For an investor, keeping your rental property well-maintained is imperative, especially starting with the roof of single-family homes. Although a high-quality roof lasts many years, it will require reshingling at some point.
At what intervals should you reshingle your rental property’s roof? Addressing this question requires first gathering important data about the roof, including its age, condition, and the materials used.
Understanding Roof Lifespan
Maintaining the roof is vital for property management, particularly reshingling, which preserves the roof’s longevity and structural integrity. Being aware of what impacts roof longevity and the signs that point to the need for reshingling is key to maintaining it proactively.
The longevity of a roof is determined by several factors including the type of material, the climate, how well it is maintained, and its age. Through consistent inspections, signs of deterioration such as leaks, curling shingles, and granule loss can be identified, suggesting that reshingling might be necessary.
Determining Frequency of Reshingling
Shingles usually last 20 years, so if your roof is older, it might be time to plan for a new one. It’s vital to conduct regular roof inspections to monitor its condition, regardless of the roof’s age. Roofing experts at the National Roofing Contractors Association recommend inspecting your roof twice each year. Either conduct the inspections yourself or consider hiring a qualified professional to do them.
You can anticipate the replacement costs based on the type of shingles on your roof. Composition shingles have a lifespan of 12 to 20 years, whereas asphalt shingles can last from 15 to 30 years. Wood shingles, lasting about 20 to 25 years, are considered mid-range in durability. Making minor repairs helps extend your roof’s life, but it will ultimately need to be fully reshingled.
Harsh climates involving bitter winters, robust winds, and persistent humidity can increase roof wear, thus reducing shingle durability. If your property frequently faces storms or severe weather, increasing roof inspections can help maintain its structural integrity.
Signs a Roof Might Need Reshingling
Whether conducted by you or a contractor, the inspection should focus on detecting common signs of roof failure. If shingles are found to be curled, buckled, or missing, this usually signals replacement is necessary. Signs like sagging, holes, or water damage indicate more serious roof failure. You should also search for signs of wood rot and mold, both of which can affect more than just the shingles. With regular inspections, small problems can be detected and addressed early.
Implementing Preventative Maintenance
Regularly inspecting and maintaining your roof helps prevent small issues from developing into larger problems.
By swiftly addressing minor concerns, like damaged shingles and leaks, you can avoid water damage and protect the building’s structure. Regular debris removal and gutter maintenance are essential to prevent water accumulation and increase the roof’s durability.
Proactive care for your roof safeguards your investment and makes the property more valuable and appealing to potential renters.
The roof of your rental property is vital in safeguarding your investment, your tenants, and their belongings. Taking a proactive stance on roof maintenance is preferable to waiting for problems to emerge. Engaging in proactive maintenance means you won’t have to question when it’s time to replace the shingles; you’ll know outright.
At Real Property Management Uintah, we handle the scheduling and coordination of maintenance for our clients’ properties. Contact us or call 435-214-4686 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Ballard and nearby.
Originally Published on September 11, 2020
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