Trees and Roof Damage: What You Need to Know

Hail, wind, ice and extreme temperatures: These are just a few of the things that can cause damage to your Cherokee home’s roof. Did you know that trees can also inflict serious damage? While landscaping can drive the curb appeal of your home, you’ll want to keep an eye on tree damage. Here’s what to look for:

• Weak tree limbs. While mature trees have strong roots that generally keep them tethered to the ground, a strong wind can snap weak limbs. If a tree is positioned close to the home, the limbs will inflict serious roof damage.
• Debris. As wind and other weather elements pick up strength, smaller branches and leaves will gather on the roof. As the debris forms a pile, it acts as mulch on the roof. Underneath that mulch, moisture accumulates, deteriorating the shingles underneath and eventually rotting the roof structure.
• Moving leaves and debris. Wind and rain make debris on the roof slide down into the gutters. Here, debris can cause serious problems. As the gutters become full, water will back up onto the roof (and water is another source of rot and shingle deterioration).
• Shingle displacement. Strong winds cause trees to release limbs of any size. As they come tumbling down on the roof, they’ll dislodge or lift shingles. Once the shingles move and expose the roof’s underlayment, water damage begins. Rain will seep in, eventually making its way into the home’s ceilings and walls.

Stop Tree Roof Damage

The best way to prevent roof damage from trees involves following these preventive measures:

• Trim branches. Assess the condition of nearby trees and keep limbs trimmed. This action will stop branches from scraping the roof and gouging shingles.
• Take precautionary measures. If you see shingles on the ground around the home, call a roofing expert to evaluate the roof’s condition.
• Stay on top of maintenance. Prevent moisture and rotting damage on the roof with regular maintenance. Keeping the roof clear of leaves, branches and pine needles will stop the problem before damage occurs.
• Hire a tree expert. This is particularly important if the area around your home is replete with trees. Remove unstable trees promptly.

Find out more about roof damage from trees and learn what you can do to maintain your roof. Contact Findlay Roofing today!

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