As an investor, it’s important to take all necessary steps to keep your rental property in good shape. For single-family rental homes, that care begins with the roof. While a quality roof will hold up for many years, even the most durable one will eventually need to be reshingled.
So, how often should you reshingle your rental property’s roof? To determine that, start by evaluating key 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 plays a central role in ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of your rental property’s roof. Understanding the factors influencing roof lifespan and the signs indicating the need for reshingling supports proactive maintenance.
Here are several factors that impact a roof’s longevity:
- roofing material used
- climate of the area
- level of maintenance performed
- age of the roof
Regular inspections are useful for spotting signs of wear and tear such as leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss, which may signal that reshingling is required.
How often do shingles need to be replaced?
Most shingles will last about 20 years. If your roof is older than that, it’s wise to start planning for a replacement. Even if the property’s roof isn’t that old, it’s important to perform regular inspections to keep track of your roof’s condition. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends inspections twice a year. You can do these yourself or hire a qualified professional.
Based on the type of shingles on your property, you can estimate the cost of replacement early:
- Composition shingles can last 12 to 20 years
- Asphalt shingles can last 15 to 30 years
- Wood shingles can last 20 to 25 years
Minor repairs can help extend the life of your property’s roof, but eventually, the time will come when the entire roof should be reshingled.
Severe winters, intense winds, and prolonged humidity can quicken the rate of wear on a roof, reducing the life of your shingles. If your rental is in a region prone to storms or other extreme weather, you’ll need to inspect the roof more frequently to ensure it stays structurally sound.
How do you tell if a roof needs replacing?
During an inspection, you or your contractor should look for the most common warning signs that the roof is starting to fail. Curled, buckled, or missing shingles can signal the need for a replacement.
More serious issues include sagging, holes, or water damage—clear signs of a failing roof. Don’t forget to check for wood rot and mold, which can spread and damage areas beyond just the shingles.
What should a preventive maintenance plan include?
Regular roof inspections and maintenance checks are essential to catching small problems before they become major concerns.
Addressing minor issues promptly—such as replacing damaged shingles and sealing any leaks—can help prevent water infiltration and structural damage to the property. Also, maintaining gutters and clearing debris are vital steps in prolonging the roof’s lifespan.
Your property’s roof protects your investment and your tenant. Proper roof maintenance is critical. Instead of waiting for something to go wrong, take a proactive approach. Then, you won’t have to question whether it’s time to replace the shingles—you’ll already be prepared.
At Real Property Management Priority, we manage maintenance schedules and coordinate maintenance efforts for our client’s properties. Contact us or call 845-363-6776 to learn how our expert property management services in Orange County can assist you.
Originally Published on April 19, 2024
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