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How Often Should You Replace Your Property’s Roof?

A person working on the roof of a house.As an investor, maintaining your rental property in good shape is essential. For single-family rental homes, the roof is a critical element. While a high-quality roof can last many years, eventually, it will need to be reshingled.

How often should you reshingled your rental property’s roof? To determine this, you need to evaluate factors such as the age and condition of the current roof and the materials used.

What affects the lifespan of a property’s roof?

Roof maintenance plays an integral role in the management of your property. Reshingling is a necessary part of ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of your rental property’s roof. It’s essential to know the factors that influence roof lifespan and how to recognize the signs indicating it’s time for reshingling.

Here are some of the key factors that impact a roof’s longevity:

  • Roofing material used
  • Climate of the area
  • Maintenance performed
  • Roof’s age

Performing regular roof inspections can help you identify early warning signs of wear, such as leaks, curling shingles, or granule loss, which may indicate that reshingling is necessary.

How often do shingles need to be replaced?

Most shingles typically last about 20 years. If your roof is nearing this age, it’s wise to begin planning for replacement. Even if your property’s roof isn’t quite that old, regular inspections are critical to ensure its continued condition. The National Roofing Contractors Association suggests biannual inspections. You can perform these inspections yourself, or you can hire a professional to carry out the check-ups.

The type of shingles on your roof also influences their lifespan:

  • Composition shingles last 12 to 20 years
  • Asphalt shingles last 15 to 30 years
  • Wood shingles last 20 to 25 years

While small repairs can extend your roof’s lifespan, eventually, when the entire roof should be reshingled.

Harsh winters, strong winds, and consistent humidity can accelerate roof wear and shorten the lifespan of your shingles. If your property is situated in an area prone to storms or extreme weather, you should consider inspecting your roof more frequently to ensure its structural integrity.

How do you tell if a roof needs replacing?

During regular inspections, you or your contractor should look out for several common warning signs that indicate the roof is failing:

  • Curled, buckled, or missing shingles
  • Sagging areas, holes, or signs of water damage

If these issues are identified, it may be time to replace your roof. Additionally, inspecting for wood rot and mold is essential, as both can cause further damage to your roof and other areas of the property.

What should a preventive maintenance plan include?

A good preventative maintenance plan involves regular roof inspections to catch minor issues before they become larger problems. Addressing these issues promptly—like replacing damaged shingles or sealing leaks—will prevent water damage and safeguard your property from further structural issues. Additionally, ensuring gutters are well-maintained and clearing debris will help prolong the life of your roof.

A solid roof is vital for protecting your investment. Rather than waiting for significant issues, take proactive steps to ensure your roof is in top condition.

At Real Property Management South Orlando, we coordinate and manage maintenance schedules for our client’s properties. Contact us or call 407-982-2000 for expert property management services in Windermere.

Originally Published on April 19, 2024

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