For investors, maintaining a rental property is key, and for single-family rental homes, the roof is one of the most important aspects to keep in check. A good roof can last many years, but eventually, it will need to be reshingled.
How often should you reshingled your rental property’s roof? It depends on the roof’s age, material, and condition.
What affects the lifespan of a property’s roof?
Roof maintenance plays a significant role in property management, and reshingling helps ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of your rental property’s roof. Understanding the factors that affect roof lifespan and recognizing signs that reshingling is necessary will enable you to stay ahead of roof issues.
Factors influencing roof lifespan include:
- Roofing material used
- Climate in your area
- Maintenance practices
- Roof age
Routine inspections can help you detect wear, such as leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss, indicating it may be time for a reshingling.
How often do shingles need to be replaced?
Shingles generally last about 20 years. If your roof is older than that, it’s time to start planning for a replacement. Even if your roof is relatively young, you should still inspect it regularly. The National Roofing Contractors Association advises inspecting your roof twice a year, either yourself or through a professional.
Shingle lifespan by type:
- Composition shingles: 12-20 years
- Asphalt shingles: 15-30 years
- Wood shingles: 20-25 years
While small repairs can extend the roof’s life, eventually, time will come when the entire roof should be reshingled.
Extreme weather, such as snow, high winds, and humidity, can hasten roof degradation. If your property is in an area prone to severe weather, you should inspect the roof more frequently to ensure it remains in good condition.
How do you tell if a roof needs replacing?
During inspections, look for these warning signs:
- Curled, buckled, or missing shingles
- Sagging areas, holes, or water damage
Check for wood rot and mold, which can cause additional damage.
What should a preventive maintenance plan include?
Regular inspections and addressing small issues early will help prevent larger problems. Replacing damaged shingles or sealing leaks will prevent water damage. Additionally, keeping gutters clean and removing debris will extend the lifespan of your roof.
Your roof is crucial in protecting both your investment and your tenants. By staying proactive with maintenance, you’ll avoid surprises when it comes time for reshingling.
At Real Property Management Raleigh, we offer property management services that include expert roof maintenance coordination. Contact us or call 919-481-0008 for more information on how we can assist you with managing your rental property in Rolesville.
Originally Published on April 19, 2024
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