Rental Property Tips from a Roofer in Fort Collins

Thursday, 10 October 2024 15:33

Real estate can be a highly valuable investment for a lot of Coloradans, so having an additional home as a rental property is quite common. If you’ve ever had to make repairs or replacements, like the floors, you know that unique considerations are necessary; in your own home you may have plush carpet, but a rental might need a more durable vinyl plank. Similar thought should go into your roofing systems! So, let's go through some tips from our roofers in Fort Collins.

Roofer in Fort Collins’ Favorite Rental Property Materials

When choosing roofing materials for a rental property, you should prioritize cost, durability, and energy efficiency, especially if you’re charging a flat rate for utilities. Here are some great options for rental properties:

Asphalt Shingles

Due to their cost and simple installation, asphalt shingles are the most widely used roofing material in the United States. They are not as resilient as other options, but they can last 20–30 years if maintained properly, which makes them a good option for our area, with the high winds and hail. However, they may require more frequent upkeep due to weather damage.

Metal Roofing

With a 50-year lifespan, metal roofs are renowned for their strength and energy efficiency. They are a better long-term investment than asphalt even though they are more expensive initially because they need less upkeep and can save energy. In the event of a strong hailstorm, they can become dented and affect the curb appeal of your rental property.

Clay or Concrete Tiles

Although tile roofs made of clay or concrete are generally more costly, they have unmatched longevity—lasting up to 100 years. Because of its strength and exceptional resistance to hail, fire, and harsh weather, this kind of roofing material is a great option for rental property owners looking to reduce their yearly expenses.

Importance of Roof Maintenance for Rental Properties

Regular roof maintenance is crucial for lowering repair costs and increasing the lifespan of your roof, particularly for rental properties where tenants might not always report problems right away. Developing a proactive maintenance program with a roofer in Fort Collins helps keep minor issues from getting expensive. Frequent inspections can spot problems like damaged shingles or water permeation early on. Ideally, these should be done twice a year in the spring and fall as well as following significant weather events. If roofs are damaged during a storm, putting off an inspection can quickly make things worse.

Gutter cleaning and debris removal are equally crucial since clogged gutters can result in leaks and water accumulation. Smaller fixes, like patching up shingles or caulking gaps, should be done by professionals right away to prevent bigger, more expensive issues later. Routine maintenance will help you avoid emergency repairs, saving both time and money.

Identifying Common Roofing Issues

You should be aware of frequent roofing problems to avoid future expensive repairs at your property. A few of the most common issues are ice dams, hail damage, and leaks. Water stains on ceilings or walls indicate damage that needs prompt care to prevent mold and structural difficulties. This is something that can also go unreported by tenants as well, so regular inspections of the property’s interior are valuable, of course with proper warning for your tenants.

Leaks are frequently the first symptom of difficulty with a roof. Hail can be a major culprit, causing cracks in shingles or even denting metal roofs. Catching and fixing that damage early is key if you want to avoid bigger, pricier repairs later. In winter, ice dams, or ridges of ice at the roof's edge, can affect snow drainage, leading to leaks inside the home. But proper insulation and ventilation can stop ice dams in their tracks and save your home from water damage.

Call On Our Roofers in Fort Collins Today

Whether you need a full roof replacement or just routine maintenance, working with experienced local roofers is the best way to protect your rental property from costly damage. Especially after a storm, where the Fort Collins hail damage repair cost can vary depending on the severity, professional roofers can help assess the situation and recommend the most effective course of action.

Reach out to Ethos Roofing & Restoration today for a FREE inspection to keep your rental property safe, sound, and weatherproof.