Your roof is a vital feature of your home. It shields you and yours from the elements, keeps critters away, helps insulate the home, and its condition plays a significant role in your home’s value and ability to be sold.
But determining a roof’s age isn’t always easy. Different types of materials age differently, so an aging roof doesn’t always show the same obvious indicators. Additionally, the quality of an installation plays a significant role in its life expectancy.
This leaves many homeowners wondering, “When was my roof replaced? How can I tell when my roof was replaced?”
Fortunately, DMG Exteriors is here to help you determine the age of your roof—and if it’s time to look into a replacement.
How Often Does a Roof Need to be Replaced?
An Important part of knowing how to check when your roof was replaced is to understand how often a replacement is warranted. Generally, a roof needs to be replaced every 20 years. However, some roofs may not make it to the 20-year mark because roof life expectancy is determined by:
- Environmental Conditions: Was your home damaged by a storm or falling debris? Is it consistently exposed to extreme temperatures or high winds? Environmental conditions play a significant role in your roof’s lifespan.
- Roof Installation Quality: Roofs that were poorly installed have a shorter lifespan.
- Roofing Material Type: Different types of roofing materials have varying durability, and some material is better suited for our local climate.
- Roofing Material Quality: Cheaper materials aren’t always the best option; lower-quality materials provide less protection and shorten a roof’s usable life.
How to Find Out When Your Roof Was Last Replaced
Do you need to know how to check when your roof was replaced? Here are four simple, easy ways to get started:
1. Ask the Previous Owners
If you have a way to contact the previous owners, it’s the easiest way to know when your roof was replaced. Most homeowners won’t mind follow-up questions about your home, including details about the roof. They’re likely to know when the roof was replaced if they occupied the home for a long time, or if they replaced the roof for an easier sale.
Alternatively, you can check with your previous real estate agent to find out if any roofing details were disclosed and recorded. At the very least, you may get a general estimate of your roof’s age.
2. Look for a Building Permit
Most Indiana counties require roofing contractors to get a building permit before installing a new roof. These permits become part of the public record, and you can access those records for an accurate installation date.
The best way to find any building permit taken out for your home’s roof is to contact your county building department. Your county office can tell you if they require permits—and if they do, the date the permit was requested.
3. Contact the Previous Roofing Contractor
If you can get in touch with your home’s previous owners, but they’re not sure exactly when the roof was replaced, ask them if they remember the company they used for the installation. The company that performed the replacement will likely have records, including the installation date and materials used.
4. Get a Roof Inspection
If you’re wondering, “When was my roof replaced?” – the best way to determine your roof’s age and condition is by getting a roof inspection.
DMG Exteriors has locally staffed, experienced roofers that are factory-trained, licensed, bonded, and insured. We’ve been servicing our customers for over a decade and know the signs of roof damage and advanced age. We provide free, no-obligation estimates with a thorough inspection and honest recommendations based on your roof’s age and condition.
Common Signs of an Old or Damaged Roof
As a roof ages, its material breaks down and becomes more susceptible to damage. This leaves your home vulnerable to water damage, unwanted critters, rising heating and cooling costs, and a potential cave-in.
Knowing when your roof was replaced is integral to keeping your home safe because no roof lasts forever. While we always recommend you request a professional inspection, we’ve put together a list of common signs your roof may be old or damaged:
- Water Damage: Water damage isn’t always obvious, and it can manifest as discolored spots or streaks on your ceiling, sagging areas, weak spots on interior walls, or peeling paint and wallpaper.
- Damaged Shingles: As a roof ages, shingles can start pulling away from your roof. You may notice curling, warped, broken, or even missing shingles. Just one damaged or missing shingle is enough to warrant a professional inspection.
- Mold Growth: Mold poses a serious threat to your health and roof’s integrity. It’s also a sign of water damage and can quickly spread to other areas of the home.
- Weak Spots: Do you feel any weak spots when you’re on your roof? Are there any areas that seem to sink in? Weak spots on a roof are signs of trapped moisture, indicating you need a roof replacement or repair right away to protect your home.
- Sagging Roofline: A sagging roofline indicates severe damage to your roof. Left unaddressed, your roof could collapse on top of you and yours. Call us right away if you notice a sagging roofline or depression in your roof.
Choose DMG Exteriors for Your Roof Inspection, Repair, or Replacement
As a leading roofing contractor in Indiana, we know a thing or two about roofing. We provide extensive roofing services—including inspections, repairs, and replacement services.
We put our customers first by providing accurate and honest assessments, quality materials and design options to choose from, and outstanding results. Plus, DMG Exteriors works with most insurance carriers and offers flexible financing options.
So if you’re not sure when your roof was replaced or if your roof has sustained damage, give us a call. Our estimates are free because you’re not obligated to hire us. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain, so contact us to request your free quote now.
