An investor’s duty includes keeping their rental property in prime condition, starting with the roof in the case of single-family homes. Even the best roofs will eventually need reshingling, despite lasting for many years.
How frequently should the roof of your rental property be reshingled? First, obtain crucial information including the age, condition, and material type of the roof to answer this question.
Understanding Roof Lifespan
Essential to property management is roof maintenance, especially reshingling, which ensures the roof’s durability and structural soundness. Knowing both the factors that affect the lifespan of a roof and the signs that signal the need for reshingling is critical for preventative maintenance.
The longevity of a roof is determined by several factors including the type of material, the climate, how well it is maintained, and its age. Routine inspections are useful for spotting wear and tear signs—leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss—signaling that reshingling might be required.
Determining Frequency of Reshingling
Shingles generally have a lifespan of about 20 years, so if your roof is older, planning for its replacement is advisable. It’s vital to conduct regular roof inspections to monitor its condition, regardless of the roof’s age. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, it’s best to inspect your roof twice a year. Inspections can be conducted personally, or you can employ a professional to handle them.
Knowing your roof’s shingle type allows you to budget for replacement costs in advance. Composition shingles last between 12 and 20 years, and asphalt shingles from 15 to 30 years. Falling in the mid-range, wood shingles usually have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years. Although minor repairs can extend a roof’s lifespan, a time will come when it needs to be fully reshingled.
Extreme weather conditions like harsh winters, high winds, and continual humidity can speed up the deterioration of your roof, reducing shingle life significantly. In regions often hit by storms or extreme weather, it’s advisable to inspect your roof more frequently to ensure its structural soundness.
Signs a Roof Might Need Reshingling
Keep an eye out for common indicators of a failing roof during inspections, either done by you or a contractor. The presence of curled, buckled, or entirely missing shingles often signals a need for roof replacement. Major indicators of roof failure are sagging, the presence of holes, or signs of water damage. You should also search for signs of wood rot and mold, both of which can affect more than just the shingles. With regular inspections, small problems can be detected and addressed early.
Implementing Preventative Maintenance
Routine inspections and maintenance of the roof are essential to detect and rectify minor issues early on.
Quick resolution of minor problems, such as replacing damaged shingles and fixing leaks, prevents water entry and protects the structure. Regular debris removal and gutter maintenance are essential to prevent water accumulation and increase the roof’s durability.
Active roof maintenance is an investment that protects your property and increases its appeal and value to prospective tenants.
The roof plays a crucial role in protecting your rental property, your tenants, and their possessions. Instead of reacting to problems, it’s better to proactively maintain your roof to prevent issues. If you maintain your roof well, you won’t have to guess when it’s time to replace the shingles; you’ll simply know.
Real Property Management Elevate takes care of both scheduling maintenance and coordinating these efforts for our clients’ properties. Contact us or call 405-876-7611 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Kingfisher and nearby.
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