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Category Archives: roofing

Fluid Applied Roofing System – What Is It And How To Apply

When it comes to getting a roof fixed or repaired, or even a completely new roof installed – there are a lot of different options. Sometimes, it can be hard to know where to start. There’s actually one new type of roofing solution that’s growing in popularity in recent years for good reason.

Not only is it a cost-effective roof replacement option, it’s also durable and long-lasting. What is it called? Fluid applied roofing system.

If you’re new to roofing in general or especially this type of roof replacement solution. you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re going to drill down on some of the issues surrounding fluid roofing. Why is it a good option for your roof? Are there any drawbacks associated with fluid roofing? And first of all – what exactly is fluid roofing in the first place? Let’s have a look….

What is fluid applied roofing system?

Fluid applied roofing system is fast becoming one of the easiest, cheapest and most durable ways to repair a roof. But what actually is it? Let’s have a look.

Fluid applied roofing is the process of waterproofing a roof by applying a special liquid. It’s quite a versatile process and can be used to waterproof new roofs or fix existing ones. It can be used for a range of different roof types including shingles, as well as a number of different shape roofs.

What are the benefits of fluid roofing?

Fluid roofing systems are getting a lot of positive traction for good reason. It comes with a number of key benefits. Firstly, fluid applied roofing is extremely versatile. As we’ve already touched on, it can be used for a number of different roof types, materials and shapes. This makes it an important product in a wide-range of roofing solutions.

The benefits don’t stop there. When applied, fluid applied roofing forms an rubber-like waterproof membrane that’s extremely flexible. That means it’s capable of stretching and returning to it’s original state, which makes it both durable and cheap. It’s a great way to waterproof a roof, either new or existing. Especially in areas that experience extreme weather conditions which can cause roofs to shrink and expand.

Fluid applied roofing is also extremely quick and easy to install. Unlike some other waterproofing solutions that could take days to install, fluid applied options might only take a matter of hours. This easiness to install does not detract from how long-lasting a fluid applied roof is. And they are some of the longest lasting in the industry.

Fluid applied roofs are a cheap and effective solutions for all sorts of roofs including balconies and terraces, along with established and traditional roofs. Fluid applied roofs out-perform much of the competition one a number of different tests and metrics.

While you can find slightly cheaper proofing options like felt, this doesn’t take into consideration the important aspect of cost-effectiveness over longer periods. Yes, your felt roof might be cheaper to install – but it will last nowhere near as long. That means you’ll have to repair or replace it much sooner than with a liquid applied roof. When you include the expected duration of a roof in your calculations, fluid roofing becomes one of the most affordable options.

Unlike some other roofing solutions like bitumen, fluid roofing is also much easier and safer to install. There won’t be any hot materials anywhere near your home. With some other roofing options, these hot materials can pose a serious fire risk, meaning extra care must be taken upon application – often leading to additional costs.

Another benefit of fluid roofing is that it’s an all-weather solution. Not only is it great for protecting your against the elements, it can be applied at almost any time. That means you don’t have to sit around waiting months for the right application window like you might with some other roofing options.

One other benefit that shouldn’t be ignored is that fluid roofing provides a seamless waterproof membrane – which is quite a rare advantage compared to some other roofing types. Fluid roofs are also extremely easy to maintain and look after.

Are there any negatives associated with fluid roofing?

Generally, fluid applied roofing is considered widely beneficial. As we already touched on, it might have a slightly higher initial cost than some other options – but this is soon outweighed by its longer life-span. If you don’t have the money for an initial outlay, this could be seen as a negative.

How to install fluid roofing systems

Fluid applied roofs are generally quite easy to install. You’ll need an experienced team of roofing professionals, but they should be able to carry out the job relatively quickly and easily. In fact, applying this type of roof is much quicker than many alternatives.

As there won’t be any hot materials being used during the installation, you don’t need to worry about clearing any fire hazards or having other specific safety processes in place. That being said, your team will still need to access the roof safely and carefully. This might require scaffolding, ladders and harnesses.

Fluid roofing can be applied in most weather conditions, but you might need to avoid extreme winds as people will be standing on the roof. The application of the fluid itself should be relatively easy and will dry and become waterproof reasonably quickly.

