As an investor, taking steps to keep your rental property in good shape is essential—especially with single-family rental homes. A well-maintained roof is key. Even though a quality roof will hold up for many years, it will eventually need to be reshingled.
So, when is it time to reshingle your rental property’s roof? To answer that, you’ll need details like 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 is an important step toward ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of your rental property’s roof. Knowing the factors influencing roof lifespan and the signs indicating the need for reshingling supports proactive maintenance.
The main factors that impact a roof’s longevity include:
- roofing material used
- climate of the area
- level of maintenance performed
- age of the roof
Regular inspections can identify signs of wear and tear—such as leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss—that suggest reshingling may be required.
How often do shingles need to be replaced?
Generally, shingles will last about 20 years. If your roof is older, it’s wise to start planning for a replacement. Even if your property’s roof isn’t that old, it’s still necessary to perform regular inspections to keep track of your roof’s condition. Experts at the National Roofing Contractors Association recommend you conduct inspections twice a year. You can perform these yourself or hire a qualified professional to handle them.
Depending on the type of shingles on your property, you can estimate 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
Small repairs might help extend the life of your property’s roof, but eventually, the time will come when the entire roof should be reshingled.
Intense winters, gusty winds, and persistent humidity can increase the rate of wear on a roof, decreasing the life of your shingles. If your property is located in an area affected by storms or severe weather, you should inspect the roof more often to make sure it remains structurally sound.
How do you tell if a roof needs replacing?
During an inspection, either you or your contractor should be on the lookout for warning signs that the roof is failing. Curled, buckled, or missing shingles often indicate that a replacement is needed.
Other severe signs include sagging, holes, or visible water damage. Don’t forget to check for wood rot and mold, as they can spread quickly and affect more than just the roof surface.
What should a preventive maintenance plan include?
Conducting regular roof inspections and maintenance checks is the best way to catch and fix small issues before they become serious.
Addressing minor concerns—like replacing damaged shingles and sealing any leaks—can help prevent water infiltration and protect the structural integrity of the property. Clearing leaves and maintaining gutters will also help avoid water pooling and contribute to prolonging the roof’s lifespan.
Your property’s roof plays a vital role in protecting your investment and your tenant. Proper roof maintenance ensures peace of mind. By taking proactive steps, you’ll always know when it’s time to replace the shingles.
At Real Property Management Azalea City (aka Instant Equity Mobile), we manage maintenance schedules and coordinate maintenance efforts for our client’s properties on their behalf. Contact us or call 251-345-6224 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Semmes and nearby.
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