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Rental Property Roof Maintenance Tips for Landlords

Derek Dawson • Nov 04, 2020

Roof maintenance is essential to ensure that your roof stays in top condition for as long as possible. The roof plays an important role; it protects tenants from the elements and weather changes. It allows us to keep our homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. But though it is an essential part of a house, many people neglect to maintain it. We’ll show you why it is vital as a landlord to perform regular roof maintenance and how to watch for signs of trouble with your roof.

The importance of roof maintenance

There are many reasons you should take time to check your roof and perform regular roof maintenance, and Steele Restoration mentions some of them here:

It reduces liability.

Regular inspection of your roof can help ensure it is sound, preventing injuries from occurring to you or your tenants, or preventing belongings from getting damaged.

It saves money.

Roof maintenance can help you catch problems early, saving you from having to pay to fix a more significant issue down the road. It can also save you money by extending the life of your roof, meaning you won’t have to replace it early.

It gives peace of mind, for landlords and tenants.

Contacting your local roofing company for roof maintenance can help set your mind at ease that your roof will hold up when the next rain or snow comes, so you don’t have to worry about fixing it during inclement weather.

How to inspect your roof

Now that you know the importance of roof maintenance, you are ready to start regular inspections… well, almost. Before you head up, you’ll need to know what to look for and who should be doing the inspection.

what you should look for during roof inspection

First, you’ll want to inspect your gutters, as these can show signs of when it’s time to think about replacing your roof. If you clean your gutters regularly, you’ll be able to watch for signs of damage easily. Next, you’ll want to check soil stacks, sky windows, and chimneys for signs of damage.

Then, inspect the entire roof, looking for missing shingles, damages, holes, or any other issue. Finally, don’t neglect to check out your attic, if possible. Look for signs of water seepage and if holes are allowing you to see the outside of the home.

Though some people may feel confident doing a roof maintenance inspection themselves, there are times when you may want to bring in professionals. Many roofing companies will assess you, but be sure to inquire about the cost of such a service. Keep in mind walking on the roof can be dangerous; you may feel more comfortable doing a visual inspection from a ladder on the side, with professionals doing the walk around.

How often you inspect your roof will vary. Some people check it twice a year, in the fall and the spring, as the weather starts to change. But it recommended to have a new roof inspected after the first 5 years, then at 10 years, 13, 15, and 17, then every year after that until it is time for a new one.

Signs of trouble

The next critical piece of information when it comes to roof maintenance is knowing what signs of trouble are. How will you know if the roof needs attention or even replaced? Luckily, there are some warning signs that you, and your tenants, can be on the lookout.

Your roof is old.

If the roof on your property is old, you should probably be cognizant of the fact that it may need a replacement soon. On average, asphalt shingles on a roof will last about 20 years. Though with regular roof maintenance, you may be able to help extend their life beyond this timeframe.

You have leaks.

If your tenants report a leaking roof, that is a sign that something is wrong. You may need a professional to inspect it. They may be able to repair it or recommend replacing the roof.

Shingles are missing.

If you notice shingles are missing during your roof maintenance inspection, you should get them replaced and checked by a professional. Though it is not uncommon to lose a shingle or two during storms, you don’t want to lose too many and leave your home exposed.

Mold and mildew appear.

If you notice mold and mildew growing on your shingles, and even on your gutters and soffits, you may need some roof work done, perhaps beyond simple roof maintenance.

Your energy bills go up.

Ask your tenants to let you know if their energy bill jumps suddenly without a clear cause. It can be an early sign that something is wrong with the roof of the home.

Roof maintenance

Landlords, and homeowners in general, should be sure to perform regular roof maintenance. By frequently checking the state of your roof, you can catch little problems before they become big problems, and even extend the life of your roof, saving you money in the long run.

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The process of moving out can be a source of stress for both landlords and tenants. Landlords face challenges such as conducting property inspections, returning security deposits, and advertising rentals to find new tenants. Meanwhile, tenants are busy coordinating their move and packing, often leaving things behind unintentionally. One common issue for landlords after a tenant moves out is the continued receipt of mail addressed to the former tenant. This can include junk mail or packages, and dealing with it can be a source of stress. Thankfully, Dawson Property Management has provided the following guide to help you handle mail from previous tenants. Legal Considerations Regarding Mail from Previous Tenants It is imperative to familiarize yourself with various local and state laws, especially if you are a first-time landlord. This includes handling mail directed to former tenants. Opening or disposing of someone else’s mail without explicit consent is a serious transgression carrying legal ramifications. The privacy of mail is safeguarded by federal law. Violating this law, such as intentionally opening, destroying, or stealing mail not belonging to the recipient, can result in significant fines or up to five years of imprisonment. Offenders may also face civil lawsuits seeking damages.