As an investor, it’s crucial to maintain your rental property in top condition; for single-family rental homes, the roof is one of the most vital components. While a quality roof will hold up for many years, it will eventually need to be reshingled.
But how often should you reshingle your rental property’s roof? To determine this, you need to assess some key factors, including the age, condition, and type of materials used on the current roof.
What affects the lifespan of a property’s roof?
Roof maintenance plays a significant role in property management, with reshingling being an important part of ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of your rental property’s roof. To effectively plan for proactive maintenance, you must understand the factors influencing roof lifespan and recognize the signs that indicate the need for reshingling.
Here are the factors that impact a roof’s longevity:
- Roofing material used
- Climate of the area
- Level of maintenance performed
- Age of the roof
Regular inspections can help identify signs of wear, such as leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss, signaling that reshingling may be necessary.
How often do shingles need to be replaced?
Typically, shingles will last around 20 years, so if your roof is older than that, it’s time to start planning for a replacement. Even if the roof isn’t that old, performing regular inspections is important for tracking its condition. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends biannual inspections. You can do these yourself or hire a qualified professional to inspect the roof.
The lifespan of shingles varies based on the material:
- Composition shingles: 12 to 20 years
- Asphalt shingles: 15 to 30 years
- Wood shingles: 20 to 25 years
Although minor repairs can help extend your roof’s life, at some point, when the entire roof should be reshingled.
Extreme conditions such as harsh winters, high winds, or constant humidity can wear a roof down quickly. If your property is in an area frequently affected by storms or extreme weather, it’s essential to inspect the roof more often to ensure it remains structurally sound.
How do you tell if a roof needs replacing?
During inspections, watch for signs such as curled, buckled, or missing shingles, which may indicate the need for replacement. More severe signs include sagging, holes, or water damage. It’s also important to look for wood rot and mold, which can spread and cause further damage.
What should a preventive maintenance plan include?
Regular roof inspections and maintenance are essential for catching minor issues before they turn into larger, costlier problems. Addressing minor issues promptly, like replacing damaged shingles or sealing leaks, will prevent water infiltration and structural damage. Additionally, clearing debris and maintaining gutters helps prevent water buildup and prolongs the roof’s lifespan.
Your rental property’s roof safeguards your investment. Proper roof maintenance will allow you to proactively manage your property and avoid unnecessary replacements.
At Real Property Management Suburban Chicago, we manage maintenance schedules and coordinate efforts for our clients’ properties. Contact us or call 847-455-9500 to see how we can streamline your property management needs in Arlington Heights.
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