As an investor, maintaining your rental property in good shape is a top priority, especially when it comes to single-family rental homes. That responsibility starts at the top—with the roof. Even though a quality roof will hold up for many years, it will eventually need to be reshingled.
So, how often should you reshingle your rental property’s roof? The answer depends on several factors, including 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. Reshingling plays an important role in ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of your rental property’s roof. Understanding the factors influencing roof lifespan and recognizing the signs indicating the need for reshingling are key components of proactive maintenance.
Here are some of the main factors that impact a roof’s longevity:
- roofing material used
- climate of the area
- level of maintenance performed
- age of the roof
Regular inspections can reveal signs of wear and tear like leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss, which can indicate that reshingling is needed.
How often do shingles need to be replaced?
In general, shingles will last about 20 years, so once your roof reaches that age, it’s smart to start planning for a replacement. Even if your property’s roof isn’t that old, it’s still important to perform regular inspections to keep track of your roof’s condition. The National Roofing Contractors Association suggests conducting inspections twice a year. You can either do these yourself or hire a qualified professional.
Knowing the type of shingles on your property will help you anticipate the cost of replacement:
- Composition shingles can last 12 to 20 years
- Asphalt shingles can last 15 to 30 years
- Wood shingles can last 20 to 25 years
Fixing minor issues can help extend the life of your property’s roof, but eventually, the time will come when the entire roof should be reshingled.
Tough weather—like freezing winters, strong winds, or constant moisture—can speed up the rate of wear on a roof and shorten the life of your shingles. If your property is located in an area that regularly experiences severe weather, make sure to inspect the roof more frequently to ensure it stays structurally sound.
How do you tell if a roof needs replacing?
When inspecting the roof, you or your contractor should keep an eye out for common warning signs that the roof is deteriorating. Curled, buckled, or missing shingles may be early indicators that replacement is needed.
More serious symptoms include sagging, holes, or water damage. Additionally, look for signs of wood rot and mold, as these can spread and damage the structure beyond the shingles.
What should a preventive maintenance plan include?
Regular roof inspections and maintenance checks help identify and fix small problems before they become major ones.
Addressing small concerns right away—like replacing broken shingles and patching up leaks—can help prevent water from entering the property and causing structural damage. Removing debris and maintaining gutters are also essential to stop water from collecting and prolong the roof’s lifespan.
Your property’s roof protects your investment and your tenant. Proper roof maintenance is vital, so don’t wait for something to fail. Take a proactive approach, and you’ll always be ahead when it’s time to replace the shingles.
At Real Property Management Presidential, we manage maintenance schedules and coordinate maintenance efforts for our client’s properties on their behalf. Contact us or call 434-422-5591 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Greene County and nearby.
Originally Published on April 19, 2024
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