Blog Post

Is a Cool Roof Right for My Long Beach Rental Property?

Dustin Edwards • May 14, 2022

Cool Roofs Have Benefits For You and Your Tenants

With summer right around the corner, it is best to consider installing a cool roof. A “cool roof” refers to geoengineering designed to reflect more sunlight than a conventional tiled or shingled roof. This causes the cool roof to absorb less heat by reflecting energy and heat from the sun. These roofs are most beneficial in warmer climates, making Long Beach an ideal location to install cool roofs.

 

What benefits does a cool roof bring to my Long Beach rental? Today we want to discuss how a cool roof can benefit you and your tenants.


Reduce Energy Consumption

When we say reduce energy consumption, we mean it in a few ways. Your tenant will see a lower electric bill in the hot seasons as they will not need to have the air conditioning on constantly. Keeping a tenant happy and comfortable is one of the best ways to have long-term tenants. Long-term tenants, in turn, produce a steady flow of income. A lower electric bill for your tenants is a great benefit; however, reducing energy consumption goes further than that. 

 

An additional benefit to lower power consumption is minor wear and tear on the air conditioning unit. Meaning you should expect the AC unit to last longer before maintenance or replace it due to heavy usage during the summer heat. Cool roofs can also help undersized AC units provide enough cooling when the heat rises.


Attract Tenants

By reducing the amount of heat transferred from the roof into the home, you can expect temperatures to be lower. Comfortable temperatures in the house are attractive to potential tenants. Long Beach can be very humid during the summer months making mold easy to grow. Low temperatures in the home can reduce mold growth, which can impact your tenant's health.

 

Many young adults looking for homes to rent are very conscious about lowering their energy usage. We have seen electrical grid failures and “flex alerts” to reduce power usage during past summers. A cool roof can ease tenants' worries about their power consumption during these times. 


Evaluating your Roof

Keep cool roofs in mind while doing routine inspections of your Long Beach rental property’s roof. Before investing in a cool roof, it is essential to evaluate your current roof. Although, in the long term, a cool roof can be an intelligent investment, replacing your existing roof before it is needed may not be ideal.

 

Once you have decided to invest in a cool roof, understand that prices may vary compared to a conventional roof. The reason being is that there are plenty of options to choose from for cool roofs. Single-Ply Membranes is a rolled sheet of material installed on the roof's plywood. They are attached via chemical adhesives and fasteners. These are mainly designed for homes with a low-sloped roof. Cool Shingles are more akin to a traditional roof. The main difference being the cool roof shingles are made with reflective materials. Shingles are the most common roofing material used in the country. Cool shingles should be considered an upgrade when repairing or replacing your old roof. If you want to keep a traditional tiled aesthetic, consider using cool tiles. New tiles are manufactured to reflect more heat than before and should last years without losing value.

 

If you have further questions about the benefits of cool roofs or need help deciding what material to use, call us at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our free rental analysis to see what your rental could yield today.

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By Dustin Edwards December 19, 2024
If you're properties are suffering from lack of heating this winter, these 3 common issues could be the cause.
By Dustin Edwards December 12, 2024
Although Southern California’s winters are typically mild when compared to other parts of the country, tenants still value a warm home during the cooler months. Taking steps to maintain a comfortable living environment shows your tenants that their needs are being prioritized. This is crucial for tenant satisfaction, especially during the holidays. Below are three methods to help keep tenants warm during the winter season. Maintain Heating System It's required for landlords to provide rentals with a working heating system, however, it's not uncommon for these to fall into disrepair either because of lack of maintenance or negligence. Scheduling regular inspections and maintenance before the coldest weather can help to ensure the heating is reliable and efficient. Cleaning air filters, and checking for cold spots, or irregular noises can help prevent small issues from escalating into expensive repairs. Preventative maintenance can help to reduce the chances of inconvenient calls for emergency repairs. Being proactive with your maintenance can also help you protect your investment while earning goodwill from your tenant. Another factor that can affect your heating system is drafts around windows and doors. These drafts can cause your heating system to overwork which makes the system less efficient, and reliable and ultimately reduces the lifespan of your heating system. You can address this by inspecting the seals around doors and windows for gaps or cold spots. Replace worn-out seals and caulking where it's needed. Offer Smart Thermostats Consider providing your tenants with a smart thermostat for energy-efficient heating. This can not only give tenants control over their comfort, but it's also a great tool to reduce energy usage. By providing this upgrade to your tenant, you show a commitment to your tenant’s satisfaction which can in turn result in a long-term tenant. These kinds of devices definitely benefit your tenants, though they can also contribute to the longevity of your rental property as well. Additionally, you can give your tenant a smart thermostat as a holiday gift . This can show your tenant that you’re not simply collecting rent while protecting your investment. Reverse Ceiling Fans The direction in which a ceiling fan rotates is oftentimes overlooked, and it can have a great effect on the temperature of a home. A ceiling fan is typically seen as a way to cool down a home during the hotter seasons without using the air conditioning . Reversing the spin of a ceiling fan can help to circulate warm air more efficiently during the cold season . This is because warm air rises, and a fan rotating clockwise will push the warm air back down helping maintain warm temperatures. Most fans have a switch on the motor and it is easily accessible for most people with a step ladder. This easy adjustment helps reduce the need for your tenant to use the heating system. Tenants will notice a more consistent and comfortable temperature indoors. This should also help reduce costs on their energy bill. Reversing the rotation of the ceiling fans also takes some of the strain off of the heating system. This helps to ensure it operates efficiently for years by reducing the wear and tear on it. Taking proactive steps this winter season to ensure your tenant’s comfort demonstrates a landlord’s commitment to their tenant’s comfort. A comfortable tenant is a satisfied tenant , which can lead to a long-term tenant and steady rental income. Consider it a small investment for long-term success. If you need help keeping your rental warm or managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
By Dustin Edwards December 5, 2024
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