It is essential to maintain the property if you have a single-family home or a townhouse that you rent to tenants. Even if you’re not living under that roof, replacing the roof on your rental properties has great advantages, especially in areas like Knoxville, TN, where the weather can take a toll on older homes.
Look at the ten compelling advantages of a roof replacement for any residential rental property.
1. Increased Property Value
Let’s start with one of the biggest advantages for landlords—replacing the roof can significantly boost your property’s value. If your roof is showing its age, a new roof in Knoxville, TN, can make your rental more attractive, help you raise rent, and even increase resale value.
2. Improved Energy Efficiency
Modern materials used when replacing the roof offer better insulation, helping reduce energy bills—something renters highly appreciate. In Knoxville’s climate, keeping cool in the summer and warm in the winter becomes more efficient with a new roof, encouraging lease renewals.
3. Prevent Property Damage
Delaying roof upgrades can lead to leaks and water damage. Replacing the roof in Knoxville, TN, helps avoid costly repairs and upholds your duty to provide a safe, livable space.
4. Attract Quality Tenants
A well-maintained property—including a newly replaced roof—signals to tenants that you care. When the roof is new, your rental stands out in Knoxville’s competitive housing market.
5. Potential Tax Benefits
Replacing the roof may qualify as a capital improvement, offering possible tax advantages. Always consult a tax professional, but know that a roof upgrade may make long-term financial sense.
6. Reduction in Maintenance Costs
As the property owner, you’re responsible for maintaining the home for your tenants. If the roof is older, you’re probably throwing a lot of money at it for repairs. Do the math, and you’ll see it will save you more in the long run to replace your roof and have one less thing to take care of with that home.
7. Increased Curb Appeal
First impressions influence renters. Replacing the roof enhances the home’s visual appeal and gives your investment property a polished, well-maintained appearance that draws in quality tenants.
8. Structural Safety and Security
Replacing the roof helps ensure the structural integrity of the home. A solid roof provides essential protection from elements, reducing the risks of leaks, collapses, or safety issues for tenants.
9. Protection from Liability
If professionals or insurers have recommended replacing the roof and you ignore it, you may be liable if an incident occurs. Replacing the roof shows you’re taking responsible action to safeguard tenants and reduce legal risk.
10. Lower Insurance Costs
Insurers often raise premiums for aging roofs. Replacing the roof may lower your insurance costs and improve the chances of coverage during severe weather. Certain roofing materials may even qualify for premium discounts.
How to Determine If Your Rental Properties Need a Roof Replacement
Upgrading the roofing can be incredibly beneficial to landlords, though this step isn’t necessary if your roof is only a few years old and has no damage. You might be wondering when you should put this on your to-do list.
Your Roof Is Old
Depending on the materials used on the roof, it may last for 15 or more years. Asphalt shingles tend to last this long, but the older they get, the more likely your insurer will increase premiums. A roof made of metal or other more durable materials may have a longer lifespan, but it isn’t impervious to weather damage. As the landlord, ensure you’re having annual roof inspections and making repairs while the roof is still in its prime. This will prevent the need to replace it prematurely and keep you clued in for when it’s time for a roof replacement.
Your Tenants Have Complained About Leaks
Ideally, you’re an involved landlord who notifies tenants when you’ll be coming by to check on the property and make notes of any issues. However, even the most vigilant landlords may get a call from tenants after heavy rainfall that the roof is leaking. You’ll want to check periodically, especially if there has been a significant weather event, walk through the property, and check the ceilings. Brown water stains on the ceiling or wet attic areas are clues of leaks. On an older roof, it will generally signify that you should replace the roof.
You See Damaged or Missing Shingles
In between annual inspections, look at the roof on your rental properties. If you notice many cracked, curling, or missing shingles on an older roof, it may be best to replace it. You won’t be able to see all the damage from the ground, though getting up on a ladder can be dangerous. If you’re not a roofing expert, you may end up causing more damage to the roof by walking on it. A drone can help you see what’s going on, but you will want to review this footage with a roofing professional, as they will know what to look for.
Vegetation Is Growing On The Roof
It should be noted that algae and other vegetation may grow on your roof, but that doesn’t always mean it needs replacing. However, it does mean you should start paying attention and getting ready to make updates. Moss and algae can be cleaned off, and doing so can help prevent your roof from prematurely incurring damage. It is highly advised to hire professionals with a solid reputation for safe roof cleaning to soft wash these materials to prevent damage.
You’ve Got Shingle Granules in the Gutters
This tip for telling when your roof needs replacement only applies to roofs with asphalt shingles. This roofing material has granules embedded in the shingles that give it the color it has, along with protection from UV rays and fire resistance. When you start seeing these granules in your gutters or around the downspouts, your roof is on borrowed time.
Granule loss is natural as an asphalt roof ages, though a nasty storm can cause more wear and tear. Keep tabs on your shingles on newer roofs and report damage after a big storm to your insurer. You can have those shingles replaced with relative ease. However, on an older roof, it is more economical to invest in a replacement and have greater peace of mind in your roof’s structural integrity.
Neighboring Homes Are Doing It
Even if you’ve diligently maintained the roof on your home rental over the years, there will come a time when you start seeing your neighbors getting their roofs replaced. Don’t think for a moment that you will be fine since you’ve taken care of your home. Asphalt shingles, in particular, will need to be replaced as they age, and no amount of quality care can prevent that. If all the homes in your neighborhood were built around the same time, it’s likely a good time to talk to your neighbors and see who they’ve hired for the job.
Image by Mario Ohibsky; Pixabay
