Free My Neighborhood
Home-care guide

Is your roof due?

Shingle lifespans, a roof-age table for homes built from 1996 to 2016, warning signs and what to ask roofers.

Many Marvin and Waxhaw neighborhoods were built between the late 1990s and the mid-2000s. If a house from that era still has its original roof, the shingles are now 20 to 30 years old, close to or past their typical lifespan. Plenty of homes have already been re-roofed, but if you're not sure when yours was done, it's worth finding out before the next big storm.

How old is an original roof today?

Home builtOriginal roof age in 2026Architectural shingles (about 30 years)3-tab shingles (about 20 years)
1996–200026–30 yearsDue or overdueOverdue
2001–200521–25 yearsPlan aheadOverdue
2006–201016–20 yearsUsually fine; inspectDue
2011–201610–15 yearsUsually fineInspect after storms

How long shingle roofs last

Roof typeTypical lifespan
3-tab asphalt shinglesAbout 20 years
Architectural (dimensional) shinglesAbout 30 years
Aluminum gutters20 to 40+ years

Source: InterNACHI Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes

Signs it's time to look closer

  • Curling, cracked or missing shingles, especially on the sunny south and west slopes
  • Lots of shingle granules in the gutters or at the bottom of downspouts
  • Stains on upstairs ceilings or in the attic after heavy rain
  • Daylight visible through attic roof boards
  • Soft spots, sagging, or moss holding moisture under mature trees

Find out how old your roof is

Check your closing papers or home inspection report, ask the previous owner, or look for a permit. Union County and the Village of Marvin or Town of Waxhaw can tell you how to search past building permits. A roofer can also estimate age from the shingle style and wear.

Questions to ask every roofer

  • Are you licensed and insured in North Carolina? Can I see the certificates?
  • Will you tear off the old layers or roof over them?
  • What underlayment, flashing and ventilation are included?
  • What warranty covers the shingles, and what covers your workmanship?
  • Who handles HOA approval for the shingle color, if it's required?

Why neighbors should compare notes

Homes in a neighborhood built over the same few years often need roofs at the same time. Sharing real quotes in your neighborhood's group shows what a fair price looks like, and several roofs at once give us leverage for a group rate.

Lifespans are typical ranges for well-maintained homes, not guarantees. Have a licensed professional inspect your home before deciding on a repair or replacement.

Get paid to get quotes

Founding members can book 45-minute meetings with vetted local vendors and get paid $200 to $300 per meeting, with no obligation to buy. When several neighbors need the same job, we negotiate one group rate.

Find your neighborhood and join