For an investor, keeping your rental property well-maintained is imperative, especially starting with the roof of single-family homes. Although a high-quality roof lasts many years, it will require reshingling at some point.
How regularly should you reshingle the roof of your rental property? Before answering this, gather essential details such as the age, condition, and materials of the current roof.
Understanding Roof Lifespan
A fundamental aspect of property management is roof maintenance, where reshingling plays a critical role in keeping the roof structurally sound and durable. Recognizing the factors that affect roof lifespan and the signs that reshingling is needed is crucial for effective maintenance.
Factors such as the roofing material, local climate, maintenance levels, and the roof’s age all contribute to its longevity. Regular roof checks can reveal wear and tear indicators like leaks, curling shingles, and granule loss, which can signal the need for reshingling.
Determining Frequency of Reshingling
Shingles usually last 20 years, so if your roof is older, it might be time to plan for a new one. Keeping up with regular roof inspections is essential, even if the roof isn’t very old, to maintain its condition. The National Roofing Contractors Association suggests conducting roof inspections twice annually. You can either perform these inspections yourself or hire a professional to do them for you.
The cost of replacing your roof can be planned in advance, based on the type of shingles used. 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. Making minor repairs helps extend your roof’s life, but it will ultimately need to be fully reshingled.
Your roof’s wear rate can increase due to extreme winters, strong winds, or consistent humidity, thereby shortening your shingles’ lifespan. More regular roof inspections are recommended for properties in storm-hit or extreme weather regions to ensure structural stability.
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. Seeing curled, buckled, or absent shingles typically suggests the roof needs replacing. Major indicators of roof failure are sagging, the presence of holes, or signs of water damage. Inspect for wood rot and mold as well, as they can cause damage beyond the shingles. Regularly inspecting your roof helps in catching small problems early on.
Implementing Preventative Maintenance
Regularly inspecting and maintaining your roof helps prevent small issues from developing into larger problems.
Tackling minor issues quickly, such as replacing broken shingles and sealing any leaks, prevents water damage and preserves the structural integrity. Regular debris removal and gutter maintenance are essential to prevent water accumulation and increase the roof’s durability.
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 vital in safeguarding your investment, your tenants, and their belongings. Proactive roof maintenance is crucial, rather than waiting for problems to necessitate action. By being proactive, you eliminate the guesswork about when to replace shingles because you’ll be well-informed.
We at Real Property Management Thrive oversee maintenance schedules and coordinate upkeep for our clients’ properties. Contact us or call 603-255-4100 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Bedford and nearby.
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