As an investor, it’s essential to ensure your rental property remains in top condition, beginning with the roof of single-family homes. Quality roofs are long-lasting, but ultimately, all roofs need to be reshingled.
How frequently should the roof of your rental property be reshingled? Addressing this question requires first gathering important data about the roof, including its age, condition, and the materials used.
Understanding Roof Lifespan
Reshingling is central to roof maintenance in property management, crucial for maintaining the roof’s longevity and structural integrity. Understanding the elements that determine roof life and the indicators for reshingling are fundamental for proactive maintenance.
Factors such as the roofing material, local climate, maintenance levels, and the roof’s age all contribute to its longevity. Conducting regular inspections helps detect wear and tear signs like leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss, which suggest the need for reshingling.
Determining Frequency of Reshingling
Most shingle types last about 20 years, so if your roof is beyond that age, it’s wise to start planning for a replacement. It’s vital to conduct regular roof inspections to monitor its condition, regardless of the roof’s age. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends two roof inspections per year. You have the option to inspect the roof yourself or to engage a qualified professional to do so.
The cost of replacing your roof can be planned in advance, based on the type of shingles used. Composition shingles have a lifespan of 12 to 20 years, whereas asphalt shingles can last from 15 to 30 years. Falling in the mid-range, wood shingles usually have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years. Minor repairs can prolong your roof’s lifespan, but eventually, a complete reshingling will be necessary.
Extreme weather conditions like harsh winters, high winds, and continual humidity can speed up the deterioration of your roof, reducing shingle life significantly. In regions often hit by storms or extreme weather, it’s advisable to inspect your roof more frequently to ensure its structural soundness.
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. Curled, buckled, or missing shingles are clear indications that a replacement might be required. Signs like sagging, holes, or water damage indicate more serious roof failure. 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
It’s important to carry out routine roof inspections and maintenance to catch and resolve small issues before they become major.
Swift action on minor repairs, such as changing damaged shingles and sealing leaks, can avert water infiltration and structural harm. Regular debris removal and gutter maintenance are essential to prevent water accumulation and increase the roof’s durability.
By investing in regular roof care, you protect your investment and boost the property’s appeal and value to future tenants.
A secure roof is crucial for protecting your investment, your tenants, and their possessions in your rental property. Instead of reacting to problems, it’s better to proactively maintain your roof to prevent issues. Engaging in proactive maintenance means you won’t have to question when it’s time to replace the shingles; you’ll know outright.
We at Real Property Management Eclipse oversee maintenance schedules and coordinate upkeep for our clients’ properties. Contact us or call 425-209-0252 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Sammamish and nearby.
Originally Published on September 11, 2020
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