As a homeowner, you likely know the ins and outs of your property better than anyone. However, if the roofing was installed before you took possession of the property, you may wonder how old it is. After all, age is often one of the best indicators of when it needs to be replaced. The guide below looks at various ways you can date your shingles. 

3 Ways to Find Out the Age of a Roof

1. Talk to the Previous Owners

Chances are that if you don’t know the age of your roof, it was installed by the previous owners. While they might not know the exact date off-hand, they should be able to either locate associated paperwork or give you a rough estimate as to when the replacement occurred. In the event they never replaced the roof, you’ll know it was there for as long as they lived in the home. In this case, ask them the length of their residency.

2. Request a Copy of the Permit

Whenever structural work, such as a roofing replacement, occurs in a residential area, the owners and contractors are required to file for the appropriate permits before they can proceed. These filings are then recorded and held by the county. Get in touch with your town clerk and request a copy of any permits associated with your home to discover the date of the last roofing replacement. 

3. Schedule an Inspection

Hire a professional to take a thorough look at all the materials that comprise your roofing system—from the shingles to the underlay. More than just surmising the age, they can check for signs of wear to estimate how many more years your system has left. By identifying and repairing problems in their early stages, they can also extend its life span and save you the cost of more expensive issues down the line.

Regardless of how old your roofing system is, if it’s showing signs of damage, invest in proper repairs or a replacement. That’s where Buffalo Roofing in Kearney, NE, comes in. Since 2009, their team has proudly offered a broad range of services to residents, including installing roofs made of asphalt or metal. Call (308) 224-3163 to schedule an appointment. Visit their website to learn more about their services.