How Old Is My Roof? 7 Ways To (Accurately) Gauge Your Roof’s Age

Your roof is an important part of your home. The roof protects your family and keeps moisture out of the air. It can be frightening when your roof is damaged or destroyed.

It is important to ask “how old my roof is” to determine what kind of repairs you can expect or when it is time to replace it. Here are seven methods to determine how old your roof may be.

7 WAYS TO DETERMINE HOW OLD IS MY ROOF

1. USE AN INFRARED CAMERA TO DETERMINE HOW OLD YOUR ROOF IS

You can use an infrared camera to find out the date and the type of roof material. This method allows you to see the areas where heat is accumulating and potential leaks. A camera that detects temperature variations can help you identify problem areas. The camera can be used to determine the age of your roof and pinpoint areas where heat is leaking.

2. ASK THE PREVIOUS OWNERS

Ask the previous owners of a house if they have any information on when it was built. Ask the previous owners more than “when”. You might ask, “Is your roof older than 20+ years?” or “Did it have asphalt shingles?” This will increase your chances of getting an accurate answer from the previous owners. You might also find a building permit from the previous owners that shows the date of the roof’s installation.

3. ASK A HOME INSPECTOR TO GET A QUOTE

There is no better time to inspect your roof than now if you are concerned about whether it needs a new roof. To give you an accurate estimate on the age of your roof, a qualified home inspector will examine things like ventilation and insulation. You might be able to get the same information from your roofing contractor if you are unable to find a qualified home inspector.

4. To find out how old your roof is, use the year that your siding was built.

If your house has exterior siding (bricks, stones, stucco), take a look at it to see how old it is. It’s likely that it was built after 1970, as the colors used in that era were still very bright. Although it’s possible to use infrared cameras to determine its age, you may not need one. This works in older or newer neighborhoods. Older neighborhoods don’t usually cover their siding with modern materials such as vinyl or aluminum so this method is accurate.

5. LOOK AT YOUR SHINGLES

Your roof ‘vs shingles will fade with time because they are exposed to sunlight and wind. The shingles that are newer have more vivid colors. Your roofs may be older than ten years if it has lost its color or all the shingles are missing. Although this is not the most accurate method, it will give you a rough idea of how old your roof may be.

6. ASK YOUR NEIGHBORS IF THEIR ROOFS LIVE.

You can also ask your neighbors about their roofs, including when and where they installed them. Although it isn’t the best way to determine how old your roof really is, it is reliable if everyone is familiar with each other and people speak to each other. This information could be enough to determine if your roof needs a replacement.

7. IF IN DOUBT, CALL THE PROS

If you are unable to determine the age of your roof, it is best to contact a professional roofing company such as Reggie Reed Roofing. While you’re there, learn about the different types of roofs to help you choose the best material for your home.

This post was written by Reggie Reed! Reggie is a state-certified roofing contractor and co-owner of Reggie Reed Roofing, the best roofers in Clearwater FL. He is a 4th generation roofing contractor. Reggie Reed Roofing offers a wide variety of roofing services for residential homes, apartment complexes, condos, commercial buildings, churches, and more. Reggie enjoys dedicating his spare time to helping underprivileged youth in his community and traveling with his family and friends.