As an investor, it’s essential to take every measure to keep your rental property in good shape; for single-family rental homes, that begins with the roof. While a quality roof will hold up for many years, even the best roofs will eventually need to be reshingled.
But how often should you reshingle your rental property’s roof? To find out, you’ll need some important facts—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 a vital element in ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of your rental property’s roof. Learning about the factors influencing roof lifespan and the signs indicating the need for reshingling is key for proactive maintenance.
Several factors impact a roof’s longevity:
- roofing material used
- climate of the area
- level of maintenance performed
- age of the roof
Regular inspections will help uncover signs of wear and tear such as leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss, which could signal it’s time for reshingling.
How often do shingles need to be replaced?
Typically, shingles will last about 20 years. So, if your roof has surpassed that mark, you should start planning for a replacement. Even if your property’s roof isn’t that old, it’s still vital to perform regular inspections to keep track of your roof’s condition. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends performing inspections twice per year. You can conduct these yourself or hire a qualified professional.
Depending on the type of shingles on your property, you can forecast 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
Making minor repairs can help extend the life of your property’s roof, but eventually, time will come when the entire roof should be reshingled.
Severe winters, intense winds, or persistent moisture can accelerate the rate of wear on a roof, reducing the life of your shingles. If your property is located in a storm-prone or high-humidity area, inspect the roof more regularly to ensure it remains structurally sound.
How do you tell if a roof needs replacing?
During an inspection, you or your contractor should look out for some of the most common warning signs that a roof is starting to fail. Shingles that are curled, buckled, or completely missing may signal the need for a replacement.
More serious problems like sagging areas, holes, or water damage also point to a failing roof. Be sure to check for wood rot and mold, as these can spread and cause additional damage.
What should a preventive maintenance plan include?
Routine roof inspections and maintenance checks are crucial to finding and resolving minor concerns before they escalate into serious repairs.
Addressing issues right away—like replacing damaged shingles and sealing leaks—can help prevent water infiltration and structural damage to the property. Clearing debris and keeping gutters in good condition will also prevent water accumulation and help prolong the roof’s lifespan.
Your rental property’s roof protects your investment and your tenant. Proper roof maintenance is necessary, so instead of reacting to problems, take a proactive approach. That way, you won’t be uncertain about when to replace the shingles—you’ll already have it planned.
At Real Property Management Wake County, we manage maintenance schedules and coordinate maintenance efforts for our client’s properties on their behalf. Contact us or call 919-747-3488 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Raleigh and nearby.
Originally Published on April 19, 2024
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