The roof on a house, office building, or retail property is an important part of the structure as it protects the building from the elements. When the roof develops a leak, rainwater and snow melt will get into the building, damaging the roofing structure, ceiling, and walls of the building. To prevent this from happening, the roof should be inspected regularly and any damage fixed urgently. This is because the issue can get from bad to worse pretty fast. The following are tips to maintain your rental property roof:
Inspect the Roof Regularly
Experts recommend a roof inspection once every two years. Ideally, this should be done before the winter, wet, or rainy season. The inspection should be done by a professional. If you are already working with an Atlanta property manager, they’ll handle this and other maintenance tasks for you, plus they have contracts with the best professionals in the industry, so you can be assured of proper inspection of the roof. During the inspection, the following should be checked; plant growth, missing or raised shingles, missing or exposed fasteners, and broken or sagging gutters. Regular inspection of the roof can help to identify problems before they become serious issues that are costly to repair.
Trim Trees
Overhanging branches can damage the roof when they sway back and forth during strong winds. These branches can also break and damage the roof severely. Trees that are growing close to the house can also shed a lot of leaves and other organic matter that can clog gutters. During roof maintenance, be sure to have trees trimmed to remove overhanging branches.
Clean Gutters Regularly
Gutters usually collect rainwater and snowmelt and dispose of it safely to the ground. Clogged gutters can cause a myriad of issues including; damage to the siding, foundation, roof, and landscaping. Be careful not to damage the gutters during cleaning. Ideally, this should be done by a professional.
Watch Out for Algae and Moss
Moss and algae are living organisms that can grow on the roofing material and compromise the structural integrity of the roof. They usually grow in damp shaded areas on the roof. Fortunately, they can easily be cleaned off the roof. Be sure to also trim surrounding trees to ensure the whole roof receives plenty of sunlight.
Inspect the Roof Insulation
Roofs need to be properly insulated to improve the energy efficiency of the rental unit. This is crucial if you want to keep tenants happy and have a long-term relationship with them. Be sure to hire a professional to inspect the insulation under your roof to ensure heated air is not lost through the roof.
At Specialized Property Management Atlanta, we know it can be scary to trust people with your investment. You can rely on us to help you inspect and maintain your rental property!
