As an investor, it is your responsibility to keep your rental property in good shape, starting with the roof for single-family rental homes. A quality roof will hold up for many years, but eventually, all roofs need to be reshingled.
So, when should you reshingle your rental property’s roof? To determine this, you must first assess the age and condition of the current roof, and the materials used.
What affects the lifespan of a property’s roof?
Roof maintenance is a vital part of property management, particularly reshingling, which ensures the longevity and structural integrity of your rental property’s roof. Understanding the factors that influence roof lifespan and identifying the signs that reshingling is required are essential for proactive maintenance.
Key factors influencing roof longevity include:
- Type of roofing material used
- Climate of the area
- Maintenance level applied
- Age of the roof
Regular inspections help identify issues like leaks, curling shingles, and granule loss, which indicate that reshingling is necessary.
How often do shingles need to be replaced?
Shingles generally last about 20 years. If your roof has surpassed this age, it’s time to consider a replacement. Even if your roof is relatively new, conducting regular inspections is crucial to monitor its condition. The National Roofing Contractors Association
recommends biannual inspections. You can conduct them yourself or hire a professional.
Based on the type of shingles, you can plan for replacement:
- Composition shingles: 12 to 20 years
- Asphalt shingles: 15 to 30 years
- Wood shingles: 20 to 25 years
While small repairs can help extend the life of your roof, eventually, time will come when the entire roof should be reshingled.
Severe winters, strong winds, and constant humidity can hasten the wear on your roof. If your rental property is located in an area frequently impacted by extreme weather, it’s essential to inspect the roof more frequently to ensure it is structurally sound.
How do you tell if a roof needs replacing?
Look for warning signs during your roof inspection:
- Curling, buckled, or missing shingles
- Sagging, holes, or visible water damage
- Signs of wood rot or mold spreading beyond the shingles
Taking care of small issues quickly can prevent significant damage, such as water infiltration, and extend the roof’s lifespan.
What should a preventive maintenance plan include?
Regular inspections and maintenance checks are vital in catching small issues before they develop into larger problems. Replacing damaged shingles and sealing leaks will help prevent water damage, while maintaining gutters and clearing debris keeps water from collecting on the roof.
Your roof protects both your investment and your tenants. Regular maintenance allows you to address issues proactively, avoiding uncertainty about when the shingles need replacing.
At Real Property Management Lakeshore, we manage maintenance schedules and handle property maintenance on your behalf. Contact us or call 920-305-7077 for expert property management services in Menasha.
Originally Published on April 19, 2024
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