Find out how old your roof is and why it is important to know.
You will not know the entire history of your house unless you make direct inquiries about it. The age of your roof is one of the most critical facts to uncover. Most roofing experts suggest that asphalt shingle roofs will last between 20-25 years. Insurance companies will likely determine the coverage level or availability based on the age of your roof.
Finding Out the Age of Your Roof
Unless you have designed and built your home from scratch, you will need to investigate the age of your roof. In addition to planning for its replacement, knowing the age of your roof can help you anticipate problems you may encounter and what you can do to prevent them.
With these goals in mind, there are a few ways to find out the age of your roof.
1. Find the building permit
Building permits are one way to determine the age of your roof. Most municipalities and counties now have online tools for homeowners to enter their address and discover every permit pulled on their property. Below are direct links to popular Florida counties where Janney Roofing replaces and repairs roofs. Roof replacements fall under “Building Permits.” You may also need to select search by address in the drop-down menu.
2. Ask the previous owners
Before buying a home put the onus on the sellers to prove the age of the roof. Understanding the age of the roof may add value to your negotiations, help your insurance agent determine coverage, and help you budget for when the roof will need be replaced. If you are selling you home, now would be a good time to understand the age of your roof and the value of your property.
3. Review of a home inspection report.
Past inspection reports or insurance underwriting documents often list an estimated roof age. If you had your home inspected prior to purchase, review those documents for information relevant to your roofing system.
Why Knowing the Age of Your Roof Matters
- A new roof can cost a homeowner anywhere from $10,000 to $85,000+ depending on the size and material. Knowing when your roof may need to be replaced can help with long term financial goals and planning.
- Before you sell, understand how a new roof may impact the value of your home and time on the market to determine how to price your home, if you should replace the roof to increase value, or potentially be prepared to negotiate in the purchase agreement.
- Before you purchase a home, understanding the age of the roof will determine realistic premium rates and coverage, opportunity to negotiate the sale price, and help you understand the long term budget.