How to find the right fluid roofing contractor in your area

Don’t simply go for the first roofing contractor you find. Have a look around and do a bit of research. Ask to see their portfolio of work and have a look at testimonials. See if you can visit homes they’ve worked on in your local area. Ask for competitive quotes and compare them with reviews found online. Try asking your neighbours if they’ve had any work done to their roof and if they have any recommendations on who to go with. Or who to avoid.

Fluid roofing solutions are here to stay, and for good reason. They offer a ton of benefits to your roof and home when compared to most of the alternatives.

Roof Framing Cost Per Square Foot Guide

If you’re here reading this, then you’re probably trying to find out roof framing cost per square foot. Whether it’s building a new home or renovating an existing property, framing is a big part of any roofing project, and you’ll want to get it right.

Most people need a quote on roof framing because they’re putting on an addition, building a new custom home, or trying to reframe an older roof to make adjustments for height or add weight capacity for a heavier roof material.

Cost is always a consideration – you want to know that you’re getting a fair shake, but just know that it’s not the only thing to base your decision on. Finding the right contractor that can meet your timeline and deliver the quality you expect at the right prices is the sweet spot.

If you’re starting to learn about roofs – either with a view to replacing or repairing your own home’s or just to know a little bit more about how the construction process works, then you’re in the right place.

Before you can start thinking about tiling or waterproofing a finished roof, you’ve got to get there in the first place. And you’ll normally start with roof framing. In this article, we’re going to look at the roof framing cost per square foot framing, as well as drilling down on how much it really costs to frame a roof, and what can affect this cost.

So, let’s have a look…

Roof Framing Cost per Square Foot – What Is Roof Framing?

Roof framing is building the first frame construction that the rest of your roof sits on. The frames usually make out the shape of your roof, and unless you’re having a flat roof installed, you’ll need a frame before you can move onto the next building stage.

Hiring a contractor is always an important decision. The right contractor makes life easy. Not-so-great contractors end up making your life miserable and costing you a lot of money – both something that you want to avoid.

As you can imagine, roof framing costs will vary based on materials, project size, any special custom requests, and other considerations. We’ll dive into the details in a moment.

In general, though, just know that what we’re giving you here today is a ballpark figure to help you get started making calls around town or talking through your project ideas with selected companies.

First, however, you probably want to know a bit more about the roof framing process itself. Then we can get into why things cost what they do.

While most roofs might look similar from a distance, they generally come in five different shapes these days. They are:

Gable
Hip
Gambrel
Mansard
Shed

Each type of roof has its own construction issues and will normally require a skilled carpenter to design and carry out. As you interview or research companies in your area, take a look at their portfolios to see if they’ve done anything similar to what you have in mind.

Materials

Roof frames are typically made out of wood. Specialty shops with years of experience make them because they require precision and durability. Remember, modern roofs are designed to carry thousands of pounds of roofing weight on them depending on what material you choose.

This basic set of shapes is usually enough to accommodate design flourishes in the form of trusses and dormers are becoming increasingly popular to add a bit of flair and personality to your roof finish.

Not all of these need to be constructed on-site by a carpenter. You can order trusses built in a factory and delivered to your build site. They may need additional help to install once on-site.

Some of these roof types will require experienced carpentry and roofing work. However, a couple of the design types, specifically shed and common gable are slightly easier to install and could even be carried out on a DIY basis.

But only if you’ve got the right level of skill and experience. Even if you decide to hire out an external roofer or carpenter – these will obviously be the two cheapest types of roofs to have installed, as they are the most straightforward in design.

What Are the Benefits of Roof Framing?

Unless you want a flat roof, you’ll need a framing. The level of complexity is up to you, and will affect the roof framing cost per square foot. But flat roofs aren’t recommended for residential dwellings. Water buildup can lead to leaks and damp, a pitched roof might even be required by planners in your area.

Depending on what the building laws are like where you are, you might have the option to go for a cheaper or more complex roof. In certain locations, roofs might have to fit those in your neighborhood, which could prohibit your options.

Let’s explore some of the benefits of roof framing.

