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 eventually require re-shingling.
At what intervals should you re-shingle the roof of your rental property? Answering this question requires first gathering important data about the roof, including its age, condition, and the materials used.
Understanding Roof Lifespan
Maintaining the roof is vital for property management, particularly re-shingling, which preserves the roof’s longevity and structural integrity. Awareness of what impacts roof longevity and the signs pointing to the need for re-shingling is key to proactively maintaining it.
Several factors determine a roof’s longevity, including the type of material, the climate, how well it is maintained, and its age. Consistent inspections can identify signs of deterioration, such as leaks, curling shingles, and granule loss, suggesting that re-shingling might be necessary.
Determining Frequency of Re-shingling
Shingles usually last 20 years, so if your roof is older, it might be time to plan a new one. Regardless of the roof’s age, it’s vital to conduct regular inspections to monitor its condition. Roofing experts at the National Roofing Contractors Association recommend inspecting your roof twice each year. Either conduct the inspections yourself or consider hiring a qualified professional.
You can anticipate the replacement costs based on the type of shingles on your roof. Composition shingles have a lifespan of 12 to 20 years, whereas asphalt shingles can last from 15 to 30 years. Wood shingles, lasting about 20 to 25 years, are considered mid-range in durability. Making minor repairs helps extend your roof’s life, but it will ultimately need to be fully re-shingled.
Harsh climates involving bitter winters, robust winds, and persistent humidity can increase roof wear, thus reducing shingle durability. If your property frequently faces storms or severe weather, increasing roof inspections can help maintain its structural integrity.
Signs a Roof Might Need Re-shingling
Whether conducted by you or a contractor, the inspection should focus on detecting common signs of roof failure. If shingles are found to be curled, buckled, or missing, this usually signals replacement is necessary. Signs like sagging, holes, or water damage indicate more serious roof failure. You should also search for signs of wood rot and mold, both of which can affect more than just the shingles. With regular inspections, small problems can be detected and addressed early.
Implementing Preventative Maintenance
Regularly inspecting and maintaining your roof helps prevent small issues from developing into larger problems.
By swiftly addressing minor concerns, like damaged shingles and leaks, you can avoid water damage and protect the building’s structure. 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. Taking a proactive stance on roof maintenance is preferable to waiting for problems to emerge. Engaging in proactive maintenance means you won’t have to question when it’s time to replace the shingles; you’ll know outright.
At Real Property Management Northern Utah, we handle the scheduling and coordination of maintenance for our clients’ properties. Contact us or call 435-214-4686 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services.
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