Maintaining your rental property in excellent condition is crucial as an investor, starting with the roof for single-family homes. Even the best roofs will eventually need reshingling, despite lasting for many years.
How frequently should the roof of your rental property be reshingled? Answering this query necessitates collecting important details, such as the roof’s age, condition, and the materials involved.
Understanding Roof Lifespan
The maintenance of a roof, including periodic reshingling, is essential for sustaining its longevity and structural integrity within property management. Understanding the elements that determine roof life and the indicators for reshingling are fundamental for proactive maintenance.
The lifespan of a roof depends on various aspects, such as the material used, the local weather conditions, the maintenance carried out, and the roof’s age. Through consistent inspections, signs of deterioration such as leaks, curling shingles, and granule loss can be identified, suggesting that reshingling might be necessary.
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. Keeping up with regular roof inspections is essential, even if the roof isn’t very old, to maintain its condition. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends two roof inspections per year. You may choose to do these inspections yourself or opt for a professional to undertake them on your behalf.
Knowing your roof’s shingle type allows you to budget for replacement costs in advance. While composition shingles usually last up to 20 years, asphalt shingles may last as long as 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. Frequent roof inspections are necessary for properties in areas subject to storms or extreme weather to keep them structurally sound.
Signs a Roof Might Need Reshingling
Keep an eye out for common indicators of a failing roof during inspections, either done by you or a contractor. Seeing curled, buckled, or absent shingles typically suggests the roof needs replacing. The more alarming signs of a deteriorating roof are sagging, holes, and water damage. Ensure to check for wood rot and mold; both can spread and cause extensive damage beyond the shingles. Regular inspections help you identify minor issues before they escalate.
Implementing Preventative Maintenance
Regular roof checks and maintenance are necessary to identify and handle small problems before they turn into bigger ones.
Swift action on minor repairs, such as changing damaged shingles and sealing leaks, can avert water infiltration and structural harm. Removing debris and regularly maintaining gutters play key roles in preventing water accumulation and enhancing roof longevity.
Proactive roof maintenance not only protects your investment but also increases the property’s value and attractiveness to prospective tenants.
The roof plays a crucial role in protecting your rental property, your tenants, and their possessions. Instead of reacting to problems, it’s better to proactively maintain your roof to prevent issues. Proactive maintenance ensures you are aware of when it’s time to replace the shingles, removing any uncertainty.
We at Real Property Management Realevate Specialists oversee maintenance schedules and coordinate upkeep for our clients’ properties. Contact us or call 858-997-2100 or 951-461-0100 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Pacific Beach and nearby.
Originally Published on September 11, 2020
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