Maintaining your rental property in excellent condition is crucial as an investor, starting with the roof for single-family homes. A durable roof can withstand many years, but reshingling is inevitable.
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
Essential to property management is roof maintenance, especially reshingling, which ensures the roof’s durability and structural soundness. 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
Typically, shingles endure for around 20 years; if your roof exceeds this age, consider planning a replacement. Even with a relatively new roof, maintaining regular inspections is crucial to track its condition. The National Roofing Contractors Association suggests conducting roof inspections twice annually. You may choose to do these inspections yourself or opt for a professional to undertake them on your behalf.
Knowing your roof’s shingle type allows you to budget for replacement costs in advance. Composition shingles can be expected to last from 12 to 20 years, with asphalt shingles ranging from 15 to 30 years. Falling in the mid-range, wood shingles usually have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years. Although minor repairs can extend a roof’s lifespan, a time will come when it needs to be fully re-shingled.
Extreme weather conditions like harsh winters, high winds, and continual humidity can speed up the deterioration of your roof, reducing shingle life significantly. Properties in storm-prone or extreme weather areas might require more frequent roof inspections to maintain structural integrity.
Signs a Roof Might Need Reshingling
Monitor common indicators of roof decline during the inspection, which can be carried out by you or a professional. 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. Ensure to check for wood rot and mold; both can spread and cause extensive damage beyond the shingles. Regular inspections help you identify minor issues before they escalate.
Implementing Preventative Maintenance
Conducting regular roof inspections and maintenance is crucial for spotting and fixing minor problems before they worsen.
Swift action on minor repairs, such as changing damaged shingles and sealing leaks, can avert water infiltration and structural harm. Removing debris and regularly maintaining gutters play key roles in preventing water accumulation and enhancing roof longevity.
Proactive roof maintenance not only protects your investment but also increases the property’s value and attractiveness to prospective tenants.
Your rental property’s roof is key to protecting both your investment and the personal property of your tenants. 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 Fairmate takes care of both scheduling maintenance and coordinating these efforts for our clients’ properties. Contact us or call 626-691-9749 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Pasadena and nearby.
Originally Published on September 11, 2020
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