As an investor, safeguarding your rental property and keeping it in good shape is essential, particularly for single-family rental homes. One of the most critical components is the roof. Although a quality roof will hold up for many years, eventually, every roof will need to be reshingled.
So how frequently should you reshingle your rental property’s roof? To determine this, it’s necessary to evaluate several important factors, including 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. Reshingling plays a key part in ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of your rental property’s roof. Being aware of the factors influencing roof lifespan and the signs indicating the need for reshingling supports proactive maintenance.
Factors that impact a roof’s longevity include:
- roofing material used
- climate of the area
- level of maintenance performed
- age of the roof
Regular inspections help detect signs of wear and tear, such as leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss—indications that it may be time for reshingling.
How often do shingles need to be replaced?
In most cases, shingles will last about 20 years. If your roof is older than that, it’s probably time to start planning for a replacement. Even if your property’s roof isn’t that old yet, it’s still important to perform regular inspections to keep track of your roof’s condition. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends inspections twice annually. You can either do these yourself or enlist a qualified professional.
Knowing the type of shingles on your property can help you estimate the cost of replacement:
- Composition shingles can last 12 to 20 years
- Asphalt shingles can last 15 to 30 years
- Wood shingles can last 20 to 25 years
While small repairs can help extend the life of your property’s roof, there will come a point when the entire roof should be reshingled.
Harsh winters, strong winds, or continuous moisture exposure can hasten the rate of wear on a roof, reducing the life of your shingles. If your property is in a region prone to storms or other extreme weather, be sure to inspect the roof more frequently to ensure it stays structurally sound.
How do you tell if a roof needs replacing?
During your inspection, watch for the most common warning signs that the roof is beginning to fail. Shingles that appear curled, buckled, or are entirely missing may signal the need for a replacement.
More severe signs include sagging areas, holes, or water damage. Don’t forget to inspect for wood rot and mold, which can spread and cause widespread damage beyond the roof itself.
What should a preventive maintenance plan include?
Regular roof inspections and maintenance checks are essential to catching and fixing small problems before they grow.
Taking care of issues early—such as replacing damaged shingles and sealing up leaks—can prevent water infiltration and structural damage to the property. Clearing off debris and maintaining gutters are also important for preventing water buildup and prolonging the roof’s lifespan.
Your rental property’s roof protects your investment and provides safety for your tenant. Proper roof maintenance is a must, and being proactive ensures you’ll know exactly when it’s time to replace the shingles.
At Real Property Management Firebird, we manage maintenance schedules and coordinate maintenance efforts for our client’s properties on their behalf. Contact us or call 602-805-2211 to see how we can make your life easier with our expert property management services in Chandler and nearby.
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