One of the essential components of your rental property is the roof. By acting like a big umbrella, it performs several protective functions. Some of these functions include:
- Protecting the inhabitants against harsh elements such as sun, hail, snow, and high wind.
- Providing shelter for household furniture and appliances.
- Preventing water damage to the exterior walls and foundation.
Also, the roof provides insulating functions by retaining cold air in the summer and heat during winter. In Canada, some seasons come with extremes of temperature and harsh elements. The roof receives a direct impact from these conditions and over time, it may weaken or start failing.
At some point, you may consider a repair instead of a replacement. That may be because roof replacement is expensive, and you only have to do it when necessary. However, simple repairs may not solve the problem. And landlords often want to keep their rental properties habitable, points out the Leenan Management team.
Signs that you should replace the roof of your rental property
1. Persistent or recurring roof leaks
A single roof leak requires repairs. It is not a sign that you need a roof replacement. But if you notice frequent leaks from different parts of the roof and your tenants keep complaining after several repairs, then you should consider a roof replacement.
It means your shingles are becoming weak. When this happens, it would be best to invite experts for an inspection. These professionals will assess your roof to check for water pooling, stains under the roof, tinges on the walls, and any other signs of water damage.
After this assessment, they will be able to inform you about the cause and level of damage. Depending on the extent, the experts may advise you to consider simple leak repairs, total replacement, or partial replacement.
2. The massive growth of moss and algae
When moss or algae grows on the roof, they eat up the shingles and underlying wood. They extract minerals from the shingles to support their growth. The resultant effect of this makes the shingles weak.
Algae and moss on the roof allow water to pool on the roof’s surface. And this signifies ongoing water damage. So the presence of algae and moss on your roof means that it requires a replacement.
3. Bowing or sagging roof
The ridge of a roof should have a straight line. But when the roof is sagging, it assumes a saddle shape. You can even observe it from inside the house in terrible situations.
The roof may sag following foundation failure, attic deck collapse, the heavy weight of the snow, or pressure from the wind and roofing material. When a roof sags, you need to replace both the underlying structure and the roof urgently.
4. Excessive shedding of granules
Typically, asphalt shingles shed granules. But this shedding is minimal and not excessive. If you notice extreme shedding of granules to the extent that you see bald shingles or the granules full of the gutters, then your roof is failing. It is a sign that you need a roof replacement.
5. Damaged flashings
Roof flashing helps to provide a watertight seal around the vent, chimney, and skylight. They are water-resistant materials that prevent water from entering susceptible places such as roof joints and valleys.
However, the flashes often peel off, weaken, or sustain damage. As a result, water starts penetrating the internal structures to cause devastation. Damaged flashing is a sign that you need an urgent roof replacement.
6. Buckling or curling shingles
The roof’s shingles receive direct exposure to harsh elements such as extreme temperatures. Following repeated impacts from the sun and wind, the shingles may curl or buckle. As a result, the external structure no longer receives protection from harsh elements.
If you notice that a few shingles are curling, you can replace those. But when several shingles are curling at the same time, there is an extensive roof failure. The best thing to do here is a complete roof replacement.
7. Missing shingles
Missing shingles lead to water damage, mold growth, wood rot, pest infestation, and so on. Once in a while, a shingle may go missing following extreme winds that accompany some seasons in Canada. However, if the shingles get missing often, it signifies a failing roof that needs a replacement.
8. The lifespan of the roof
Your roof has a lifespan, and it would be best if you replace it at the end of its lifespan. Depending on the nature of the material, roofs last between 15 to 100 years. Some may even last longer. For instance, metallic roofs have a lifespan of over 700 years, and slate tiles have over 100 years. Asphalt roofs have a lifespan of between 15 to 30 years, while clay roofs last up to 50 years.
If you want your roof to last long, you need experts that can deliver high-quality installations. Also, you need to perform regular maintenance and inspection to check for signs of roof damage. Early detection and repairs will help you prevent some defects from becoming extensive.
