As an investor, it’s essential to ensure your rental property remains in top condition, beginning with the roof of 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. Recognizing the factors that affect roof lifespan and the signs that reshingling is needed is crucial for effective maintenance.
A roof’s durability is influenced by factors like the materials used, the area’s climate, maintenance standards, and the roof’s 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
Most shingle types last about 20 years, so if your roof is beyond that age, it’s wise to start planning for a replacement. Regular inspections are crucial to monitor your roof’s condition, even if it isn’t particularly old. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends two roof inspections per year. You may choose to do these inspections yourself or opt for a professional to undertake them on your behalf.
You can anticipate the replacement costs based on the type of shingles on your roof. While composition shingles usually last up to 20 years, asphalt shingles may last as long as 30 years. Wood shingles, which typically last between 20 and 25 years, fall in the middle range. Minor repairs can prolong your roof’s lifespan, but eventually, a complete reshingling will be necessary.
Your roof’s wear rate can increase due to extreme winters, strong winds, or consistent humidity, thereby shortening your shingles’ lifespan. 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. Curled, buckled, or missing shingles are clear indications that a replacement might be required. Severe roof damage is often indicated by sagging, holes, or water damage. Ensure to check for wood rot and mold; both can spread and cause extensive damage beyond the shingles. Frequent inspections allow for early detection of small problems.
Implementing Preventative Maintenance
It’s important to carry out routine roof inspections and maintenance to catch and resolve small issues before they become major.
Tackling minor issues quickly, such as replacing broken shingles and sealing any leaks, prevents water damage and preserves the structural integrity. Clearing debris and keeping gutters in good condition is vital for avoiding water buildup and extending the roof’s life.
By investing in regular roof care, you protect your investment and boost the property’s appeal and value to future 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.
We at Real Property Management Lakeshore oversee maintenance schedules and coordinate upkeep for our clients’ properties. Contact us or call 920-305-7077 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Menasha and nearby.
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