilation is a common culprit of blistering shingles.
- Gutters full of granules: The bond between the granules and shingles will eventually deteriorate. Rain runoff will carry the granules away.
A thorough roof inspection will give you peace of mind, and our trusted contractors can suggest the best options for your home and budget, whether that’s a complete replacement or just a repair.
Rhyne Restoration Roofing has nearly two decades of experience providing quality roofing services throughout the greater Orlando area. To schedule your appointment, call (888) 973-0087.
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