As an investor, one of your top responsibilities is to keep your rental property in good shape, especially when managing single-family rental homes. While a quality roof will hold up for many years, all roofs eventually need to be reshingled.
To figure out when to reshingle your rental property’s roof, you must first determine 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, with reshingling being vital to ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of your rental property’s roof. Recognizing the factors influencing roof lifespan and spotting signs indicating the need for reshingling are key elements of proactive maintenance.
These are the main 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
Through regular inspections, you can catch early signs of wear and tear such as leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss, all of which may indicate it’s time for reshingling.
How often do shingles need to be replaced?
Typically, shingles will last about 20 years. If your roof is older than that, it’s wise to start planning for a replacement. Even if your property’s roof isn’t that old, you should perform regular inspections to keep track of your roof’s condition.
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, inspections should be performed twice per year. You can do these yourself or hire a qualified professional for more thorough evaluations.
The type of shingles on your property will influence the cost of replacement:
- Composition shingles: 12–20 years
- Asphalt shingles: 15–30 years
- Wood shingles: 20–25 years
Although repairs can extend the life of your property’s roof, eventually, the time will come when the entire roof should be reshingled.
Living in areas prone to storms or other extreme weather can drastically increase the rate of wear on a roof and reduce the life of your shingles. In such regions, it’s essential to inspect the roof more frequently to ensure it remains structurally sound.
How do you tell if a roof needs replacing?
During every inspection, be sure to look for the most common warning signs that your roof is starting to fail. If you spot shingles that are curled, buckled, or missing, this can signal the need for a replacement.
Worse indicators like sagging, open holes, or visible water damage are signs of a more critical failure. Be vigilant about detecting wood rot and mold, as both can spread and damage other areas of your home.
What should a preventive maintenance plan include?
Your plan should incorporate regular roof inspections and maintenance checks. Addressing minor issues promptly, such as replacing damaged shingles and sealing any leaks, will help prevent water infiltration and structural damage to the property. Cleaning the gutters and removing debris also contribute to prolonging the roof’s lifespan.
Since your property’s roof protects your investment, it’s essential to prioritize proper roof maintenance. Rather than reacting to emergencies, stay proactive and know exactly when to replace the shingles.
At Real Property Management Optimum, we manage maintenance schedules and coordinate maintenance for our clients. Contact us or call 320-289-4649 to learn more about our comprehensive property management services in Moorhead.
Originally Published on April 19, 2024
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