As an investor, you must do everything possible to keep your rental property in good shape. For single-family rental homes, this begins with ensuring that the roof is properly maintained. While a quality roof will hold up for many years, eventually, any roof will need to be reshingled.
But how often should you reshingle your rental property’s roof? To answer this question, you’ll need to gather essential information about the age and condition of the current roof and the materials used.
What affects the lifespan of a property’s roof?
Roof maintenance is an essential part of property management, especially when it comes to reshingling. Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and structural integrity of your rental property’s roof. Understanding the factors that impact roof lifespan and the signs indicating the need for reshingling is critical for proactive maintenance.
Factors that influence roof longevity include:
- Roofing materials used
- Climate of the area
- Level of maintenance performed
- Age of the roof
Regular inspections help identify wear and tear, such as leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss, all of which may indicate the need for reshingling.
How often do shingles need to be replaced?
Most types of shingles will last about 20 years. If your roof is older than that, it’s time to plan for a replacement. Even if your roof isn’t that old, regular inspections should still be a priority to track its condition. Experts from the National Roofing Contractors Association recommend conducting inspections twice a year. You can do these inspections yourself or hire a qualified professional to do it for you.
The type of shingles on your property also affects replacement planning:
- Composition shingles: 12 to 20 years
- Asphalt shingles: 15 to 30 years
- Wood shingles: 20 to 25 years
While minor repairs can extend the life of your roof, eventually, time will come when the entire roof should be reshingled.
Extreme winters, high winds, or constant humidity can accelerate roof wear. If your property is often affected by storms or extreme weather, you may need to inspect the roof more frequently to ensure its structural soundness.
How do you tell if a roof needs replacing?
When inspecting the roof, look for the most common signs of failure:
- Curling, buckled, or missing shingles
- Sagging, holes, or water damage
- Wood rot or mold spreading beyond the shingles
Addressing minor issues promptly can help prevent larger problems, like structural damage or water infiltration, and extend the lifespan of your roof.
What should a preventive maintenance plan include?
Conducting regular inspections and maintenance checks helps address minor issues before they escalate. Replacing damaged shingles and sealing leaks are essential to preventing water damage. Additionally, maintaining gutters and clearing debris are critical in prolonging your roof’s lifespan.
A well-maintained roof protects your investment and your tenants. By taking a proactive approach, you will avoid the uncertainty of when to replace shingles – you’ll already know.
At Real Property Management Folsom Lake, we manage maintenance schedules and coordinate efforts for your properties. Contact us or call 916-850-2844 to find out how we can make your life easier with our property management services in Fair Oaks.
Originally Published on April 19, 2024
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.
