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
1. 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. A close inspection of the potential contact point of the structure is the best way to determine if a tree has begun to touch during a windstorm. If there are marks on either the building or the tree, it is bound to only get worse with time.
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 would have grown close again. If you have landscapes that include large shrubs, grasses or fast-growing trees, it would be advisable to make an annual check of your roof-line.
2. CLEAN UP LEAVES & NEEDLES : Tree leaves and pine needles are another threat to the health of your roof. They may still accumulate on you roof even if you have trimmed the tree branches away from it. 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.
Since pine needles usually fall straight down, unlike leaves that will blow to your roof from all over the country, it’s important to keep the pine trees far enough away to not drop needles onto your roof. When they clump in piles on the shingles, moisture can’t evaporate quickly. Asphalt roofing products work very well as long as water can drain quickly.
3. SAFELY REMOVE UNSTABLE/UNHEALTHY TREES & KEEP GOOD TREES : Look out for trees around your home that could topple over or drop branches on your home during a storm. If you see rotting branches, holes in trees, or mushrooms around your tree, it may be diseased and in need of professional care or removal.
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.
Strategically placed trees on your property can be beneficial to your roof. These trees can help keep your roof shaded, prevent heat damage, and slow down the deterioration of your roof shingles. Trees can also serve as a wind break, blunting some of the force from damaging winds.
HOW ROOFING SOLUTIONS CAN BE OF SERVICE
Why is a roofer discussing the importance of trees maintenance? Well the hope is that you call Roofing Solutions to help you understand what conditions exist on your roof before you need any serious roof maintenance. By having our experts inspect your property and provide service for your trees, you can not only avoid damage to your home in the first place, but you can also prevent damage to your trees.
ROOF INSPECTIONS & ESTIMATES
This expertise helps customers understand what conditions exist on their roof. Please call if we can help ease your mind on the condition of your roof, or help confirm if you do indeed have weather related damage to your home.