How to find age of roof?

Question

Jesse O. · Answer

If a permit was pulled, there should be record of the permit with the county.

Grigory Pekarsky · Answer

One way that you as a homeowner can find out when the roofs were built is by looking at your property deeds. A property deed will typically show any new construction that has been done on a home including building permits, which should include information about when the home's roof was installed. Underneath every property deed there is also an associated law document called "deed restrictions." This document includes information about what type of structures are allowed in specific areas  of the neighborhood. The type of roof installed on a house can be found in these deed restrictions as well as information about when it was installed. An online search can reveal any deed restrictions for a specific address and homeowners can also request to see their specific deed restriction documents from their local county clerk's office or city hall. The cost to view the document depends on the area but is generally affordable and will provide what materials were used for homes built before 1980. The building permit should indicate the age of a roof; however, this may not 100% accurately reflect what type of material was originally installed and further research into available resources shows that there are no accurate records that list homes by roofs' ages.

Marc M. · Answer

Now this made me LOL.

Bill Gulley · Answer

I was going to tell you that you could go to the most northerly corner of the roof, pull up the leading edge and see the sell-by date, but you're new, so I won't be pulling your leg.

Welcome, and All good answers above.

As mentioned, what you want to know is the remaining useful life or economic life, how old it is is rather irrelevant because there are different types of materials used, you could have a 30 year roof being 10 years into it or a 15 year roof being 10 years into it, what you want to know is when is the estimated time for a roof replacement.

The pitch of the roof is also a factor, steep pitch usually means less wear (wind can be an issue) but replacement costs are higher due to more labor and danger involved with roofers walking a steeper roof.

As others mentioned, get a roofer, ask for an estimate to replace the roof as well, that being in todays dollars but telling them it's for budgeting when the replacement is necessary, you'll have a clue then what it might cost and how long it will be before you might need a new roof.

A home inspector may also be able to help you. :)

Karen Margrave · Answer

@Rhonda Wilson Have a roofer go look at the house for you and give you their opinion. Have you looked at the inside of the house? Are there any watermarks on the ceilings?

The age of the roof doesn't really matter, as many things play into how a roof performs, the type of roof, heat, rain, wind, etc. Many roofs can outlast their perceived lifetime, while others wear out early. Have someone that knows what they're doing look at it.

Allen Black · Answer

Hi @Rhonda Wilson

I would suggest to have a contractor to examine your roof. They will be able to estimate the remaining life of your roof.

Paul S. · Answer

@Rhonda Wilson  I would consider the age of the house then figure probably the roof was replaced every 20 years you can also search for permits  but  do what @Steve Olafson said and have a roofer look at it and estimate, that is probably the easiest way to get an idea.

Steve Olafson · Answer

Have a roofer look at it and give an estimation of life remaining.

How to find age of roof?

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