How regularly should you reshingle the roof of your rental property? Before answering this, gather essential details such as the age, condition, and materials of the current roof.
Understanding Roof Lifespan
Reshingling is central to roof maintenance in property management, crucial for maintaining 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.
Factors such as the roofing material, local climate, maintenance levels, and the roof’s age all contribute to its longevity. Conducting regular inspections helps detect wear and tear signs like leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss, which suggest the need for reshingling.
Determining Frequency of Reshingling
Since most shingles last around 20 years, an older roof likely necessitates planning for replacement. Keeping up with regular roof inspections is essential, even if the roof isn’t very old, to maintain its condition. The National Roofing Contractors Association suggests conducting roof inspections twice annually. You have the option to inspect the roof yourself or to engage a qualified professional to do so.
Based on your roof’s shingle type, you should plan the replacement costs ahead of time. Generally, composition shingles endure 12 to 20 years, and asphalt shingles 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. Frequent roof inspections are necessary for properties in areas subject to storms or extreme weather to keep them structurally sound.
Signs a Roof Might Need Reshingling
Monitor common indicators of roof decline during the inspection, which can be carried out by you or a professional. If shingles are found to be curled, buckled, or missing, this usually signals replacement is necessary. Sagging, holes, and water damage are critical signs that your roof is failing. Inspect for wood rot and mold as well, as they can cause damage beyond the shingles. Regular inspections help you identify minor issues before they escalate.
Implementing Preventative Maintenance
Regularly inspecting and maintaining your roof helps prevent small issues from developing into larger problems.
By swiftly addressing minor concerns, like damaged shingles and leaks, you can avoid water damage and protect the building’s structure. Keeping gutters clean and clearing debris are essential actions to prevent water buildup and lengthen the life of the roof.
Proactive roof maintenance not only protects your investment but also increases the property’s value and attractiveness to prospective tenants.
A secure roof is crucial for protecting your investment, your tenants, and their possessions in your rental property. Proactive roof maintenance is crucial, rather than waiting for problems to necessitate action. By being proactive, you eliminate the guesswork about when to replace shingles because you’ll be well-informed.
Real Property Management Raleigh manages and coordinates all maintenance operations for our clients’ properties. Contact us or call 919-481-0008 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Rolesville and nearby.
Originally Published on September 11, 2020