For every homeowner, the roofing system is an essential component of the house. Roofs are the support system that protect the house from all sorts of things, including tree branches! If you want to keep your roof safe and in good condition, it is crucial to understand how trees can damage it. Basically, you want to protect the roof from trees.
What are some ways trees can damage roofs? Here they are
#1 Danger From The Dangling Trees Branches
Trees are not like small saplings. They have strong limbs and branches. Just imagine an overhanging branch from a giant oak tree. You might like the sight of the oak tree in your yard, but it is a threat to your roof over your house. There is a risk associated with the branches. It might break and fall on the roof!
Branches can break due to high winds, storms or age. Your goal is to protect the roof from such overhanging branches so they don’t crush the shingles, break the edges and cause other damages. Cut and trim branches so they’re no longer a threat to your roof.
#2 Clogging Of The Gutters/Downspouts
Trees are living organisms. They will regularly lose their dead leaves, branches, twigs and other materials. These things fall on the roof and get collected in the gutters. Over time, the water from rain and snow will be blocked by such debris. The presence of debris in the gutter can clog it completely.
You may not know the condition of the roof gutters until water starts seeping inside the ceiling and walls.
To prevent such situations, you can use gutter guards. Besides, regular cleaning will keep the gutters free from debris. You want to prevent excessive clogging in the gutters and downspouts so water can freely flow away from your house.
#3 Damage Caused To Shingles
If tree debris does not get washed down off the roof to the gutters, it gets stuck on the surface of the shingles. Delay in cleaning the roof will lead to the decaying of tree debris. This debris traps moisture and water on the surface of the shingles. It then leads to excessive growth of mold and mildew on the entire roof surface. Mold and mildew are the main reason for water leaks on the roof, rotting the roof underlayment and damaging the structural integrity.
#4 Excessive Shade
What is the problem with shade? It is beneficial for the house to keep cool, but excessive shade is not helpful for the roof. The presence of too many nearby trees will not let sunlight fall on the roof. No sunlight means that water and moisture will likely get trapped inside the roof and will not dry. This problem mainly occurs during times of rainfall and snowfall.
#5 Infestation By Critters
It is normal for birds and critters to dwell in and on trees. Even if you try to avoid them, they will find some way to build a nest! Due to this, there is a high risk of pest infestation on the roof. If you do not inspect the roof regularly, you might end up with all sorts of animals using a tree to get on your roof and poop, build nests, burrow into holes, etc. Ugh!
#6 Falling Trees On The Roof
The worst nightmare for homeowners involves a tree falling on the roof. During stormy weather or thunderstorms, trees can get uprooted and fall on the roof. This can collapse the entire roof! This damage is often beyond repair. You should opt for re-roofing. Hence, it is better to prevent such accidents and expensive roof repair/replacement by eliminating nearby trees from your yard that would otherwise fall on the roof during bad weather.
Summary
To prevent tree damage to your roof, you can trim massive branches during seasonal changes. This will reduce the risk of falling branches and trees. It will also support the prevention of other issues as well. Got tree issues next to your house/roof? Get help! For more information, call Arko Exteriors at 763-434-2756.