Roofing Tips for Landlords

Common Roofing Misconceptions

• Maintenance is optional
• Contemporary roofs hardly merit maintenance
• Roof issues are covered by material warranties

Some landlords believe it is unnecessary to regularly check their rental property’s roof and often fall for an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality. However, spending a small amount to inspect and perform routine maintenance on your roof on an annual basis – or after a significant weather event – can pay huge dividends in the future. Consider the HVAC vent that is affected by a large wind event and becomes disconnected inside the attic. A quick tour of the roof, and a peek inside the attic to check all vent connections, can eliminate the potential for improper ventilation, mold and other damage inside the home.

Modern roofing materials often come with quality warranties. But, there are many caveats to those warranties and it pays to thoroughly read the warranty with your roofer and understand what is covered and what isn’t. Materials are much better and last for a longer amount of time, but they still need to be checked on regularly.

7 Easy Tips to Keep Your Roof Healthy and Happy

1. Check your roof in the spring and fall
2. Do not power wash your roof to remove debris
3. Check your attic for signs of improper venting, animals, and proper insulation
4. Clean your gutters and downspouts
5. Don’t let snow and ice unnecessarily accumulate, or remain on your roof
6. Remove trees or large branches that could fall and damage your roof
7. Communicate with your tenants

“As the seasons change, make sure to give your roof a quick check. Colorado roofs see a wide range of temperatures and weather throughout the year. We also experience much harsher UV rays due to Colorado’s higher elevation. All of these things take a toll on your roof,” says Mike Wilhelm, President of Holladay Grace Roofing.

Take an hour in the spring and fall to walk your roof, check your gutters and attic, and remove any debris. Also, be on the lookout for leaks after a heavy rainstorm or windstorm, a sagging roof deck, stain on your walls and ceiling, cracked or missing shingles, soft spots, paint blistering of peeling, and discolored shingles.

Take a quick look at the trees around your property. Are they dead? Do they have large branches that hang over your roof? Take the appropriate measures to remove the branches and, if necessary, the tree. Dead trees and large branches can cause significant damage year-round whether they are blown over from a storm or simply die and fall down.

As a landlord, your best source of information is from your tenant. Build a good rapport with them and then respond in a timely manner if they tell you about something that concerns them. They are at the home every day and will be able to be on the lookout for any potential issues. A happy tenant is one that feels safe and comfortable in their rental and a happy landlord is one that receives their rent check every month. A damaged roof can quickly lead to upset tenants and costly repairs – in addition to expense related to addressing tenant issues.

Take the time to inspect your roof each season, or call Holladay Grace Roofing at (719) 596-0733, to have them come provide a professional inspection and help find budget friendly solutions to any of your roofing needs.