Maintaining your rental property in excellent condition is crucial as an investor, starting with the roof for single-family homes. High-quality roofs endure for years, but they all must be reshingled eventually.
When should you consider reshingling your rental property’s roof? To respond to this, start by collecting key information like the roof’s age, condition, and the materials used.
Understanding Roof Lifespan
The maintenance of a roof, including periodic reshingling, is essential for sustaining its longevity and structural integrity within property management. Knowing both the factors that affect the lifespan of a roof and the signs that signal the need for reshingling is critical for preventative maintenance.
The lifespan of a roof depends on various aspects, such as the material used, the local weather conditions, the maintenance carried out, and the roof’s age. Frequent inspections aid in identifying signs of wear such as leaks, curled shingles, or lost granules, pointing to possible reshingling needs.
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. Even with a relatively new roof, maintaining regular inspections is crucial to track its condition. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, it’s best to inspect your roof twice a year. You may choose to do these inspections yourself or opt for a professional to undertake them on your behalf.
Based on your roof’s shingle type, you should plan the replacement costs ahead of time. Composition shingles last between 12 and 20 years, and asphalt shingles from 15 to 30 years. Wood shingles generally endure for about 20 to 25 years, placing them in the mid-range category. Small repairs may delay the need, but eventually, your roof will require complete reshingling.
Severe winter conditions, intense winds, and high humidity can hasten roof degradation, greatly diminishing shingle lifespan. More regular roof inspections are recommended for properties in storm-hit or extreme weather regions to ensure structural stability.
Signs a Roof Might Need Reshingling
During roof inspections, either you or your contractor should be vigilant for common failure signs. The presence of curled, buckled, or entirely missing shingles often signals a need for roof replacement. Severe roof damage is often indicated by sagging, holes, or water damage. 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
Regular roof checks and maintenance are necessary to identify and handle small problems before they turn into bigger ones.
Promptly dealing with small issues, like replacing damaged shingles and sealing leaks, helps prevent water damage and structural issues. It is crucial to remove debris and maintain gutters to stop water buildup and extend the roof’s lifespan.
Proactive roof maintenance not only protects your investment but also increases the property’s value and attractiveness to prospective tenants.
The roof of your rental property is fundamental to the protection of your investment, your tenants, and their belongings. A proactive approach to roof maintenance is essential, rather than waiting for issues to occur. With proactive maintenance, you’ll know when it’s time to replace the shingles without having to guess.
Real Property Management TradeWinds manages and coordinates all maintenance operations for our clients’ properties. Contact us or call 727-400-4722 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Belleair and nearby.
Originally Published on September 11, 2020
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