A tree branch is a simple, yet often overlooked aspect of home ownership and property maintenance. Nonetheless, one of the most commonly seen forms of property damage caused by trees is roof damage due to fallen or broken limbs.
Trees provide shade during hot summers as well as put on a beautiful display of colors in the fall. Your roof may not have the same fondness, especially if the trees near your home receive little maintenance. The trees could cause costly, significant damage to your roof. However, most of this damage can be prevented if followed by the below maintenance instructions:
WINTER IS COMING
- TRIM BRANCHES before they grow too close to the roof. Large limbs can break off and puncture your roof. If they’re already weak from age or prior damage, an ice storm even or rare snow storm can do them in.
- What is a safe distance? A minimum of 3’ of distance is considered an industry standard from an insurance standpoint.
- How often should I inspect my roof? If you have established at least a 3’-5’ of clearance off your roof, it is usually 2-3 years before most trees
- CLEAN UP LEAVES & NEEDLES : Tree leaves and pine needles are another threat to the health of your roof & guttering. They may still accumulate on you roof even if you have trimmed the tree branches away. If the leaves on your roof are not cleared away, they can lock in moisture that will cause your roof to deteriorate prematurely, which can lead to mold or leaks.
- SAFELY REMOVE UNSTABLE/UNHEALTHY TREES & KEEP GOOD TREES : Look out for trees around your home that could topple over or break branches on your home during a storm, or if iced over.
- Falling limbs can wreak havoc, but if a whole tree topples over, you’re likely to suffer substantial damage not only to the roof but to the walls, as well. It may be costly to have the tree cut down, but think what you would save by preventing the tree from crashing into your house.
HOW ROOFING SOLUTIONS CAN BE OF SERVICE:
Why does Roofing Solutions care about discussing the importance of trees maintenance? Well, we care about you and your property. The hope is that you call Roofing Solutions to help you understand what conditions exist on, and around your roof before you need any serious roof maintenance.