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.
At what intervals should you reshingle 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
Reshingling is central to roof maintenance in property management, crucial for maintaining the roof’s longevity and structural integrity. 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.
A roof’s durability is influenced by factors like the materials used, the area’s climate, maintenance standards, and the roof’s age. Routine inspections are useful for spotting wear and tear signs—leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss—signaling that reshingling might be required.
Determining Frequency of Reshingling
Typically, shingles endure for around 20 years; if your roof exceeds this age, consider planning a replacement. Conducting regular inspections is key to maintaining your roof in good condition, no matter its age. The National Roofing Contractors Association advises biannual roof inspections. Inspections can be conducted personally, or you can employ a professional to handle them.
Based on your roof’s shingle type, you should plan the replacement costs ahead of time. 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. Small repairs may delay the need, but eventually, your roof will require complete reshingling.
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
During roof inspections, either you or your contractor should be vigilant for common failure signs. 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. It is advisable to also look for wood rot and mold, which can damage more than the shingles. With regular inspections, small problems can be detected and addressed early.
Implementing Preventative Maintenance
It’s important to carry out routine roof inspections and maintenance to catch and resolve small issues before they become major.
By swiftly addressing minor concerns, like damaged shingles and leaks, you can avoid water damage and protect the building’s structure. It is crucial to remove debris and maintain gutters to stop water buildup and extend the roof’s lifespan.
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. Taking a proactive stance on roof maintenance is preferable to waiting for problems to emerge. With proactive maintenance, you’ll know when it’s time to replace the shingles without having to guess.
Real Property Management Wasatch takes care of both scheduling maintenance and coordinating these efforts for our clients’ properties. Contact us or call 801-889-1517 or 435-244-3394 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in West Jordan and nearby.
Originally Published on September 11, 2020
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