As an investor, it’s important to ensure that your rental property stays in good shape. For single-family rental homes, the roof is one of the most vital components. A quality roof will stand the test of time, but eventually, it will need to be reshingled.
How often should you reshingled your rental property’s roof? To answer that, you’ll need to consider the current roof’s age, condition, and material type.
What affects the lifespan of a property’s roof?
Roof maintenance is an essential element of property management, with reshingling being a key factor in ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of your rental property’s roof. Understanding the factors influencing roof lifespan is important for proactive maintenance.
The following factors impact roof lifespan:
- Roofing material used
- Climate of the area
- Maintenance level
- Roof age
By performing regular inspections, you can identify signs of wear, such as leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss, which indicate that reshingling is needed.
How often do shingles need to be replaced?
Shingles typically last around 20 years. If your roof is older than that, it’s probably time to plan for a replacement. Even if your roof isn’t that old, regular inspections are still necessary to assess its condition. The National Roofing Contractors Association
recommends inspecting your roof at least twice per year. You can do this yourself or hire a professional to perform the inspection.
Here’s a breakdown of typical shingle lifespans:
- Composition shingles: 12-20 years
- Asphalt shingles: 15-30 years
- Wood shingles: 20-25 years
While you can make small repairs to extend the roof’s lifespan, eventually, time will come when the entire roof should be reshingled.
Harsh weather, such as extreme winters, high winds, and constant humidity, can significantly reduce the life of your roof and shingles. If your property is located in an area that experiences severe weather, you should conduct more frequent inspections to ensure the roof is in good condition and structurally stable.
How do you tell if a roof needs replacing?
Key warning signs that your roof may need to be replaced include:
- Curling, buckling, or missing shingles
- Sagging areas, holes, or signs of water damage
Additionally, check for wood rot and mold, as these can cause further damage to your roof and other areas of the property.
What should a preventive maintenance plan include?
Regular inspections and maintenance checks should be conducted to catch minor issues before they become bigger problems. Addressing issues like replacing damaged shingles or sealing leaks will prevent water damage and maintain the structural integrity of your property. Additionally, clearing debris from the roof and ensuring the gutters are clean will help extend the roof’s life.
Your roof is vital in protecting both your investment and your tenants. By taking a proactive approach, you won’t have to worry about when to replace the shingles—it will be clear.
At Real Property Management Baton Rouge, we handle maintenance schedules and coordinate maintenance efforts for our clients. Contact us or call 225-389-6860 to learn more about our property management services in Prairieville.
Originally Published on April 19, 2024
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