As an investor, your ability to keep your rental property in good shape is crucial—especially with single-family rental homes. While a quality roof will hold up for many years, no roof lasts forever and will eventually need to be reshingled.
To determine when to reshingle your rental property’s roof, assess the age and condition of the current roof and the type of materials used.
What affects the lifespan of a property’s roof?
Because roof maintenance is a crucial aspect of property management, and because reshingling is central to ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of your rental property’s roof, it’s important to monitor the factors influencing roof lifespan and look for signs indicating the need for reshingling. That’s the essence of proactive maintenance.
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
Using regular inspections, you can spot signs of wear and tear—like leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss—that signal a potential need for reshingling.
How often do shingles need to be replaced?
In general, shingles will last about 20 years. If your roofing is older than that, it’s time to start planning for a replacement. Even if the property’s roof isn’t that old, make sure you perform regular inspections to keep track of your roof’s condition.
The National Roofing Contractors Association advises biannual inspections. You can do these yourself or hire a qualified professional to carry them out.
Depending on the type of shingles on your property, the cost of replacement and durability will vary:
- Composition shingles: 12–20 years
- Asphalt shingles: 15–30 years
- Wood shingles: 20–25 years
Although occasional repairs may extend the life of your property’s roof, the time will arrive when the entire roof should be reshingled.
If your property experiences frequent storms or other extreme weather, expect an accelerated rate of wear on a roof, shortening the life of your shingles. That makes it essential to inspect the roof regularly to confirm it remains structurally sound.
How do you tell if a roof needs replacing?
During each inspection, be on the lookout for the most common warning signs that your roof is starting to fail. If you find shingles are curled, buckled, or missing, that could signal the need for a replacement.
More severe conditions such as sagging, holes, or evidence of water damage may require immediate attention. Be cautious of wood rot and mold, both of which can spread and damage other parts of your home.
What should a preventive maintenance plan include?
Your maintenance strategy should include regular roof inspections and maintenance checks. Addressing minor issues promptly—like replacing damaged shingles or fixing leaks—helps prevent water infiltration and structural damage to the property. Keeping gutters clear is also important for prolonging the roof’s lifespan.
Because the property’s roof protects your investment, it’s critical to commit to proper roof maintenance. By staying ahead of the damage, you’ll always know when to replace the shingles.
Let Real Property Management DC Metro, manage maintenance schedules and coordinate maintenance so you can relax. Contact us or call 202-269-0303 for dependable property management services in Logan Circle.
Originally Published on April 19, 2024
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