Roof’s Age: Why Do You Need to Know About It?

Your residential roofing system’s job is to provide reliable and long-lasting weather protection. However, it is not exempt from the damage it protects your home from throughout the year. If it suffers issues that may hinder its longevity and performance, you must make sure they’re fixed immediately. Always remember that the suitable solution to these problems is dependent on several factors, including the age of your roof. Here’s why it’s important.

Why Should You Know the Age of Your Roof?

Your roofing system’s exact age helps the contractor determine how its existing issues should be addressed. For example, a roof built 10 years ago or less won’t likely incur major damage like excessive shingle granule loss or corroded flashings. Since the majority of the structure is still intact at this point in its lifespan, the more appropriate solution would be expert repairs. They’re simpler and more cost-effective, plus they help extend the roof’s serviceable life.

However, if the roofing system is showing signs of major deterioration due to aging and long-term exposure to the elements, your contractor may recommend a complete replacement. Keep in mind that this will depend on the type of roofing material you have. Asphalt shingles, for instance, can last up to 20 years – even more with routine maintenance. If the problems you see on your roof are too hard to ignore, having it replaced makes more sense.

How to Know Your Roof’s Age

There are many ways you can determine your roof’s age. Here are some of them:

• Roof Inspection
  It’s the quickest and most accurate way to figure out your roof’s age. Of course, you’ll want to be sure the residential roofing inspection specialist you select has an established track record of experience and reliability.

• Physical Indicators
  When a roof is nearing the end of its useful life, it can be easy to recognize. Roof tiles that are curving or peeling, roof valleys that are damaged, signs of rot within exposed areas of the roof and rusty flashing and nails are all signs that your roof needs to be replaced or fixed as soon as possible.

• Roofing Documentation
  If you aren’t the first owner of your home, you may have gotten roof documentation. The information regarding the completion of the roof’s installation should be found in the original roof replacement contract, a copy of the receipt, the building permit or the transferable warranty coverage.

• Previous Owners
  If you’re still in contact with the former owners, they might be able to provide you with the information or documentation you need to learn your roof’s exact age. They may also refer you to the original roofing contractor, who may be able to provide you with records of the original installation.

• Past Communication
  Your roofing contractor’s texts and emails may provide information about when the roof was completed. Copies of your roofing contract or other associated paperwork may be included in some communications.

The Importance of Roof Inspections

As already mentioned, a roof inspection is the most sensible option to determine your roof’s age. Of course, to get the job done thoroughly, you must work with a reputable roofer. You can rely on them to check every aspect of your roof, both inside and out.

The following are some of the things your roofing contractor will look for when analyzing the surface of your roofing system:

• Stains
  Roof discoloration in the form of stains and streaks has a variety of causes. Black stains, for instance, can be due to debris from dead leaves and other organic material left on the roof’s surface. Red or brown stains indicate rust and corrosion.

• Shingle Damage
  Damaged or missing shingles is a sign that your roof needs immediate attention by the professionals. While such problems can also develop in both old and new roofs, having them addressed by a reputable roofing contractor is crucial to learning if the damage is actually a minor or a major one.

• Excessive Organic Growth
  While it’s inevitable that your roof will have some unwanted growth on its surface due to natural causes, it’s still a good idea to inspect it thoroughly. Make sure the roof isn’t completely covered in algae and moss. Unless they are a recurring issue, these can be washed off with a bit of solution and a stream of water from a pressure washer.

• Shingle Granule Loss
  “Balding” shingles mean that a large amount of their protective granules have been shed off. This exposes the roofing material to the elements further, causing the roof to deteriorate further. In such circumstances, the only alternative is to replace the roof.

Meanwhile, here are some of the things your roofing contractors will look for once they set foot inside your attic:

• Light Showing Through the Cracks
  A dim attic should help your roofers check if there’s any gaps on your deck. Your roof needs to be repaired if sunlight is streaming through these gaps.
• Sagging
  The roof deck that keeps the shingles and underlayment in place should look flat when seen inside the attic. If the roofers notice any unevenness – and some dampness – on one area, it’s a sign that that area of the roof is starting to sag. Expect your roofers to perform a thorough assessment to determine if a repair or replacement is due.
• Rot
  Dry rot on the wooden components of your roof, including the deck, rafters and trusses, must be addressed as soon as possible to preserve the system’s structural integrity.

Call Us Today!

For your residential roofing needs, turn to Northeast Gutters and Remodeling. We provide comprehensive services, including roof replacement, repair, maintenance and inspections. We’re a GAF-certified contractor, authorized to install high-quality roofing systems and offer extended warranties from the top roofing manufacturer in North America. Count on us when it comes to gutter installation, siding replacement and other home improvement projects as well! Call us today at (860) 899-7878, or fill out this contact form to request an estimate. We look forward to working with you!