As a responsible investor, it’s vital to keep your rental property in good shape, especially when it comes to single-family rental homes. A quality roof will hold up for many years, but ultimately, it will need to be reshingled.
To determine the best time to reshingle your rental property’s roof, evaluate 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 key to ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of your rental property’s roof. Knowing the factors influencing roof lifespan and staying alert to signs indicating the need for reshingling help ensure proactive maintenance.
Consider the following 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
You can use regular inspections to find signs of wear and tear, like leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss, all suggesting that reshingling might soon be required.
How often do shingles need to be replaced?
Typically, shingles will last about 20 years. If yours are nearing that age, it’s smart to start planning for a replacement. Even if the property’s roof isn’t that old, you should still perform regular inspections to keep track of your roof’s condition.
The National Roofing Contractors Association suggests inspections be done every six months. You might do these yourself or hire a qualified professional for peace of mind.
The type of shingles on your property will dictate the cost of replacement:
- Composition shingles: 12–20 years
- Asphalt shingles: 15–30 years
- Wood shingles: 20–25 years
While interim fixes can extend the life of your property’s roof, you’ll eventually reach a stage when the entire roof should be reshingled.
In areas prone to storms or other extreme weather, including harsh winters or heatwaves, the rate of wear on a roof increases. These factors reduce the life of your shingles, so inspect the roof more often to ensure it stays structurally sound.
How do you tell if a roof needs replacing?
When performing an inspection, look for the most common warning signs that your roof is starting to fail. If you notice shingles are curled, buckled, or missing, this is a signal the need for a replacement.
Severe red flags like sagging, holes, or water damage should not be ignored. Keep an eye out for wood rot and mold, as they may spread and damage more than just the shingles.
What should a preventive maintenance plan include?
Make sure to include regular roof inspections and maintenance checks in your plan. Addressing minor issues promptly, such as replacing damaged shingles and sealing weak areas, helps prevent water infiltration and structural damage to the property. Clearing drains and gutters is also necessary to prolonging the roof’s lifespan.
Because your property’s roof protects your investment, it’s crucial to commit to proper roof maintenance. Taking a proactive approach helps you avoid emergencies and replace the shingles at the right time.
Let Real Property Management Seacoast New Hampshire, manage maintenance schedules and coordinate maintenance for your rentals. Contact us or call 603-343-2202 for professional property management services in Rochester.
Originally Published on April 19, 2024
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