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Signs Your Rental Property Needs a New Roof

A house isn’t complete without a roof. Roofs give us privacy, shield us from the elements, and above all, provide us with shelter. It therefore only makes sense to keep it in great shape.

As a rental property owner, there’s no quicker way to lose tenants than a leaking roof. It’s important you keep your roof in great shape to provide a comfortable home for your tenants.

Keeping it looking great means conducting regular inspections. Regular inspections can help prevent expensive repairs down the road. You’ll also help preserve your property’s value.

But how do you figure it’s time to repair or replace your roof? Well, before calling a roofer, look for the following red flags.

Exterior Roof Check

It’s time to take out the ladder and go visit your roof. This is the only way to help you assess the health of your shingles, flashing, fascia, and soffit.

You want to be careful when doing this. Even an 8-foot drop can cause injury. Make sure your ladder is stable and secure. In addition, if your roof is made from tile, it’s best to avoid walking on it. Tiles can easily be damaged.

If you notice any of the following signs, it’s likely your rental property needs a new roof.

Check your drainage.

Is water flowing where it should be? If not, chances are that your roof’s gutters and downspouts aren’t functioning properly. Check to see whether there are dead leaves and debris blocking the normal flow of water. Cleaning them a few times a year will help avoid drainage issues.

Look for wear.

Over time, roofing materials around vents and chimneys wear out. Routine inspections can help in this regard. You’ll be able to fix the issues while they are still minor and inexpensive.

Shingle granules.

More and more granules will shed as your shingles age. However, if you find excessive amounts of granules in your gutters, chances are your roof is damaged and needs replacement.

Look for moisture problems.

Moisture problems can cause just as much damage outside as in. Water will always flow down. As such, even one bad shingle can cause a myriad of problems inside. In addition, within one to two days of water-related problem, mold, fungi, and bacteria can grow quickly.

Look for damage.

Checking for roof damage is straightforward. If there is visible damage, it’s easy to determine that you need a new roof. Are there bald patches where granules are missing? Are your shingles buckling? Are actual roof shingles missing? If you notice any of these signs, it’s certain that your roof needs replacing.

Check the vents.

Check that all vents (kitchen, bath, and dryer) go completely outside of your property, not just in the attic.

Interior Roof Check

It’s important you check your roof from the inside of your home as well. To do this you’ll most likely need to go into your attic with a good flashlight.

Once there, look out for the following warning signs.

Water leakage.

Do you notice any leaks? If you do, it’s likely that there is something wrong with your roof valleys. Roof valleys carry snow and rain to the gutters, so they get a lot of use.

Get in touch with a roofing professional as soon as possible. Patching any leaks quickly can help you save on expensive repairs down the road.

Dark spotting.

This is a sign that you have mold and water-related problems. Moisture, just like water, causes damage both to your roof and with your home’s interior. Call a roofing professional immediately. In fact, it’s required by law that you perform necessary repairs on your renter’s property.

Sagging areas.

If your roof is sagging, it’s likely your rental property needs a new roof. Sagging roofs indicate signs of structural problems. The problem could either be because of moisture damage to the wood or external pressure from outside.

Light shining in from outside.

You don’t require a flashlight here. If any daylight is coming through the roof boards, it means your roof is in a dire state of disrepair. In addition, if light is shining through, it means water is getting in. Have it fixed.

Other Warning Signs Your Rental Property Needs a New Roof

High-energy bills.

Although not entirely attributable to your roof, a broken-down roof definitely won’t be making it any better. A faulty roof can cause ventilation and air circulation issues. This may cause the air conditioner to use more power.

Blistering paint or stains.

Here, you need to check for areas of excessive cracking on your home’s exterior if you have a painted surface. If you spot this sign, it’s likely that high levels of moisture are being trapped in attic spaces. Other signs to be on the lookout for include mildew or mold.

These are all potential signs your rental property needs a new roof. While it’s often an overlooked part of the house, having a sturdy, stable roof is essential. If you notice any of those signs, please consider having your roof checked by a roofing professional.

Attribution: Marina Gorbounov at Evolve Property Management