The Design Looks Great

With high-quality framing, you get that quintessential home look. A well-built framed roof looks amazing and will increase your property value if you ever decide to sell. Depending on what material you put on your framing, you can influence the aesthetic of your home a great deal.

2. Framed Roofs Improve Performance

With a standard framed roof, you’re more likely to enjoy better long-term performance. That means fewer expensive repairs over the lifespan of your roof, and less impact from storms and other bad weather effects.

3. Lower Utility Costs

Done right, a framed roof offers enough room in your attic to facilitate better indoor temperatures. Things stay warmer when you want them warm, and air moves through your attic to keep things cool in the summers. It’s also easier on the wallet when you have good roof framing.

4. Fast Installation

These days, most homes come with standing framing dimensions in mind. This makes sourcing and procuring materials much easier because companies can make them faster versus doing a ton of custom jobs for each customer.

5. Better Load management

Quality roof framing reduces the load on your walls, meaning you enjoy greater structural integrity at home or whatever property you’re working on.

How Much Does Roof Framing Cost per Square Foot and in General?

As you’ve probably already gathered, the cost of framing a roof can vary quite a lot. We’ll have a look a bit more closely at exactly what affects the cost of framing a roof in a minute, but things like materials and shape obviously play a factor.

General estimates for most roofs are around $9,000 to $13,500 for a 1,500 square foot roof. That comes out at about $6 to $9 per square foot. Lower estimates come in around around $4 per square foot for the simplest and easiest-to-install roofing options. A high estimate could run up to about $12 per square foot for the most complex of roofs in the most expensive areas, or $18,000 for a 1,500 square foot roof.

What Can Affect the Cost of Framing Your Roof?

As you can see, these estimates present quite a spectrum in price. In fact, the most expensive roofing option comes out at 3 times the cheapest. So what affects this cost difference?

Firstly, regardless of your roof type or size, location will play a role. Some areas are simply cheaper, and some are more expensive – as you probably already know. While this might often correlate with more expensive real estate areas and places with much higher property costs and average earnings, it isn’t always that straightforward.

Some locations might simply have an oversupply of roofing companies or roofing options, all competing for your business. This can drive down costs considerably in comparison to areas where your options might be limited.

Other than location, another huge factor is the shape of roof you want. Gable and shed roofs are considered the easiest to build, and are therefore the cheapest. More complicated roof designs will take longer and also cost more. Adding things like trusses and other design options can also increase the cost considerably.

While all roofs will need to be framed with strong and durable wood, you can also choose to spend a bit more here if you want to.

How to Reduce Roof Framing Costs per Square Foot

If you can do it safely and properly, the absolute cheapest way to frame your roof is to do it yourself. This will be easier with a shed roof or on a small home, of course. In general, hiring a professional framing company is the way to go unless you’ve got several complex projects under your belt. There is simply too much at stake here.

If you decide to use a professional, you can also reduce costs by getting cheaper designs and using slightly cheaper materials. Obviously, the smaller your roof, the lower the overall cost will be – so this could be a factor as well.

Choosing the Right Framing Company

Take a look at some of the most highly-rated framing companies in your area. Read their reviews and learn what others’ experience was. Call multiple contractors and have them come and give you an estimate. Weigh how you feel dealing with them and the price to make the best decision.

Emergency Roof Repair – How To Handle It The Right Way

Think you’ve got an emergency roof repair and need to know what to do next? You’re in the right place. This article should only take a few minutes to read and should point you in the right direction of fixing your roof emergency as soon as possible.

Even if you don’t have a roof emergency right now – it could still be a good idea to familiarize yourself with what to do, just in case.

Just like roofs, roof emergencies can come in many shapes and sizes. Diagnosing the problem quickly can be half the problem, but getting someone on site and fixing it as soon as possible should also be a priority. Some roofing emergencies you might actually be able to fix yourself, but only if you’re careful and work safely.

What is considered an emergency roof repair?

There are a number of different types of roofing emergencies. Obviously, if part of your roof has clearly blown or fallen off – this is one of the most extreme roofing emergencies and you’ll need to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Within hours or days if you can. The one thing about this type of roofing emergency is that while it is serious – it’s also easy to spot. And rare. Some other roofing problems should still be considered emergencies and might be slightly less obvious. So what are they?

