Now is a good time to do your rental property roof maintenance checkup before the weather starts to turn this fall. Remember, repair crews are backed up due to the pandemic and it is going to take them longer to get to your work this year.
Here are three ways to prevent costly roof maintenance on your rental property from Keepe.
Property maintenance comes as an integral part of the general maintenance and upkeep of your property., especially regular roof maintenance which allows capital budgeting to become more predictable and simplified.
When property managers maintain a roof correctly, they prolong its lifespan – and that saves money in the long run. Here are three effective ways to do just that:
1. Roof Maintenance Extends the Lifespan of the Roof
Regular maintenance usually is the least costly option for property managers.
Manufacturers agree that customary maintenance can extend a roof’s lifespan by 25 percent. Removing snow, unclogging gutters, clearing debris, adding sealant or caulk, and assessing vulnerable perimeter terminations, all contribute to the increased lifespan of a roof. To put this into perspective, a small addition of upfront maintenance expenditures could significantly minimize the roof’s overall cost annually.
Well-maintained roofs need just a minimal level of annual repair and don’t require frequent replacement. You can defer these costs and their effect on the  capital budget over additional years. Regular maintenance reduces the escalated expenses linked to older roofs and eradicates the need for unpredictable and expensive repairs.
2. Roof Maintenance Inspections Produce Information for Planning and Budgeting
Maintenance assessments disclose information that are essential to dependable capital budget planning.
With status updates at their disposal, managers can foresee most of the predictable charges. Hence, they can establish a timeline for essential repairs. Remember the delays that the pandemic can cause with roof contractors.
For example, a detailed contractor’s report may show that a roof will need to be replaced in 12 years. In addition, the report may also indicate if there is a need for specific repairs within three years. With this kind of information, property managers can plan and budget for necessary repairs and maintenance accordingly. By utilizing the maintenance reports, they can diminish the likelihood of budget shortfalls and emergency repairs.
3. Lower the Overall Cost of a Roof Replacement
Performing minor repairs and doing regular maintenance on your roof before these items turn into larger-scale projects are crucial in minimizing overall cost.
It also protects building operations from expensive interruptions. By handling small leaks, for instance, property managers can protect the deck from rusting and ensure that the insulation doesn’t become saturated.
This simple fix can save up to 30 percent of the whole re-roof expense, and more savings can be realized for decking with a well-sustained structure. On average, property managers with well-maintained roofs need to pay approximately 3 to 5 dollars per square foot for a re-roof. Structurally unsound or poorly maintained roofs, on the other hand, may demand a replacement cost of $12 per square foot. This is an additional cost that can be easily mitigated with a solid maintenance plan.
When capital planning, it’s easy for property owners to neglect roof maintenance. However, consistent upkeep significantly reduces the total expense for the roof’s replacement. It also prevents a lot of unforeseen costs and extends the roof’s lifespan altogether.
About Keepe:
Keepe is an on-demand maintenance solution for property managers and independent landlords. The company makes a network of hundreds of independent contractors and handymen available for maintenance projects at rental properties. Keepe is available in the Greater Seattle area, Greater Phoenix area, San Francisco Bay area, Portland, San Diego and is coming soon to an area near you. Learn more about Keepe at https://www.keepe.com
