Large, mature trees are magnificent and can draw a buyer into buying a home. They’re aesthetically pleasing and offer other benefits for your house. However, it is common for trees to cause damage to your roof, especially during a storm. As a homeowner, you must understand the maintenance required to extend the lifespan of your roof. Easy steps prevent damage caused by fallen branches, pine needles, and leaves. Read more to learn four ways to prevent trees from damaging your roof while reaping the benefits.
The Pros and Cons of Trees Around Your Home
There are significant benefits to having trees around your home. One advantage is that large trees help to protect your roof from strong winds that can cause damage to your shingles. Damaged shingles are a common cause of roof leaks! Along with blocking wind, they provide shade for your home and protect UV light from hitting your roof. UV light can shorten the life of most roofing materials too. Because of the shade trees bring, your air conditioning cost will drop. This is because shingles on your roof soak up heat and release it into your home. The natural shade that trees bring will cool the temperature altogether.
Many cons of having trees near your home are associated with damage that it can cause to the roof. Your tree could seem highly sturdy, but there is always a chance it could fall onto your roof. Factors such as splitting tree trunks, fungus, rotting branches, or missing leaves can all signal that the tree is weakening. When it comes to branches, it may not seem realistic that a small branch could cause harm to your roof, but they are the cause of most roof damage. Falling and low-hanging branches can scratch your shingles and cause the protective layer to be compromised. Debris can also play a factor in harming your roof. It can hold moisture on your roof, leading to mold, moss, and algae growth.
How to Prevent the Damage
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Trim the Trees
You should trim all branches that are close to your roof. If you do not feel comfortable accomplishing this, don’t risk it. You can contact a professional to take care of it for you. An arborist or tree expert can trim all the branches necessary to protect your home.
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Placement of Trees
The placement of trees in your yard can make a world of difference when it comes to damaging your roof. Looking to plant new trees or remove some that you think may cause damage? It is recommended that trees be at least 15-20 feet from your home. Smaller trees are okay to be around 15 feet from your home, but larger trees should be 20 feet or more away.
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Clean Your Roof and Gutters
As soon as you see leaves and debris accumulating on your roof or gutters, you should remove them as quickly as possible. If your trees drop debris all year long, you should make it a goal to clean your roof and gutters every few months. Gutter guards can also make a great addition to your roof. They help keep your gutters clear and ensure that they are working correctly.
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Cut Down Unstable Trees
If you think a tree may be weak, bring in an arborist to see your best option. If you plan to remove the tree yourself, you should use proper safety precautions and be cautious. Always check your local city bylaws to ensure that you don’t accidentally cut down a species that is prohibited to remove.
How We Can Help
Arnett Roofing and Construction is built on a solid foundation of trust and loyalty, ensuring that every one of our clients is adequately taken care of during any roofing project. If you suspect a tree has damaged your home, contact our experts ASAP! We will provide you with a FREE inspection and ensure that any repairs needed are done swiftly and correctly.