One of the most common types of roofing emergencies is a leak, or especially multiple leaks. These are also serious, but they’re also less easy to spot. You might only notice when it starts raining.

You’ll still need to get your leaks looked at by a professional as soon as possible, but you can apply temporary stops or leakage fillers in the meantime. If it’s not raining, repairs might not be quite as urgent, but you should still treat them as a priority.

Leaks will often be easy to find if you follow the flow of the water in your roofing cavity or loft. Again, this will only be clear if it’s raining or has been recently (or possibly snowing). Finding a leak in dry weather can be slightly more difficult, but you can aim a hose up on your roof and follow where the leakage goes.

You can consider your roof problems an emergency if they present a hazardous risk to you or anyone else. If slates or tiles are falling off regularly, this is a dangerous risk to people’s safety and should be considered an emergency. You need to make sure they are all secured as soon as possible.

Many minor issues can become more serious if they are left to develop by themselves. While you might think your minor roof issue isn’t serious, you need to get it fixed as soon as you become aware of it, or it could become more serious and turn into an emergency.

Who should you call?

Generally, you should have an emergency roofer’s details so you can call them at any time. Often, this might be the firm that installed the roof in the first place. One important thing to remember when going back to your original roofing firm is to be careful if the emergency is a result of their poor work.

If they didn’t install the roof properly in the first place, can they be relied upon to fix it properly now?

However, if the damage or emergency are a result of extreme weather or general wear and tear in the age of an old roof, your best bet might be to go back to who first installed the roof if possible, as they will know exactly how it was constructed and what issues there might be.

If you need to find a new roofing company to fix the issue, you’ll want to make a quick decision but still not a hasty one. Make sure you hire a firm that’s local enough that they can get to your home quickly to fix your emergency.

How can your roof emergency be fixed?

Fixing your roof issue will depend on the actual problem. Leakages can be fixed relatively easily. You might even want to try doing this yourself. Even finding the exact location of the leak yourself could save your roofer time and reduce costs.

If you want to apply sealant to the roof yourself, you can do it if you’re careful – especially when working externally.

For major roof issues like parts of the roof falling or being blown off, you will obviously need professional help. Some roofs can be part-fixed or relayed, or potentially overlaid. In extreme emergencies the whole roof might need to be removed and replaced. This will obviously be costly, but it is rare.

For falling tiles and shingles, you might need to get a professional to look over the whole roof and fix them one at a time. Hopefully, only a few were loose – but this isn’t always the case.

How much might it cost?

As you can probably guess, the costs will vary a lot depending on what needs done. Fixing a leak is generally a low-cost repair job. Getting someone on-site quickly might cost you a bit more, but many leaks can be fixed relatively easily.

If you have multiple leaks, there might be a more deep-rooted problem with the membrane of your roof which could require a more costly repair. Holes or serious damage to your roof will obviously cost a lot more to repair.

How to prevent roofing emergencies

If you take more care on your roof at all times, these roof emergency repairs will be less likely to occur. Make sure you check your roof thoroughly once a year and fix any minor issues before they become serious. Make sure you use a high-quality roofer for all your roofing work, so that poor workmanship doesn’t lead to problems.

How Many Sheets of Metal Roofing do You Need?

If you’re getting a metal roof put in place, you might be wondering just how many sheets of metal roofing do you need. This can vary a lot depending on the type of roof, and the type of sheeting you’re using. In this article, we’re going to look a bit more closely at metal roofing and the issues it presents in roof constructions.

How many sheets of metal roofing do you need – Metal roof information

Metal roofing has been growing in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It’s durable, cheap, and easy to install. While metal roofs have long been a mainstay in commercial construction, more and more residential architects are turning to them.

Not only can they add a unique finish to your building, they’re sustainable and energy efficient. More and more residential homes are using metal roofs. Not only is it cheap, it lasts a lot longer than you might think.

But how many sheets of metal do you need for your roof? There are a number of different factors we need to look at before we can really answer this…

1. What sort of roof are you constructing?

The shape of your metal roof will play a big role in determining how big each sheet will be. Proper pitched roofs in a gable style will have shorter metal sheets that meet in the middle. However, most metal roof constructions are normally flatter, which will require much larger metal sheets.

