As an investor, maintaining your assets is critical—and to keep your rental property in good shape, you must begin with the roof. For single-family rental homes, this aspect of upkeep is vital. While a quality roof will hold up for many years, it will eventually need to be reshingled.
So, when should you reshingle your rental property’s roof? The answer depends on several factors, such as 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, and reshingling plays a significant role in ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of your rental property’s roof. To maintain a roof effectively, proactive maintenance is essential. This includes understanding the factors influencing roof lifespan and identifying the signs indicating the need for reshingling.
Primary factors that impact a roof’s longevity include:
- The roofing material used
- The climate of the area
- The level of maintenance performed
- The age of the roof
By performing regular inspections, you can detect signs of wear and tear, including leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss. These are often indicators that reshingling may be required.
How often do shingles need to be replaced?
Typically, shingles will last about 20 years. If your roof is approaching or has passed that age, it’s wise to start planning for a replacement. Even if your property’s roof isn’t that old, it’s important to perform regular inspections to keep track of your roof’s condition.
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, homeowners should conduct inspections biannually. You can do these yourself or hire a qualified professional if you prefer.
The expected lifespan and cost of replacement varies depending on the type of shingles on your property:
- Composition shingles last between 12 to 20 years
- Asphalt shingles endure for 15 to 30 years
- Wood shingles typically last 20 to 25 years
Although minor repairs can extend the life of your property’s roof, eventually there will be a time when the entire roof should be reshingled.
Weather extremes like storms or other extreme weather, strong winds, or constant moisture can increase the rate of wear on a roof and reduce the life of your shingles. If your area is prone to harsh weather conditions, it’s important to inspect the roof more frequently to ensure it remains structurally sound.
How do you tell if a roof needs replacing?
During an inspection, be on the lookout for the most common warning signs that a roof is starting to fail. If you notice shingles are curled, buckled, or missing, this may signal the need for a replacement.
Other critical signs include sagging, visible holes, or water damage. Don’t forget to check for wood rot and mold, which can spread and damage other parts of the structure.
What should a preventive maintenance plan include?
Regular roof inspections and maintenance checks help identify smaller issues early. Addressing minor issues promptly—like replacing damaged shingles or sealing up weak spots—can prevent water infiltration and structural damage to the property.
Clearing leaves or debris and maintaining gutters also helps prevent excess moisture and prolonging the roof’s lifespan.
Your property’s roof protects your investment and ensures your renters are safe and secure. Proper roof maintenance is a must. Instead of waiting for major issues to appear, take action early. This way, you’ll never be uncertain about whether it’s time to replace the shingles—you’ll already be prepared.
At Real Property Management Metro Detroit, we help manage maintenance schedules and coordinate maintenance for all our clients. Contact us or call 248-808-6550 to learn how our expert property management services in Dearborn can help safeguard your rental home.
Originally Published on April 19, 2024
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