The roof is arguably the most important feature of any residential or commercial property. After all, it protects you from the outdoor elements and helps maintain the building's structural integrity. If you have an older roof, it might not be as effective and may require repairs or replacement.
This begs the question: How do I find out how old my roof is? The team at Galian Roofing, Loganville's roofing contractors specializing in roof repairs and replacement, can help answer that question. Learn how you can evaluate the age and condition of your roof in this guide.
Why the Age of Your Roof Matters and How To Assess How Old a Roof Is
Your Loganville roof has been a lot over the years. From the sun's scorching rays to powerful storms that produce heavy rain and winds, your roof will face plenty of wear and tear. These environmental factors, plus the age of your roof, can lead to significant damage.
Finding out the age of your roof is crucial if you want to prevent leaks and other types of damage. Asphalt shingle roofs, for example, have an average lifespan between 20 and 30 years. If your roof is 25 years old, you have a greater chance of ending up with a roof leak that leads to water damage throughout your property.
Knowing how old your roof is helps you avoid major repair costs. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, you can schedule a replacement before anything goes wrong. In addition, the age of your roof can impact any insurance claims you make for damage.
If you wonder, "How do I find out how old my roof is?" follow the tips below.
Contact the Previous Owners
The last owner of your house or commercial property may have installed a new roof. If so, they can tell you when the last roof installation was so you can figure out how old the roof is. Tracking down a property's previous owners can prove a bit difficult if you don't know where to start.
Use the following resources to get the information you need:
- Your real estate agent: If you used a realtor to find your property, ask them if they have information about the last owner. They might be able to put you in contact with them so you can discuss the roof.
- Neighbors: Reach out to your neighbors to see if they have the name and contact information of the previous owners.
- Local property appraiser: Head to the office of your local property appraiser for insight into the property's ownership history.
Find the Roofing Contractor Who Installed the Roof
Make calls to local roofing companies that serve Loganville and see if they have any record of working at your address. You might end up finding the same contractor who installed the roof and getting vital information about its age. If this method brings you your answer, you may decide to use the same contractor going forward.
Request Building Permit Copies
Locating the previous owner or roofing contractor may give you an estimated time of the last roof installation. However, if you still wonder, "How do I find out how old my roof is with official documents?" you'll need to contact local officials. Your city or county will keep building permits for residential and commercial construction projects, which may include roof installation and replacement.
Request a copy of these public records if you want to know how old your roof is. Look at the filing date of the permit and use that timeframe to determine your roof's age.
Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
If you don't have any luck determining the age of your roof through these methods above, the last option involves consulting with a roofing contractor. Let them know that you'd like an inspection to tell how old your roof is and its current condition. The inspection shouldn't take long but will give you plenty of details about the structure, including:
- Signs of storm damage: Wind and hail damage can be hard for property owners to detect, but professionals know all the signs of damaged roofing.
- The condition of roofing materials: Curling shingles or rusted metal panels are some examples of damaged roofing materials. Experts will take note of any visible damage and tell you the best course of action.
- The condition of roofing accessories: Your flashing and gutters form important parts of the roofing system. An inspection covers these components as well.
- Potential hazards: If mold or algae begins growing on your roof, it indicates excess moisture on the surface. Your roof could leak if you don't take care of this issue quickly.
Ask an expert, "How do I find out how old my roof is?" and they'll tell you that getting a roof inspection remains the best method. Not only will they give you a precise estimate of the roof's age, but they'll also tell you how much longer your roof can serve you. For example, if you have an asphalt shingle roof that is 15 years old but has severe hail damage, you might need to replace the roof despite it having a longer lifespan.
Working with a professional roofer will give you a better idea of your roof's condition and how you can extend its lifespan. They will recommend repairs or roof replacement in severe cases, as well as give you tips for roof maintenance.
Contact Loganville's Trusted Roofing Company
After reading this information, you no longer have to wonder, "How do I find out how old my roof is?" Use the tips mentioned to determine your roof's age and, if necessary, schedule a roof repair or replacement service. Galian Roofing proudly serves Loganville and will get your roof in excellent condition.
Their contractors can give you helpful tips for caring for an aging roof, including the common signs of a leak in your roof. Contact Galian Roofing today for professional solutions to all your roofing needs.
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