The next time you walk outside, take a moment to gaze up at your roof. What do you see? Do you see even shingles that are all laying flat? Or do you see shingles that are starting to curl and that are covered in moss? You can tell a lot about the condition of your roof just by looking at it. If you are at all concerned about the state of your roof, then your first call should be to a roofing contractor. They can evaluate the situation and recommend repairs or replacement as needed. Learn more about roofing and roofing contractors here on this website.
Lori Silva
Having large trees growing near your home can add to the beauty of the property. However, it can also expose the roof of the home to a higher risk of suffering certain types of damage that will have to be repaired to keep the roof in structurally good condition.
Impact Damage
Impacts from falling branches can be one of the better-known causes of damage to a home's roof. When a heavy branch falls, it can cause severe roof damage even if it does not puncture the exterior. This is due to the ability of the force of this impact to weaken the supports that hold up the roof. In some instances, this may result in deep cracks forming in these supports, which could increase the risk of them completely failing in the future.
Deep Scratches
The branches of the tree rubbing against the roof can be another source of damage. This can leave deep scratches in the shingles or tiles that protect the roof. Additionally, it can also cause them to come out of alignment, which may increase the risk of leaks developing. While it is possible for a roof repair contractor to address this damage, you will have to trim the branches in order to prevent the problem from returning in the future.
Promoting Pest Damage
Have tree branches near your home can make it much easier for a variety of pests to make it from the tree to the roof of your home. Whether these are ants, bees, or squirrels, they can contribute to major roof damage. For example, you may find that the nesting activities of these animals have led to significant rot or mold growths on the roof. Having the roof periodically treated with pesticides and repellents will help to discourage local pests from targeting your roof.
Trapping Moisture
Leaves falling from the branches that hang over the roof can be another source of serious damage. These leaves can prevent moisture from evaporating so that the shingles and other roofing components can be more prone to moisture damage. Additionally, these leaves can interfere with the gutters, which may cause water to get backed up onto the roof. Depending on the height of your roof, this damage may be avoided by using a roof rake to remove large patches of leaves that may have gathered while remaining on the ground or ladder. Otherwise, you may be forced to have the areas where these leaves gathered repaired far more frequently than the other areas of your roof.