A Complete Guide for Rental Property Roof Care

Replacing a roof is an expensive job. You’ll likely find yourself out thousands of dollars when the time comes to call in the roofing contractors. Understandably, most investment property owners will do everything they can to keep their roofs in good condition to put off that hefty bill as long as possible. But with diligent roof care over the years, you can ensure your roof lasts the full extent of its lifetime.

Seven Steps to a Long-Lasting Roof

Working with professionals to ensure your roof is cared for is often the best option. However, if you like to DIY as much as possible with your rental property, follow this guide to keep your roof in the best repair possible.

1. Inspect Your Roof Regularly

The first and most crucial step of your care guide is regularly inspecting your roof for problems. You might be surprised how much damage a loose seal or tiny leak can do if you don’t catch it soon enough. 

2. Clean Your Gutters and Drains

Clear gutters efficiently funnel rain away from your home, preventing standing water and damage to the foundation or the roof. If your gutters are clogged, water may pool and even cause leaks. Spring and fall are great times to clean your gutters to avoid the summer heat and ensure they’re clean before and after the rainy season. 

3. Remove Algae, Fungus, and Moss

In our lush and rainy climate, cleaning your roof is especially important. If you start to notice a greenish tinge to your shingles, definitely plan a day to do a deep clean. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for debris on your roof from a windy day or storm. If enough debris accumulates over time, it can ultimately cause your roof to rot and leak. 

4. Trim Your Trees

We love our greenery in Portland, and a grand old tree providing shade for your home certainly makes an attractive picture. Unfortunately, if branches overhang your roof, they can be a safety hazard. Before winter storms arrive, be sure to trim any greenery that comes near your roof. Falling branches and other debris can cause both short-term and long-term damage and even require an emergency roof replacement. 

5. Look for Damaged Shingles

While checking the exterior of your roof, keep an eye out for missing or damaged shingles. These may need to be repaired or replaced to prevent leaks or further damage in the future.

6. Check Joints, Seals, and Insulation

The joints in your roof are where leaks most commonly occur. Regularly inspect them for dried or loose sealant, and pay close attention to the insulation, too. Insulation is your first defense against moisture, ice dams, and roof warping. If you notice an issue with your insulation, address it quickly to avoid water damage. 

7. Check for Pests

The only thing worse than finding a raccoon living in the attic is not knowing there’s a raccoon living in your attic until the damage is already done. Squirrels, bugs, bats, and other pests can quickly degrade your roof, destroying insulation and creating a mess. When inspecting your roof and attic, keep an eye out for fur, droppings, damage, or any avenues that unwelcome guests could make their way into your roof and attic.

Safety is Critical

Tending to routine roof care might not seem like a big deal. However, falls from roofs account for almost 10% of all falling deaths in America. To avoid serious harm, always make sure you’re following appropriate safety precautions when working on your roof. 

• Use a sturdy ladder rated for the height you need to climb. Obey all safety instructions, and never stand on the top rung.
• Enlist a buddy to steady your ladder and supervise while you’re on the roof if possible. If you fall, you want to be sure someone can call for help as quickly as possible. 
• Wear clothing that you can easily move in and won’t pose a tripping hazard.
• Watch your footing and stay away from the edge of the roof whenever possible.

Get Professional Roof Care When You Need To

Many aspects of roof care are simple enough to handle on your own. However, there’s no question that roof maintenance can be challenging and even dangerous. Since a minor problem can quickly spiral into an expensive repair, calling in the professionals whenever you’re not totally confident in your own abilities is always the best move. 

Of course, finding contractors you can trust to do a good job was a challenge before the pandemic. Now, it can feel almost impossible. Rather than waste time searching for contractors and worrying about whether you’ll get the job finished under budget, you can let experts like us handle everything from start to finish.

Our Team Handles Your Roof Care

We know how hard it is to find quality contractors these days. That’s why our team at Rent Portland Homes by Darla Andrew is composed of vetted, top-quality contractors you can rely on to get roofing jobs done right. We’ve built our people-focused business model around open communication and quality experience. Our designated maintenance and repair team will ensure your rental is kept in perfect condition. We know how important it is to fix even the most minor issue as soon as possible, so we ensure our maintenance and repairs are completed within a 48-hour window. 

In addition to making sure your property is in top shape, we also help find you the best quality tenants while staying up-to-date on Portland’s screening laws. Our marketing team will craft a professional and wide-reaching campaign to ensure your listing gets the attention it deserves. We can handle all tenant communications, including rent collection, legal disputes, and lease negotiations. And at the end of the day, you’re still welcome to DIY any parts of the property management business that still interest you. We’re here to help you make your rental business profitable, easy, and stress-free. If you’re ready to put your roof care in the hands of qualified experts, call us anytime.