Investors must prioritize maintaining their rental properties, particularly the roofs of single-family homes. Although a high-quality roof lasts many years, it will require reshingling at some point.
How regularly should you reshingle the roof of your rental property? Before answering this, gather essential details such as the age, condition, and materials of the current roof.
Understanding Roof Lifespan
Essential to property management is roof maintenance, especially reshingling, which ensures the roof’s durability and structural soundness. Recognizing the factors that affect roof lifespan and the signs that reshingling is needed is crucial for effective maintenance.
Several elements affect how long a roof lasts, such as the roofing material, local climate, maintenance quality, and the roof’s age. Regular roof checks can reveal wear and tear indicators like leaks, curling shingles, and granule loss, which can signal the need for reshingling.
Determining Frequency of Reshingling
Typically, shingles endure for around 20 years; if your roof exceeds this age, consider planning a replacement. Regular inspections are crucial to monitor your roof’s condition, even if it isn’t particularly old. The National Roofing Contractors Association advises biannual roof inspections. You can either perform these inspections yourself or hire a professional to do them for you.
Planning for replacement costs can be done in advance, depending on the shingle type your roof has. Composition shingles can be expected to last from 12 to 20 years, with asphalt shingles ranging from 15 to 30 years. Wood shingles, which typically last between 20 and 25 years, fall in the middle range. Although minor repairs can extend a roof’s lifespan, a time will come when it needs to be fully reshingled.
Harsh climates involving bitter winters, robust winds, and persistent humidity can increase roof wear, thus reducing shingle durability. Properties in storm-prone or extreme weather areas might require more frequent roof inspections to maintain structural integrity.
Signs a Roof Might Need Reshingling
In your inspection, look for typical signs of roof deterioration, either yourself or through a contractor. Noticing curled, buckled, or missing shingles can indicate that it’s time for a roof replacement. The more alarming signs of a deteriorating roof are sagging, holes, and water damage. Inspect for wood rot and mold as well, as they can cause damage beyond the shingles. Frequent inspections allow for early detection of small problems.
Implementing Preventative Maintenance
Conducting regular roof inspections and maintenance is crucial for spotting and fixing minor problems before they worsen.
By swiftly addressing minor concerns, like damaged shingles and leaks, you can avoid water damage and protect the building’s structure. Clearing debris and keeping gutters in good condition is vital for avoiding water buildup and extending the roof’s life.
Taking proactive steps in roof maintenance enhances the property’s value and attractiveness to potential tenants, protecting your investment.
The roof of your rental property is vital in safeguarding your investment, your tenants, and their belongings. Proactive roof maintenance is crucial, rather than waiting for problems to necessitate action. By being proactive, you eliminate the guesswork about when to replace shingles because you’ll be well-informed.
At Real Property Management Gold, we are responsible for managing and coordinating maintenance activities for the properties of our clients. Contact us or call 301-392-2172 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Lexington Park and nearby.
Originally Published on September 11, 2020
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