An investor’s duty includes keeping their rental property in prime condition, starting with the roof in the case of single-family homes. A durable roof can withstand many years, but reshingling is inevitable.
How regularly should you reshingle the roof of your rental property? Addressing this question requires first gathering important data about the roof, including its age, condition, and the materials used.
Understanding Roof Lifespan
Maintaining the roof is vital for property management, particularly reshingling, which preserves the roof’s longevity and structural integrity. Being aware of what impacts roof longevity and the signs that point to the need for reshingling is key to maintaining it proactively.
The lifespan of a roof depends on various aspects, such as the material used, the local weather conditions, the maintenance carried out, and the roof’s age. Regular roof checks can reveal wear and tear indicators like leaks, curling shingles, and granule loss, which can signal the need for reshingling.
Determining Frequency of Reshingling
Typically, shingles endure for around 20 years; if your roof exceeds this age, consider planning a replacement. Even with a relatively new roof, maintaining regular inspections is crucial to track its condition. Roofing experts at the National Roofing Contractors Association recommend inspecting your roof twice each year. Either conduct the inspections yourself or consider hiring a qualified professional to do them.
You can anticipate the replacement costs based on the type of shingles on your roof. Composition shingles have a lifespan of 12 to 20 years, whereas asphalt shingles can last from 15 to 30 years. Wood shingles, lasting about 20 to 25 years, are considered mid-range in durability. Making minor repairs helps extend your roof’s life, but it will ultimately need to be fully reshingled.
Harsh climates involving bitter winters, robust winds, and persistent humidity can increase roof wear, thus reducing shingle durability. If your property frequently faces storms or severe weather, increasing roof inspections can help maintain its structural integrity.
Signs a Roof Might Need Reshingling
In your inspection, look for typical signs of roof deterioration, either yourself or through a contractor. If shingles are found to be curled, buckled, or missing, this usually signals replacement is necessary. Signs like sagging, holes, or water damage indicate more serious roof failure. It is advisable to also look for wood rot and mold, which can damage more than the shingles. Regularly inspecting your roof helps in catching small problems early on.
Implementing Preventative Maintenance
Regular roof checks and maintenance are necessary to identify and handle small problems before they turn into bigger ones.
Promptly dealing with small issues, like replacing damaged shingles and sealing leaks, helps prevent water damage and structural issues. Clearing debris and keeping gutters in good condition is vital for avoiding water buildup and extending the roof’s life.
Active roof maintenance is an investment that protects your property and increases its appeal and value to prospective tenants.
Your rental property’s roof is key to protecting both your investment and the personal property of your tenants. Proactive roof maintenance is crucial, rather than waiting for problems to necessitate action. Engaging in proactive maintenance means you won’t have to question when it’s time to replace the shingles; you’ll know outright.
At Real Property Management Oasis, we are responsible for managing and coordinating maintenance activities for the properties of our clients. Contact us or call 817-581-1574 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Fort Worth and nearby.
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