Roofs are arguably the most important part of a house—they are the first line of defense against the elements, work to insulate the interior, and can have a great effect on a home's overall efficiency. All that being said, it's never a good idea to delay getting a roof replacement when the time comes. However, depending on how long you've been in your current home, you may not actually know how old the roof is.
At Illinois Energy Windows & Siding we're an experienced roofing company, and we've replaced roofs in just about every kind of condition you can imagine. If you need to determine the age of your roof, here are four useful tips.
Start Asking Around
The simplest way to begin determining the age of your roof is by posing the question to your neighbors. People tend to remember what goes on in their neighborhood, and while they probably won't have an exact date for you, they may be able to recall approximately what year they saw a roof installed on your home.
Depending on the size of your town, you could even start calling around to local contractors to see if they have any roof replacement records for your address. This probably won't work in metro areas, but in smaller towns where there's only a handful of roofers, you may luck out!
Reach Out to the Previous Owners
If the neighbors aren't sure, you can try reaching out to the previous owners themselves. If you know their names, you can find contact methods via:
- Realtor
- Social Media
- Google Search
- Ask Neighbors
If you don't have any neighbors nearby, check with your municipality's property records to find their names or possibly a new mailing address.
Research Previous Building Permits
Building permits are archived as public records, which makes them available for anyone to view. And in most counties, a building permit is necessary for any major construction project, such as a roof installation. Request a copy of any building permits for your current address from your city clerk or similar department. These records will include the date the permit was granted, which will most likely be right around the time installation began.
Seek Advice from a Building Inspector
If you're still stumped after trying these methods, you can always ask a building inspector or roofing contractor for their professional advice. While they won't be able to produce the exact dates for you, they can examine the current wear and tear of your roofing system, give an age estimate, and advise you on when you'll probably need to replace your roof next.
Some physical signs of a roof needing a replacement are:
- Damage to, Discoloration of, or Worn Out Roofing Materials
- Leaks, Mold or Water Damage in the Home's Interior
- Vegetation Growth on Roof
- Poor Ventilation of Roofing Materials
- Damaged Roof Valleys
With over 20 years of experience, Illinois Energy Windows & Siding knows the signs of a roof that needs replacing. The premium roofing materials we utilize combined with our expert installation team can build you a new roof that will endure the changing weather of Chicagoland, keep your home's energy bills down, and catch the eye of everyone who walks by.
Call us today for a free estimate and to hear about our roof replacement options for you, or any of our other exterior remodeling services.
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