As an investor, one of your responsibilities is to keep your rental property in good shape. For single-family rental homes, this often begins with roof upkeep. Although a quality roof will hold up for many years, even the best roof will eventually need to be reshingled.
So, how do you determine when it’s time to reshingle your rental property’s roof? Begin by assessing the age and condition of the current roof and the type of materials used.
What affects the lifespan of a property’s roof?
Roof maintenance is a crucial aspect of property management, and reshingling is vital for ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of your rental property’s roof. Being familiar with factors influencing roof lifespan and noticing signs indicating the need for reshingling are part of proactive maintenance.
Key factors that impact a roof’s longevity:
- The roofing material used
- The climate of the area
- The level of maintenance performed
- The age of the roof
Regular inspections will reveal signs of wear and tear, including leaks, curling shingles, and granule loss, which often mean reshingling is due.
How often do shingles need to be replaced?
Typically, shingles will last about 20 years. If your roof is nearing this age, it’s smart to start planning for a replacement. Even if the property’s roof isn’t that old, it’s critical to perform regular inspections to keep track of your roof’s condition.
The National Roofing Contractors Association advises conducting inspections semiannually. You can do these yourself or hire a qualified professional if preferred.
Different type of shingles on your property will determine the cost of replacement:
- Composition shingles: 12 to 20 years
- Asphalt shingles: 15 to 30 years
- Wood shingles: 20 to 25 years
Small repairs may extend the life of your property’s roof, but there will come a point when the when the entire roof should be reshingled.
Weather conditions, especially storms or other extreme weather, quicken the rate of wear on a roof, reducing the life of your shingles. Homes in harsher climates may require more frequent roof inspections to confirm it’s structurally sound.
How do you tell if a roof needs replacing?
During a roof inspection, look for the most common warning signs that a roof is starting to fail. If shingles are curled, buckled, or missing, that’s a strong signal the need for a replacement.
Issues such as sagging, holes, or water damage suggest serious damage. Look also for wood rot and mold, as these can spread and damage more than just the shingles.
What should a preventive maintenance plan include?
Make sure your plan includes regular roof inspections and maintenance checks to catch minor problems early. Addressing minor issues promptly, like replacing damaged shingles or patching leaks, will prevent water infiltration and structural damage to the property. Keeping up with gutter cleaning and debris removal is also essential to prolonging the roof’s lifespan.
Since your property’s roof protects your investment, proper roof maintenance is a necessity. Don’t wait for issues to arise—stay ahead. That way, you’ll already know when to replace the shingles.
At Real Property Management Northern Utah, we help manage maintenance schedules and coordinate maintenance for owners like you. Contact us or call 801-546-1770 to learn more about our expert property management services in Salt Lake City.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
