If you’re new to the world of real estate investing, then you’re probably learning about different types of property maintenance and their repair schedules. As you accumulate rental properties, you’ll need to know the basics of home maintenance, including when to do major repairs like replacing your roof.
So, how can you tell when you need a roof replacement?
If it’s been a while since your roof was inspected, it could be in worst shape than you think. Most people don’t pay attention to the roof over our head because it’s out of sight, out of mind.
However, if you neglect your roof for too long, it can have extreme (and expensive) repercussions. Tiny damages can lead to water damage, which can lead to mold, wood rot, and more.
Given these risks, let’s talk about some common signs that it could be time for a roof replacement on your investment property—or your primary home, for that matter. Keep reading for the top four indications that you should to call a professional roofing company sooner rather than later.
1. You Can See Visible Damage From the Ground
To the untrained eye, roof damage can be hard to spot. Therefore, if you’re seeing visible damage to your roof, flashing, or shingles, it’s a clear sign that a roof replacement is in your future.
Damages to look for include:
- Balding shingles (for asphalt shingles)
- Damaged or missing shingles
- Water damage to the facia (the “transition trim” between the home and the roof)
- Damaged flashing
- Warped or misshapen singles
If you’re able to see these types of damages from the ground, the picture up close is probably much worse. You can also check your gutters. If there’s an excessive amount of granules (from asphalt shingles), you probably need a new roof.
2. You See Signs of Water Damage
Water damage in your home is another indication that you may be in need a roof replacement. Depending on the source of the water, you may have water leaking in through your roof.
You can spot water damage by looking for:
- Discolored drywall
- Discolored ceilings
- Bubbles in ceilings
- Wood rot in the attic
- Mold in the attic
- Excess moisture
These are not signs to be taken lightly. The longer leaks are neglected the more damage they will cause. It can even lead to toxic mold and pest infestations.
3. You’ve Got Vulnerable Points
While roofs are largely composed of overlapping shingles that create a continuous and impermeable surface, this is unfortunately, not possible for all aspects of a roof.
For example, many roofs have a ridge vent built in. A ridge vent is simply an air exhaust vent that gets installed along the top ridge (“peak”) of a roof. When roofers install this vent, they do so by cutting a slot at the roof’s peak and then covering it by a ridge vent. The purpose of this vent is to allow air to enter or leave from your roofing system, thereby preventing condensation.
Similarly, there can be pipe collar flashing placed around any pipes that protrude from the roof. In theory, this flashing would fit snugly and precisely around the pipe, thereby creating a water tight seal. However, as logic would have it, this often isn’t the case.
As these situations describe, your roof can have specific areas or components that are naturally more vulnerable to forming small leaks over time.
If you have these components installed on your roof, then you’ll want to keep an extra close eye on them, as well as the interior of your house directly below them. If you see any discoloration of your ceiling in those areas, then act swiftly because you’ve likely got a small leak and it will get worse over time.
4. Your Energy Consumption Is Higher Than Normal
No one likes to think about roof replacement costs. Although, if the damage to your roof was caused by external factors, your homeowner’s insurance policy may cover the expense.
Regardless, ignoring your roofing problem may be costing you money. Aside from potential damage to your home, an old roof or damaged roof is not eco-friendly. It won’t serve as adequate insulation from the hot sun.
Conversely, a roof replacement can help insulate your home by reflecting the heat of the sun, rather than absorbing it. In the long run, this can help to keep your energy bills low.
5. You’ve Suffered Through Extreme Weather
Weather is another major concern when it comes to the health and integrity of your roof. A violent windstorm, hail, snow, and ice can compromise your roof.
After experiencing weather like this, it can be smart to call a roofing professional to assess the damage. You might be able to get away with minimal repairs. However, it’s not uncommon for a single hailstorm to destroy an entire roof.
If you’re been through extreme or rough weather, it is usually prudent to either do a roof inspection yourself or hire a professional to take a look. The scope of water damage can be very expensive, so it’s best to prevent it or at least address it immediately.
Do You Need a Roof Replacement?
Whether you need a traditional roof replacement or a flat roof replacement, don’t hesitate to get the job done. The more time you spend avoiding it, the more money it is likely to cost you in the long run. After all, part of owning real estate is the responsibility to maintain it.
The good news is that when you accumulate rental real estate, the costs of the repairs usually get covered by the income produced by the property.
Use this guide to identify the signs that you need a new roof. If you’re looking to learn more about real estate investing, explore the Real Estate section of the site.