When Should You Replace The Roof On A Rental Property?
Every decision that a landlord or property manager makes on a rental property has two primary concerns. It includes the desire to keep costs down and the need to keep tenants happy. Whether a landlord is simply replacing a worn toilet valve or upgrading the windows in a rental, all decisions have these two considerations in mind.
But with minor maintenance issues, landlords and managers will usually not sweat the repair, as long as it is not a recurring problem. However, owners and managers will weigh the cost of fixing a problem versus its impact on tenants’ comfort if the item costs a lot of money, explains North County Property Group in San Diego. And this is the case with a rental property roof replacement.
A home’s roof is critical to the structural integrity of the building. It also affects the comfort or safety of its occupants. The roof shields the rest of the structure from the direct impact of the elements. If you don’t handle roof issues, the whole building is at risk. Also, replacing a roof is so expensive that no landlord wants to do it except they have to.
That is why rental property operators need to know when a rental’s roof problems have gone beyond repairs. Being able to tell when a roof is due for replacement will prevent makeshift solutions that don’t solve the problem but end up costing more. What are the definite signs you should look for to know if you should replace your rental property’s roof?
SIGNS THAT THE ROOF OF A RENTAL PROPERTY NEEDS A REPLACEMENT
Below are the signs that tell you if a roof is due for replacing. However, as you go through the list, do note that the sign is not complete proof that a rental’s roof needs replacement. Sometimes the key factor to look at is the extent and frequency of the problem.
1. THE ROOF IS SAGGING
The roof ridge should form a straight line. If it doesn’t, it is a sign of imminent collapse. A sagging roof may not originate from the roof. It could be because the attic deck is collapsing or the home’s foundation is failing. It could also be due to the weight of snow.
2. NEVER-ENDING ROOF LEAKS
Most roofs will leak from time to time, especially if the landlord is not timely with inspections and repairs or if the roof has started to age. But if different parts of a roof spring leak regularly, it is a sign that the shingles have become weak.
3. BUCKLING OR CURLING SHINGLES
Another sign of roof failure is when shingles start to curl or buckle. Buckling and curling happen because the roofing material has lost its ability to withstand the sun’s heat. A roof with consistently buckling shingles offers no protection from the sun’s UV rays.
4. ENTIRE SHINGLES ARE MISSING
Shingles may go missing due to heavy winds. But if a roof is in good condition, this should not happen often. Missing shingles expose the roof’s interior to moisture and is the precursor to mold, wood rot, problems with pests taking up residence inside the roof, and a host of other issues.
5. DAMAGED FLASHING
The flashing around those points where the roof and the walls of the house meet help to prevent water intrusion into the internal structures of a roof. Roof flashing creates a watertight seal around chimneys, skylights, and vent. If the damaged flashing is left unrepaired, water will penetrate the roof’s interior and weaken the structures.
6. MASSIVE GROWTH OF ALGAE AND MOSS
Moss, algae, and mildew undermine the roof by extracting minerals from the shingles. They feed on the roof and allow water to collect on its surface. Massive growths of algae and moss will weaken a roof to a point where it needs a replacement.
7. SUNLIGHT IS VISIBLE FROM THE ATTIC
In a rental, this is a sign that can go unnoticed for a long time. That is because landlords and managers usually don’t have free access to the attic. If the light is entering the attic from its roof, then there is a leak. If light can get in, water can also get in.
8. EXCESS GRANULES IN THE GUTTERS
An asphalt roof will shed granules naturally. But when the shedding gets to the point of visibly filling the gutters, it means the roofing sheets have started to fail. Another sign of this problem is when bald shingles appear on the roof.
9. THE ROOF HAS REACHED ITS EXPIRATION DATE
Every roof has a specific lifespan. Depending on how well it is maintained and the weather conditions in the home’s location, a roof may or may not last as long as it should. If a roof has reached the end of its useful life, it is best to replace it. That is because the roof may fail without giving prior warning.