For an investor, keeping your rental property well-maintained is imperative, especially starting with the roof of single-family homes. A durable roof can withstand many years, but reshingling is inevitable.
At what intervals should you reshingle your rental property’s roof? Answering this query necessitates collecting important details, such as the roof’s age, condition, and the materials involved.
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. It is vital to comprehend what influences a roof’s lifespan and to recognize the indicators that suggest reshingling is necessary for proactive 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 advises biannual roof inspections. 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 are mid-range in terms of longevity, typically lasting 20 to 25 years. Small repairs may delay the need, but eventually, your roof will require complete reshingling.
Harsh winters, strong winds, and constant humidity can accelerate roof wear, significantly shortening shingle life. If your property frequently faces storms or severe weather, increasing roof inspections can help maintain its structural integrity.
Signs a Roof Might Need Reshingling
During roof inspections, either you or your contractor should be vigilant for common failure signs. 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. It is advisable to also look for wood rot and mold, which can damage more than the shingles. Conducting inspections regularly enables you to address small issues promptly.
Implementing Preventative Maintenance
Regular roof checks and maintenance are necessary to identify and handle small problems before they turn into bigger ones.
Promptly dealing with small issues, like replacing damaged shingles and sealing leaks, helps prevent water damage and structural issues. Removing debris and regularly maintaining gutters play key roles in preventing water accumulation and enhancing roof longevity.
Proactive care for your roof safeguards your investment and makes the property more valuable and appealing to potential renters.
Your rental property’s roof is key to protecting both your investment and the personal property of your tenants. Taking a proactive stance on roof maintenance is preferable to waiting for problems to emerge. Proactive maintenance ensures you are aware of when it’s time to replace the shingles, removing any uncertainty.
At Real Property Management Folsom Lake, we are responsible for managing and coordinating maintenance activities for the properties of our clients. Contact us or call 916-850-2844 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Fair Oaks and nearby.
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.
