How Often Should You Replace Your Property’s Roof?

If you’re an investor, one of your priorities should be to keep your rental property in good shape—and that process starts from the top. For single-family rental homes, roof upkeep is essential. While a quality roof will hold up for many years, every roof eventually will need to be reshingled.

So how do you know when it’s time to reshingle your rental property’s roof? The best way to determine this is by considering 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. One important part of this is reshingling, which helps with ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of your rental property’s roof To engage in proactive maintenance, you need to understand the factors influencing roof lifespan and recognize the signs indicating the need for reshingling.

Key factors that impact a roof’s longevity include:

• The roofing material used
• The climate of the area
• The level of maintenance performed
• The age of the roof

Conducting regular inspections can reveal signs of wear and tear, such as leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss, all of which may mean reshingling is needed.

How often do shingles need to be replaced?

In general, shingles will last about 20 years. If your roofing system is approaching that age, it’s wise to start planning for a replacement. Even if your property’s roof isn’t that old, it’s wise to perform regular inspections to keep track of your roof’s condition.

The National Roofing Contractors Association suggests doing inspections twice per year. You can do these yourself, or hire a qualified professional to handle them.

Different 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 patchwork repairs can extend the life of your property’s roof, eventually there will be a point when the entire roof should be reshingled.

Severe weather—such as storms or other extreme weather—along with high humidity or winter cold can accelerate the rate of wear on a roof, cutting down the life of your shingles. If your property is in an area prone to harsh conditions, it’s best to inspect the roof more often to make sure it’s structurally sound.

How do you tell if a roof needs replacing?

During an inspection, check for the most common warning signs that your roof is starting to fail. If shingles are curled, buckled, or missing, that may signal the need for a replacement.

Serious problems like sagging, holes, or water damage are also red flags. You should also inspect for wood rot and mold, as these can spread and damage other areas of your rental property.

What should a preventive maintenance plan include?

Make sure you’re doing regular roof inspections and maintenance checks to find and fix minor issues quickly. Addressing minor issues promptly, like replacing damaged shingles or fixing leaks, can prevent water infiltration and structural damage to the property.

Routine upkeep like clearing debris and maintaining gutters can go a long way in prolonging the roof’s lifespan.

Your property’s roof protects your investment, so staying on top of proper roof maintenance is critical. Instead of reacting to damage, take steps now to stay ahead of issues. That way, you’ll never be unsure about whether it’s time to replace the shingles—you’ll already have a plan.

At Real Property Management Realevate Specialists, we help manage maintenance schedules and coordinate maintenance for owners like you. Contact us or call 858-997-2100, 951-461-0100 to discover the benefits of our property management services in location Pacific Beach.

Originally Published on April 19, 2024