How Trees Can Damage Residential Roofing

Residential roofing is often damaged by tree branches hanging over the roof, but there are benefits to having trees close to a house. They block strong winds, provide shade in the summer thereby reducing your energy bill, and protect your roofing from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Management and maintenance are the secrets to preventing trees from damaging the roof of your house. Branches should be cut back or trimmed regularly, and if the tree is causing structural damage to the home, it must be removed.     

Safety is very important to Bob Harvey Roofing, as with all professional roofing contractors. Since we generally work at treetop level, we appreciate the beauty of all trees. However, when a large tree needs to be trimmed or removed, it is always advisable to contact a professional tree trimming service. The Utah State University, Forestry Extension, has a fact sheet on why, when, and how to prune branches from landscape trees, when you want to do the trimming yourself, and the tree is a manageable size. 

Let’s discuss what kind of residential roof damage you can expect from trees.  

Falling branches

It is natural for branches to fall from trees, especially mature ones. Trimming tree branches over a roof should be a regular occurrence, but even well-managed trees can cause damage during a storm when branches break and fall onto your home's roof. Falling branches are also a risk when trees are laden with snow in the winter, as heavy branches could dent a metal roof or lift asphalt shingles.

They Can Scratch And Rub, Damaging Shingles

We know how branches can scratch the glass of our house windows. When thin or thick tree branches constantly scratch and rub shingles, they eventually cause damage. Asphalt shingles are naturally fire-resistant and designed to withstand extensive weathering but could start cracking and lose their protective mineral granules when scratched regularly. Ultimately, the roof damage from trees caused by the frequent scratching and rubbing will also make the shingles curl and loosen. 

Gives Animals Access To The House

A tree branch on a roof can give animals access to the house. Have you been hearing scampering noises in the ceiling or attic? Is insulation missing from areas near eaves? Squirrels. Need we say more? They are cute and necessary to keep the natural ecosystem in balance. However, many homeowners know they can become quite a pest if not managed.Flying squirrels can glide up to 150 feet, so don’t necessarily need a tree close to the home to land on a roof. Keep the trees well-trimmed anyway, remove bird feeders, and ensure the roof and exterior trim are well maintained.    

Allows Moisture To Accumulate

When leaves and pine needles on a roof are allowed to keep collecting, they will eventually cause moisture accumulation. The rotting process encourages mold, moss, or algae growth, ultimately reducing the lifespan of your roofing if it was not specifically manufactured to be mold or algae-resistant. Trees that shade a roof consistently, preventing it from drying after rainfall, cause the same problem.

Falling Leaves Clog Gutters

Leaves on a steep roof falling from nearby trees will eventually slide down to clog the gutters. As rain gutters are positioned to extend just beyond the roof eaves, clogging from leaves and pine needles can cause rainwater to overflow. Ultimately it could damage the fascia boards behind the gutters and the roof shingles. Whether you have evergreen or deciduous trees, there is always going to be material falling into the gutters, so consider scheduling regular gutter cleaning.     

Bob Harvey Roofing is a family-owned and operated professional roofing contractor serving Northern Utah. We have been in business for more than thirty years and are licensed and fully insured. If your home has a deck and you want to use it more, we can install Tufdeck™ waterproof decking for you. Do you want an asphalt shingle roof for your house? Bob Harvey Roofing is a CertainTeed Select Shingle Master. For professional assistance with residential roofing, contact Bob Harvey Roofing today.