Some roofing constructions will have entire sheets stretching the whole way, while others will join smaller sheets in the middle. So this is something you’ll need to talk about with both your roof contractor and potentially your architect.

The style of the roof, as well as the specific type of roofing material you’re using can all make a big difference. That’s why there isn’t one simple answer to how many sheets of metal are needed.

2. Is it a residential or commercial building?

While metal sheet roofing has become increasingly popular in residential buildings, it’s still a mainstay in commercial and even industrial constructions. That’s because it’s simple, cheap, easy to install and can cover wide areas and large buildings.

Depending on the type of construction you’re going for, the size of the metal sheeting will vary quite a lot. That means it’ll be different in small residential homes compared to larger commercial ones.

3. How long do you need the roof to last?

While this might not have a direct impact on the size of sheeting, it’s still an important question you might need to ask yourself before getting your metal roof put in place. Metal roofing is quite long-lasting, but it isn’t the longest lasting possible if you’re really looking for something that might never need replacing. A good lifespan for a metal roof is about 30-40 years.

That being said, metal roofing is incredibly low maintenance and shouldn’t require much looking after. It’s highly unlikely to spring leaks and as long as the drainage is well-installed, can keep your building secure and proofed for decades.

4. How big is the roof?

Probably the most important question when looking at how many sheets of metal roofing do you need, or indeed how big this sheeting will need to be – is how big the roof is. As probably goes without saying, a small roof will only require smaller metal sheets.

Large commercial or industrial roofs (or even some large residential homes) will therefore need much larger sheeting. In some cases, the sheets will need to be joined together if you can’t find the right sheeting to cover the whole area.

5. How big are the sheets?

Aside from the size of the roof, the size of the sheets will also determine how many of them are needed. Metal sheeting comes in a range of different sizes. While some roofs can be finished with single sheet lengths, this isn’t always possible with every roof type or with each type of metal sheeting.

What can affect the cost of metal sheet roofing?

There are also a number of factors that you’ll need to consider when looking at the cost of your metal roofing build. Obviously, the size of your roof is an important one. Bigger roofs will require more material and will take much longer to install – increasing the cost.

If you only have a small area that needs metal roofing, you could find it’s much cheaper than many similar alternatives. That’s one of the reasons why metal roofing is so popular. It’s cost-effective, easy to install, safe AND secure.

But the size of your roof isn’t the only thing that affects the price. There is a range of different material available in metal roofing, and the more expensive end of the market features sheeting that’s lighter, stronger and longer-lasting.

But it’s also more expensive. You might want to shop around or get a few tips from roofing experts before you decide on exactly the right material for your roof.

Your location can also be important. If you live in an area with a lot of expensive properties and high earners, you might have to pay more for your roof. If there aren’t many metal roofing companies available in your area, it could also cost more to get the roof delivered and installed.

Often, competition can drive down prices so if there are plenty of roofers in your area, they might be willing to lower the cost in order to compete for your business.

How to find a high-quality metal roof contractor

You need to shop around to find the best roofer for you, and preferably one with metal roofing experience. In some cases, this might mean relying on a commercial roofer to complete your residential construction.

After all, they will often have much more experience with metal roofs. Either way, you need to pick your roofer carefully and do plenty of research. Ask for competitive quotes and check their finished work.

Try approaching buildings that already have a metal roof and asking who they’d recommend. Personal recommendations can go a long way in this industry, and you should already have seen the quality of their work.

What Damage Can Squirrels do in the Attic

What damage can squirrels do in the attic is a question I never thought I ask. Do you have a lot of wildlife in your area? Squirrels and other local wildlife can be a great treat and a major positive of where you live. However, they aren’t always great for your home – and especially your roof.

That’s why keeping them in check is important. You don’t want to get to the stage where you have to get rid of them. In this article, we’re going to look at some of the issues associated with squirrels and your home. Especially the damage they could do to your roof and attic, along with what to do about it.

You should only see extermination as an absolute last resort. Thankfully, there’s a lot you can do before that to fix the problem. Making minor roof repairs might be necessary in some extreme cases, but your priority should be preventing this from happening again while preserving the nature around you.

