For an investor, keeping your rental property well-maintained is imperative, especially starting with the roof of single-family homes. High-quality roofs endure for years, but they all must be reshingled eventually.
How regularly should you reshingle the roof of your rental property? 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. It is vital to comprehend what influences a roof’s lifespan and to recognize the indicators that suggest reshingling is necessary for proactive maintenance.
Several elements affect how long a roof lasts, such as the roofing material, local climate, maintenance quality, and the roof’s age. Conducting regular inspections helps detect wear and tear signs like leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss, which suggest the need for reshingling.
Determining Frequency of Reshingling
Since most shingles last around 20 years, an older roof likely necessitates planning for replacement. It’s vital to conduct regular roof inspections to monitor its condition, regardless of the roof’s age. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, it’s best to inspect your roof twice a year. Either conduct the inspections yourself or consider hiring a qualified professional to do them.
The cost of replacing your roof can be planned in advance, based on the type of shingles used. Composition shingles have a lifespan of 12 to 20 years, whereas asphalt shingles can last from 15 to 30 years. Wood shingles generally endure for about 20 to 25 years, placing them in the mid-range category. Although minor repairs can extend a roof’s lifespan, a time will come when it needs to be fully reshingled.
Harsh winters, strong winds, and constant humidity can accelerate roof wear, significantly shortening shingle life. In regions often hit by storms or extreme weather, it’s advisable to inspect your roof more frequently to ensure its structural soundness.
Signs a Roof Might Need Reshingling
In your inspection, look for typical signs of roof deterioration, either yourself or through a contractor. The presence of curled, buckled, or entirely missing shingles often signals a need for roof replacement. Sagging, holes, and water damage are critical signs that your roof is failing. Checking for wood rot and mold is wise, as they can extend damage beyond the shingles. Conducting inspections regularly enables you to address small issues promptly.
Implementing Preventative Maintenance
Regularly inspecting and maintaining your roof helps prevent small issues from developing into larger problems.
Quick resolution of minor problems, such as replacing damaged shingles and fixing leaks, prevents water entry and protects the structure. Keeping gutters clean and clearing debris are essential actions to prevent water buildup and lengthen the life of the roof.
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 fundamental to the protection of your investment, your tenants, and their belongings. Proactive roof maintenance is crucial, rather than waiting for problems to necessitate action. 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 Utah County, we are responsible for managing and coordinating maintenance activities for the properties of our clients. Contact us or call 801-224-0033 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Saratoga Springs and nearby.
Originally Published on September 11, 2020
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