How do I know how old my roof is?

Check your purchase paperwork or the seller’s disclosure. Town building permits usually record re-roofs. If the roof was never replaced, it’s as old as the house, and our estimate shows the year built from town records.

How long does an asphalt shingle roof last?

Commonly about 20 to 30 years in Connecticut. The National Association of Home Builders put asphalt shingle roofs at about 20 years, and noted that weather, how the roof was built, material quality and maintenance all move that number.

Roof problems

Is your roof over 20 years old? Signs it’s time to replace it

Asphalt shingle roofs in Connecticut commonly last about 20 to 30 years, depending on the shingle, the attic ventilation and how much sun and weather the roof takes. A National Association of Home Builders study of home components put asphalt shingle roofs at about 20 years. Curling or cracked shingles, bare spots, granules in the gutters and recurring leaks are the usual signs it’s near the end. Planning the replacement lets you choose the timing instead of a leak choosing it for you.

Updated October 3, 2026

What it looks like: Curling or cracked shingles, bare or dark patches, granules in the gutters, or daylight in the attic, on a roof that’s been up 20 years or more.
What it usually means: The shingles are near the end of their life. Repairs get harder, because old shingles crack when they’re lifted.
How urgent: Not an emergency without leaks, but worth planning now. Picking the timing yourself costs less than a leak picking it.
What to do next: Find the roof’s age in your paperwork or the town’s permit records, check the attic, and see a replacement price for your house at thethomasroofing.com. Thomas Roofing prices January to March install weeks lower because crews are less busy.

Signs a roof is wearing out

Shingles curling at the edges or cupping in the middle
Cracked or missing shingles
Granules collecting in gutters and at downspouts
Dark streaks or moss, especially on north-facing slopes
Daylight through the roof boards when you look in the attic
A roofline that dips or sags

Why age matters to insurers

Many insurers review roofs at around 15 to 20 years and may ask for a replacement or change your coverage. Knowing your replacement price ahead of time means a letter from your insurer isn’t a surprise.

Can you shingle over the old roof?

At most once. The building code doesn’t allow a new layer over a roof that already has two or more layers (International Residential Code R908.3.1.1), and even over one layer, tearing off is the only way to see and replace rotted decking. Every Thomas Roofing option is a full tear-off down to the deck.

Planning ahead

Winter install windows cost less because our crews are less busy then. If your roof has another season in it, reserving a winter or early spring week can save money without waiting for a leak.

On a typical two-story colonial with our current pricing, a January install week is about $1,150 less than a standard week.

Questions

How do I know how old my roof is?: Check your purchase paperwork or the seller’s disclosure. Town building permits usually record re-roofs. If the roof was never replaced, it’s as old as the house, and our estimate shows the year built from town records.
How long does an asphalt shingle roof last?: Commonly about 20 to 30 years in Connecticut. The National Association of Home Builders put asphalt shingle roofs at about 20 years, and noted that weather, how the roof was built, material quality and maintenance all move that number.

Sources

See a price range for your own roof

About 10 minutes, from aerial measurement. No salesperson.