Top 6 Rental Property Roof Maintenance Tips for Landlords

Guest Blog Post by: Jason Lundgren, Young Management Corp.

​The roof is a building’s first line of defense from natural hazards like snow, wind, rain, fire as well as extreme heat. In addition, it’s arguably a building’s most vulnerable part.
Oftentimes, your roof is exposed to punishing weather conditions, and this largely contributes to its deterioration, increasing the risk of damage to everything it protects beneath.
This, therefore, implies that as a landlord, you should always ensure that your roof remains in tiptop condition. Besides, it’s your duty to ensure that your property adheres to your state’s habitability laws.
Conducting regular inspections is unquestionably the best preventive care that you can take to safeguard your roof from the elements. The inspections frequency and maintenance, of course, mostly depends on the geographical location of your property.
For example, if your property is located near the sea or in equally inclement conditions, it’ll likely need routine and greater care than a building situated in an area with favorable conditions.

Besides harsh weather conditions, your rental property roof can also get damaged because of:

• Improper or lack of maintenance

This is a roof’s worst enemy. Many problems start out as minor and eventually grow to become serious.

• Blistering and shrinkage

Blistering, splitting, ridging, and surface erosion of shingles can eventually lead to bigger problems. Shrinkage is caused when the roof membrane shrinks, most often causing the upper layer to craze or crack.

• Poor roof ventilation

Poor roof ventilation can cause a variety of problems that can cause damage and lead to expensive repairs. In addition, it can increase your property’s energy costs.

• Ponding water

Water that pools or stands on your roof is a sure sign of a problem.
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Poor or faulty installationThis can lead to water damage, the growth of mold and mildew, angry tenants, and other unpleasant side effects.
So, how can you ensure your rental property’s roof is always in good condition? Well, here are 6 tried-and-tested roof maintenance tips.
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1.   Check the insulation.

The primary function of a roof’s insulation is to act as a thermal barrier for your building. Keeping the building’s hot air and cold air is its job – and it definitely helps keep bills down and its thermal value up.
Proper ventilation and insulation in your attic also help reduce moisture and prevent the formation of ice dams.

2.   Re-caulk, if necessary.

Flashings may not hold their seal if low-grade caulking was used when the roof was being installed.
Roof flashing helps direct the flow of water around openings. Without flashing, water will seep into your home causing structural damage. One telltale sign of a damaged roof flashing is large water spots on the ceiling inside your home.

3.   Check for moss and algae.

Moss and algae growing on roof tiles and shingles are unsightly. Plus, they are damaging. Left unattended, these organisms can cause damage amounting to thousands of dollars.
To get rid of moss and algae growth:

• Trim overhanging branches
• Remove debris
• Keep your attic properly ventilated

4. Trim the trees.

Trees give us oxygen, food, medicine and a whole lot more. However, one good storm can send branches crashing into your roof.
Trees can damage your rental property’s roof in a variety of ways. These include:

• These can clog gutter.

Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your property. Pine needles are especially troublesome for gutters, as is the sap that usually accompanies them.

• These can make it easier for animals to enter.

A nice long tree branch can help skunks, possums, raccoons, and squirrels access your attic.

• It enables the growth of moss.

Moss needs moisture to grow. The shade provided by trees helps facilitate that.

5.   Clean the gutters.
Your rental property’s roof can be just as important as your roof. Gutters help direct rainwater so it doesn’t flood your property.
Obstructed gutters can cause:

• Roof damage

Overflowing gutters damage roofs in the same way that these damage siding. Roofs may become warped and spring leaks.

• Landscape damage

The area directly below your gutters is vulnerable to the effects of overflowing water. The deluge of water can destroy the delicate shrubs and flowers you’ve planted.

• Siding damage

As water overflows from clogged gutters it inevitably runs down the side of your home. This can cause serious damage to your home.

• Foundation damage

Over time, water seeping through the ground can cause damage to your foundation. This can be especially common in areas with expansive soil conditions.

6.   Inspect your roof.

Experts recommend that you do this at least twice every year. When inspecting your roof, look for these problem areas:

• Piles of granules
• Sagging or broken gutters
• Missing or exposed fasteners
• Buckling, loose or missing flashing
• Damaged drip edge
• Lifting or missing shingles

 
Properly maintaining your rental property can not only help you avoid costly repairs but can also help you minimize tenant turnover.