How frequently should the roof of your rental property be reshingled? First, obtain crucial information including the age, condition, and material type of the roof to answer this question.
Understanding Roof Lifespan
The maintenance of a roof, including periodic reshingling, is essential for sustaining its longevity and structural integrity within property management. Recognizing the factors that affect roof lifespan and the signs that reshingling is needed is crucial for effective maintenance.
Several elements affect how long a roof lasts, such as the roofing material, local climate, maintenance quality, and the roof’s age. Regular roof checks can reveal wear and tear indicators like leaks, curling shingles, and granule loss, which can signal 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. Regular inspections are crucial to monitor your roof’s condition, even if it isn’t particularly old. 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.
Planning for replacement costs can be done in advance, depending on the shingle type your roof has. Composition shingles last between 12 and 20 years, and asphalt shingles from 15 to 30 years. Wood shingles, which typically last between 20 and 25 years, fall in the middle range. Minor repairs can prolong your roof’s lifespan, but eventually, a complete reshingling will be necessary.
Your roof’s wear rate can increase due to extreme winters, strong winds, or consistent humidity, thereby shortening your shingles’ lifespan. 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
In your inspection, look for typical signs of roof deterioration, either yourself or through a contractor. Curled, buckled, or missing shingles are clear indications that a replacement might be required. Severe roof damage is often indicated by sagging, holes, or water damage. Checking for wood rot and mold is wise, as they can extend damage beyond the shingles. Regularly inspecting your roof helps in catching small problems early on.
Implementing Preventative Maintenance
Regular roof checks and maintenance are necessary to identify and handle small problems before they turn into bigger ones.
Tackling minor issues quickly, such as replacing broken shingles and sealing any leaks, prevents water damage and preserves the structural integrity. It is crucial to remove debris and maintain gutters to stop water buildup and extend the roof’s lifespan.
Active roof maintenance is an investment that protects your property and increases its appeal and value to prospective tenants.
The roof of your rental property is fundamental to the protection of your investment, your tenants, and their belongings. Instead of reacting to problems, it’s better to proactively maintain your roof to prevent issues. If you maintain your roof well, you won’t have to guess when it’s time to replace the shingles; you’ll simply know.
At Real Property Management Seacoast New Hampshire, we are responsible for managing and coordinating maintenance activities for the properties of our clients. Contact us or call 603-343-2202 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Rochester and nearby.
Originally Published on September 11, 2020