For an investor, keeping your rental property well-maintained is imperative, especially starting with the roof of single-family homes. A durable roof can withstand many years, but reshingling is inevitable.
What is the recommended frequency for reshingling the roof of your rental property? To respond to this, start by collecting key information like the roof’s age, condition, and the materials used.
Understanding Roof Lifespan
Maintaining the roof is vital for property management, particularly reshingling, which preserves the roof’s longevity and structural integrity. Recognizing the factors that affect roof lifespan and the signs that reshingling is needed is crucial for effective maintenance.
The longevity of a roof is determined by several factors including the type of material, the climate, how well it is maintained, and its 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
Typically, shingles endure for around 20 years; if your roof exceeds this age, consider planning a replacement. Even with a relatively new roof, maintaining regular inspections is crucial to track its condition. The National Roofing Contractors Association suggests conducting roof inspections twice annually. You can either perform these inspections yourself or hire a professional to do them for you.
Knowing your roof’s shingle type allows you to budget for replacement costs in advance. Generally, composition shingles endure 12 to 20 years, and asphalt shingles 15 to 30 years. Wood shingles, lasting about 20 to 25 years, are considered mid-range in durability. Small repairs may delay the need, but eventually, your roof will require complete reshingling.
Your roof’s wear rate can increase due to extreme winters, strong winds, or consistent humidity, thereby shortening your shingles’ lifespan. Properties in storm-prone or extreme weather areas might require more frequent roof inspections to maintain structural integrity.
Signs a Roof Might Need Reshingling
Whether conducted by you or a contractor, the inspection should focus on detecting common signs of roof failure. 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. Frequent inspections allow for early detection of small problems.
Implementing Preventative Maintenance
Routine inspections and maintenance of the roof are essential to detect and rectify minor issues early on.
Promptly dealing with small issues, like replacing damaged shingles and sealing leaks, helps prevent water damage and structural issues. Regular debris removal and gutter maintenance are essential to prevent water accumulation and increase the roof’s durability.
Proactive care for your roof safeguards your investment and makes the property more valuable and appealing to potential renters.
Your rental property’s roof is key to protecting both your investment and the personal property of your tenants. It is better to proactively maintain the roof rather than waiting for issues to arise. With proactive maintenance, you’ll know when it’s time to replace the shingles without having to guess.
Real Property Management DC Metro takes care of both scheduling maintenance and coordinating these efforts for our clients’ properties. Contact us or call 202-269-0303 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Logan Circle and nearby.
Originally Published on September 11, 2020
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