Trees that grow close to your home pose a greater risk of damage to your roof than you may realize. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that your yard needs to be a tree-free zone; it simply means that you should learn to recognize when your trees pose a risk to your roof and act accordingly. Here are four tips that will help you prevent tree damage to your roof.
1. Trim Trees Regularly
The most effective thing you can do to keep your roof safe from tree damage is to trim the trees around your home regularly. Any branches that have grown out enough to hang directly above your roof should be trimmed as soon as possible. As long as they are there, there is a risk of these branches falling and snapping shingles or damaging the supporting structures of the roof.
Low-hanging branches can also damage your roof even if they don’t snap off. Wind can cause low branches to rake against your roof, which can scrape the granules off your shingles and potentially dislodge the shingles themselves. Low branches also make it easier for squirrels, insects, and other pests to make their way onto your roof.
2. Learn the Signs of a Dying Tree
A tree that is damaged or dying will be weaker and more likely to fall onto your roof in the event of a windstorm or other disturbance. There are several ways to spot a tree that may be dying, so you can have it removed before it falls. The most important signs to look for are discolored or wilting leaves and patches of missing bark on the tree.
You can also get an idea of the health of a tree by looking at its exposed roots. If the roots are slimy, off-color, or if there are insects present, the tree may be under attack by a root fungus. Root fungus weakens tree roots and makes it more likely that the tree will fall.
3. Remove Debris Promptly
Leaves, twigs, and other debris that fall onto your roof should never be left for extended periods of time. Tree debris is excellent at holding moisture, and standing moisture on your roof is always cause for alarm. If parts of your roof are never allowed to dry, a leak is much more likely to develop, and there is a greater risk of mold growth and a likelihood that the roof’s wooden frame will rot.
Debris on your roof is also an attractive option for nesting pests. Cleaning your roof regularly will help to deter rodents from nesting on your roof and burrowing into it over time.
4. Install Gutter Guards
Just as tree debris on top of your roof can cause leaks, mold, and rot, tree debris in your gutters can hold enough moisture to cause damage around the edges of the roof. Furthermore, enough debris in your gutters can lead to water spilling over their edges and causing damage to your siding. Gutter guards are a great addition to any home as they help to keep gutters clear.
Gutter guards reduce how frequently your gutters need cleaning, but they are not a complete replacement for cleaning. You should still inspect your gutters and downspouts every month or two and scoop out any debris with a gutter scoop when necessary.
When you know the ways that trees near your home can lead to roof damage, you can recognize potential problems and address these problems to extend the life of your roof by several years. Use these tips to avoid tree damage to your home’s roof, and contact Horizon Roofing for all your roof repair needs.
Original article from https://www.abcoroofingtn.com/4-tips-to-prevent-tree-damage-to-your-roof