Trees that are too close to your roof may damage or reduce the life of your shingles, resulting in expensive maintenance and repair. The most obvious is if a tree is damaged or unstable, it may collapse your roof during a windstorm.
- If you don’t prune your tree, branches may hang over the roof and scratch the shingle’s outer protective layer. This also gives rodents an easy way into your attic. If you have ever had mice or squirrels in your attic you know it can be a huge problem
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- Even small falling tree branches can damage your property. Sticks, branches, nuts and other debris may encourage moss and algae growth that can over-shade the roof and shorten its lifespan. Mature trees can moderate summer temperature in your home, but too much shade can cause algae and mold growth.
- Most shingle manufacturers carry algae-resistant shingles.
Distance Your Roof and Tree Branches
It is best to have at least a 6-feet distance between the branches and the rooftop. When you plant large trees make sure they are 20 feet away from your home.
You may also want to check with your homeowner’s insurance requirements about tree distance.
While insurers typically cover roof damage from trees, they may refuse to cover it if they find you were negligent.
Tips on How to Prevent Roof Damage
1. Clean your roof!
Removing tree branches, dried leaves, needles, and nuts from the rooftop and rain gutter can prevent structural issues, mold, mildew, and discoloration on the shingles.
- 2. Prune the branches!
- Cut away branches that are too close, or leaning over the roof. You will want to remove them or hire a professional to prevent damage during the trimming process. Excessive trimming could also lead to the tree dying so be sure to consider a full tree removal in this type of situation.
- 3. Cut it down!
- Unstable trees could be your last problem. First, check with your local city bylaws because some species are protected. Some trees with certain trunk diameter cannot be cut down.
- 4. Correct new Growth!
- When a tree is still young, pruning does less damage than large cuts. This also encourages the young trees to develop stronger junction between the trunk and branches.
Younger trees can sometimes be pulled and grown away from the house.
In Conclusion :
You will need to hire a professional roofing contractor if there is already roof or gutter damage. Remember proper safety equipment if you plan on doing the roofing work or tree work yourself.
If you need roofing services, repair, and maintenance, contact Sonderby Roofing in Lehigh Valley PA, a professional roofing contractor serving Northeastern PA with experience in residential shingle roofing and commercial flat roofing.
Aside from roofing services, our company also offers gutter services, siding services, skylight cleaning, gutter cleaning, roof flashing repair, and window services.
Call Sonderby Contracting (484)209-0775 for a free roof estimate or to diagnose most exterior home issues.