But firstly, let’s have a look at the damage squirrels can do to your roof and attic.

What damage can squirrels do in the attic and roof?

have sharp teeth and claws that are designed to break into acorns. That means they can get into your home and especially your roof cavities and attic and cause real damage. It’s easier to get into these areas without being warned off because it’s harder for you to tell what’s going on up there even when you’re loving in your home.

For example, a squirrel brave enough to try and break into the main part of your home (which most aren’t) will be easy for you to spot and shoo away.

That means your roof area and attic is the area that’s most at risk. Squirrels are excellent climbers so getting up there shouldn’t a problem. A bit later, we’ll look at a few ideas designed to protect your roof while keeping your local wildlife population in-tact. But first, let’s have a closer look at the sort of damage squirrels can do in your attic.

What Damage Can Squirrels do in the Attic – Chewed wood

Your attic will have lots of beams and other wood structures, and squirrels can chew through quite a lot of it. While it could take years for one to actually make it through an entire beam, they can cause lots of superficial damage and other issues. If you want to keep your wood in-tact, you probably want to keep squirrels out of your attic.

Chewed electrical wires

This might be slightly more concerning than chewed wood as it is more dangerous, to both you and the squirrel. Chewed electrical wires can cause appliances to malfunction or other major issues in your home. They could even be a fire hazard. So if you want to keep your home safe, make sure squirrels don’t get into your attic and chew your wires.

Nesting material

If squirrels really like your roof, they might decide to make a nest in it! That means they’ll have plenty of time to chew all your wires and wood, but they’ll also cause issues with nesting material. The amount of nesting material a squirrel can bring will vary. Some like to bring a huge load of leaves and other debris to make your attic their home. Others prefer to stick to the insulation that’s already in your attic. And that’s not a good thing – that means they’ll be chewing and re-arranging the integrity of your roof insulation.

Anything you store in the attic

If you’ve got things you want to keep stored in the attic in boxes, squirrels could chew through these, too. This could cause quite a lot of financial damage if you’ve got anything valuable up there.

Feces

If a squirrel is living in or spending a lot of time in your roof or attic, they need to go to the toilet somewhere. And that means there could be a lot of feces and urine all over your attic. While this damage might only be superficial, it can be horrible to clean out.

How can you repair this damage?

The repairs that might be needed will depend a lot on exactly what’s been chewed through. You might have to completely rewire your attic and ge a carpenter in to repair the wood damage. You may also need to fill the area with new insulation and have a major clean.
Some of the toughest damage to repair could be the part of the roof where the squirrel entered. Don’t go outside to do work on your roof unless you know what you’re doing and can do it safely. Depending on how they got in, some of the roof membrane might need to be overlayed or new shingles put in place. An expert roofer can do this for you.

How can further damage be prevented?

Now you know why it’s important that you keep squirrels out of your roof. In many ways, that often means keeping them off your roof in the first place. Many homeowners enjoy living alongside squirrels peacefully and this should be what you’re aiming for. So how can you do it?

Making changes to your roof

Your priority is keeping squirrels away from your roof. That means installing features that make it hard for them to get ontop. You could try blocking certain areas, especially ones near trees if that’s a common way for wildlife to get up there. Some homeowners like to put a slippery or smelly solution on their roof to put off squirrels. You could also try things like scarecrows or water sprinklers.

You can also get high-pitched noise emitters that put out a sound you can’t hear but that puts off squirrels. You might want to put this inside your attic as you won’t want to disturb too much wildlife outside. It’ll stop them coming in but might not prevent them trying in the first place (and causing some damage).

Re-training the local squirrels not to come close

The idea isn’t to get rid of squirrels from your entire property, but just stopping them getting anywhere near your roof. Squirrels will get braver and braver if not deterred from entering your roof area, so try and shoo them away as much as possible. They’re also quite easy to train, so you could try simply enticing them to other parts of your garden, like with nuts or something else. Make them happy to play in the trees and well fed so they don’t feel the need to come over to your roof. If squirrels get too close to your property, jump up and shout at them so they know their limits.

