It’s nice living with mature trees growing in your yard and around your house. When you look out the window, you can enjoy the up-close views of spring blooms and the changing leaf colors of the fall and listen to the rustling and tweeting of birds and wildlife benefiting from these trees. The last thing you want to worry about is roof damage from trees.

These trees present an added level of responsibility in maintenance to protect your roof. We’ll shed some light on the possibility of damage that may occur to your roof due to lack of tree maintenance.

1. Shingle Damage. As small branches fall from trees, they rub the stone granules off of the shingles on your roof. If the rubbing is severe enough, it could even begin to lift and detach the shingle from the roof. At first there may be no observable problems but over time it will weaken and reduce the imperviousness of these shingles. As a result, it increases potential for leaking. Even worse, are small branches rubbing on the roof. These tree branches need to be trimmed up as soon as possible.
2. Critter Access. When branches grow over or close to your roof, it gives opportunities for squirrels, chipmunks, mice and other varmints to enter your home. Once they get in your attic the potential for damage is endless, to include holes in your roof/walls, chewed wires, insulation and a mess of droppings and additional invasion and nesting. Ensure there is enough distance between your roof and adjacent tree branches (including the thin ones) to keep animals from climbing on your roof.
3. Moisture Retention. A layer or clumps of leaves and/or pine needles piling up on your roof will trap moisture against your shingles. And with that moisture comes mold and mildew, which stain and deteriorate the shingles over time. A thick bed of organic matter will also affect how rain runs off your roof, or if it causes water to collect in spots. Make sure you have clearance above your roof to make sure leaf and pine needle fall is managed.
4. Roof Puncture. If a sizable branch or limb falls on your home, there is a possibility it may be heavy enough to puncture your roof. Roof repair is expensive and in the interim, leaves you vulnerable to ongoing water damage and mold potential. To make things worse, if a tree falls on your home, it will not only damage your roof and shingles, but also your gutter, windows and walls. If you find yourself at risk of an impending tree fall, you must take action now. The next windstorm, snowfall, or ice storm may bring the force needed to take down a limb or the entire tree.

When it comes to your roof, preventative measures are the best way to avoid extra expenses.  As wet winter weather approaches, it is important to verify your roof and shingles maintain their integrity to effectively protect the rest of your home.

If you are in the greater Hamilton/Niagara areas and would like a roof inspection please call or text me at 289-439-0483