As an investor, it’s essential to ensure your rental property remains in top condition, beginning with the roof of single-family homes. Even the best roofs will eventually need reshingling, despite lasting for many years.
At what intervals should you reshingle your rental property’s roof? 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. Knowing both the factors that affect the lifespan of a roof and the signs that signal the need for reshingling is critical for preventative maintenance.
A roof’s durability is influenced by factors like the materials used, the area’s climate, maintenance standards, 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. Regular inspections are crucial to monitor your roof’s condition, even if it isn’t particularly old. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, it’s best to inspect your roof twice a year. Either conduct the inspections yourself or consider hiring a qualified professional to do them.
The cost of replacing your roof can be planned in advance, based on the type of shingles used. Composition shingles have a lifespan of 12 to 20 years, whereas asphalt shingles can last from 15 to 30 years. Wood shingles are mid-range in terms of longevity, typically lasting 20 to 25 years. Minor repairs can prolong your roof’s lifespan, but eventually, a complete reshingling will be necessary.
Harsh winters, strong winds, and constant humidity can accelerate roof wear, significantly shortening shingle life. More regular roof inspections are recommended for properties in storm-hit or extreme weather regions to ensure structural stability.
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. Noticing curled, buckled, or missing shingles can indicate that it’s time for a roof replacement. Signs like sagging, holes, or water damage indicate more serious roof failure. Inspect for wood rot and mold as well, as they can cause damage beyond the shingles. Regularly inspecting your roof helps in catching small problems early on.
Implementing Preventative Maintenance
Conducting regular roof inspections and maintenance is crucial for spotting and fixing minor problems before they worsen.
Tackling minor issues quickly, such as replacing broken shingles and sealing any leaks, prevents water damage and preserves the structural integrity. Removing debris and regularly maintaining gutters play key roles in preventing water accumulation and enhancing roof longevity.
By investing in regular roof care, you protect your investment and boost the property’s appeal and value to future tenants.
The roof plays a crucial role in protecting your rental property, your tenants, and their possessions. Taking a proactive stance on roof maintenance is preferable to waiting for problems to emerge. Proactive maintenance ensures you are aware of when it’s time to replace the shingles, removing any uncertainty.
We at Real Property Management Baton Rouge oversee maintenance schedules and coordinate upkeep for our clients’ properties. Contact us or call 225-389-6860 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Prairieville and nearby.
Originally Published on September 11, 2020
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