How to Find Out When a Roof Was Replaced

Have you recently moved into a new home and you’ve got no idea how old your roof actually is? It’s actually a much more common problem than you might think – and we’re here to help. Even if you’ve lived in the same place for a few years, it’s not uncommon to have absolutely no idea how old your roof is or if or when it was replaced.

How to find out when a roof was replaced

Not knowing how old your roof is could be a problem. While you’d think you might be able to spot any major damage or wear and tear – some roofs need more regular check-ups once they reach a certain age.

Planning for new expenditures like having a roof repaired or replaced is important. These things can be expensive, and you don’t want to be surprised by a new leak in a roof you thought was much younger than it actually is.
That’s why it’s important that you know how old your roof is. Roofs of a certain age simply need to be checked more often and will be much more likely to spring a leak or have other issues. Don’t rely on guesswork when it comes to protecting your home and keeping your roof in order

Find out how old your roof is.

 So now you know how important having the right information on roof age is, what can you do about it? Let’s have a look at how to find out when a roof was replaced or installed:

Ask the previous owners
Check the building permit
Check the roofing company
Check public records
Ask a roofing expert to estimate

How to Find Out When a Roof Was Replaced ? Ask the previous owners

The first and perhaps easiest step in determining how old your roof is or when it was replaced is to simply find the right people to ask. And that’s normally the previous homeowners (or the owners before them, and so on…). You probably already have information on how to get in touch with them, so a simply phonecall or message could do the trick.

If they can remember, this is one of the easiest steps in the book. You’ll have the information you need. However, a word of caution – some people might not be able to remember correctly and the information they provide you could be inaccurate (through no fault of their own). If they’ve got receipts or other documents, that could be even more helpful.

While this step could be the easiest and most straightforward. Many homeowners won’t be able to remember exactly when the roof was done, or you might not be able to get in touch with them. If that’s the case, then you’ll need to try something else…

Check the building permit

Depending on where you live, you might be required to have a building permit before any roof installations are carried out. If that’s the case, then you should already have a copy of this permit with the other documents relating to your house. Try having a look through as finding the permit could be a big indication on when your roof was done.

One thing to remember when looking for your building permit is this will only be evidence of when the permit was granted, not actual evidence of when the roof was installed or repaired. At least you’ll know that the roof can’t be older than the permit, but it can be valid for a few years meaning the roof could have been installed a while after.

If you do have a lot of similar documents in the same location, you might also want to look for a receipt. This could be an even more accurate piece of evidence as a receipt is normally only written out just after the work is completed.

Check the roofing company

While you might not have the documentation on hand yourself, the roofing company might have. The only difficult part could be actually knowing who carried out the roof work. There might actually be branded evidence up in your attic or roof cavity, so you could have a look and phone them. If there’s only one or two roofing specialists in your area, you could just try randomly phoning them and hoping for the best.

Most roofers will have detailed records going back years, so as long as your roof isn’t too old (some can predate local roofers), they should be able to give you the information you need. If they can’t over the phone straight away, try writing or emailing them so they can have a more detailed look in their records. They should be more than happy to do this as it could lead to more work for them.

Check public records

Aside from having the records yourself, the local town or county might have the details on record. Depending where you live, there are a number of places this could be, including the local code enforcement office or local tax office. Ask around as to where might have this sort of information and then get in touch with them. They should be able to provide it to your for free, although it might not be the fastest way to find out.

Ask a roofing expert to estimate

If you’ve tried all these other methods of getting an exact estimate in the form of documentation and still haven’t come up with any answers, you might need to try something else. If all else fails, you might want to consult a professional roofing contractor. A good one should be able to inspect your roof and give you an accurate estimate on how old it is and whether it needs any work done.

What will a contractor look for when making an estimate?

In order to make an accurate estimate, you roofing contractor will look at a number of different factors. These should include checking for leakages, analyzing the roof flashing, looking for valleys and other dips, checking for buckled or curled shingles and more.

A good roofer will be able to give you the most accurate estimate possible. Then you’ll know how you want to proceed and if a new roof or repair might be needed any time soon.

Hopefully you’ve now got enough information to work out exactly how old your roof is without too much hassle.

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