Four Ways That Trees Can Damage Your Roof

Trees can help to beautify your yard and provide shade. However, their presence can also be a source of hazard for your roof. Broken tree branches and fallen trees can fall on your roof and cause serious damage to shingles and the structure of the roof. Every season brings its own set of challenges where trees are concerned, but you can take steps to limit the impact that trees have on your roof. Here are four ways trees can damage your roof:

Hanging Branches

It doesn’t matter the weight of hanging branches, if it falls on your roof, it can do harm. It’s not how heavy the branch is, per se, but it’s what could be hitching a ride on the branch. Termites and other harmful insects could take residence on your roof and access your home. A branch that is brushing against your roof year-round can damage the shingles, which can lead to unwanted cracks and leaks. A heavy branch landing on your roof not only has the potential to cause severe damage but could also be a hazard for you and your loved ones as well. Hanging branches can knock shingles out of place, compromising your roof.

Moss Growth

Trees are known to be a breeding ground for moss to grow, and overhanging trees that provide shade are more likely to have moss growth. An overhanging tree could cause the growth of moss along the shingles. This can cause the roof to degrade over time, and shingles can become loose or even break. The result is a roof with a diminished lifespan. Preventing excessive shade is key to reducing moss growth, and so trimming any overhanging trees can prevent moss from growing on your roof.

Falling Leaves and Overflowing Gutters

Falling leaves can have a negative impact on your roof and gutter system. It is essential that water flows freely through gutters and downspouts but fallen leaves or debris of any kind left in your gutters for an extended period of time can obstruct proper water flow. This can impact your roofing system by trapping water that can seep through tiny gaps in the shingles leading to leakage. Excessive moisture can also accelerate the decay of roof sheathing and weakening of the roof’s foundation.

Falling Trees

Falling trees can cause catastrophic damage to your roof and the home itself. The damage can be significant and excessively costly. To avoid potentially expensive repairs on your roof, be sure to frequently examine the trees around your property to assess whether there is any danger of a tree crashing down onto your home and doing significant damage.

Contact Us Today

While trees make for great accessories in your yard, they can also pose a threat to your roof. They can cause insects to find their way to your roof, clog gutters and falling branches and trees can do significant damage. It’s best to do tree maintenance to protect your roof. If trees have caused damage to your home’s roof, siding, or windows, reach out to our team at Oceanside Exteriors to assist you with your exterior remodeling needs! We can be reached over the phone at (207) 310-7659 or by filling out our online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you!