Keeping tree branches, leaves, and other organic debris away from your roofline is always a good practice. Tree branches, for example, can damage roof shingles, trim, and fascia while dropping seeds, twigs, and leaves that clog up gutter systems. Water can, in turn, build up in the gutters and under leaf piles causing problems. This is just one simple example of why you should trim your trees to protect your roof.
Keep your Trees Trimmed to Protect your Roof
There are several reasons roofs can become damaged. If your roof is newer, it is more likely to withstand more abuse from wind, heat, animal traffic, and tree debris. But as a roof ages, it’s able to withstand less and less. That’s when harsh weather, animal and tree limb friction, and debris can really wear a roof down.
Trimming a tree that is close to your house and roof area is a vital task to avoid this type of roof damage. If a tree has been allowed to overgrow a home and roof, hiring a tree specialist will be the first step. This expert will advise how the tree can be trimmed and how far to take it.
If branches are just starting to approach a house or roof area, personal trimmers you own might be enough to handle the task. It’s imperative to be safe and not cause injury to yourself or your home.
Is It Ok to Have Tree Limbs over a House or Touching the Roof?
Actually, any part of a tree touching or encroaching on a house or roof is unsafe and can lead to larger problems. A tree limb can cause significant damage to a roof and a home as it lays on the structure. The friction and weight of the branch can wear the shingles down, and bend roof decking and beams.
This damage can be considerably more destructive and expensive to repair than trimming the tree to begin with. Review any potential tree limbs or branches close to your roof yearly or more to keep your house and roof safe.
How Do I Protect My Roof from Falling Tree Branches?
Having a tree that is close to your home trimmed is another great way to keep tree branches from falling on your roof. Falling tree branches can be very destructive, depending on the size of the branches, by causing holes and tears in the protective shingles and underlayment.
Leaks can form from branches falling and breaking through a roofing section. Large enough of a section and the home might not be safe to stay in until it is repaired.
How Far Should Branches be from a Roof?
As we mentioned earlier, tree branches and limbs should not hang directly over a roof, if possible. If a tree branch is not above a home, but to the side, yet still close, it can be a highway for animals. These little critters can be destructive to a home, roof, and attic.
Having tree branches trimmed back a few feet can be helpful in avoiding this type of damage. If a branch is close enough that it touches a roof, it can wear shingles down as it repeatedly brushes up against them. It can also be noisy.
We think you’ll find keeping your trees trimmed away from your roof and home will be advantageous to preventing damage to your roof and home. It will also inhibit debris from building up and causing problems. Plus, one of the best parts is less gutter cleaning for you!
Your Local Austin Area Roofing Professionals
We strive to bring you the best in roofing for the Austin, Texas area. We deliver decades of roofing experience, training, and knowledge in this area’s needs. We are a prominent roofing company in residential roof repair and roof replacement. We will not ask for a deposit on labor or materials as a dependable way to stand out from the competition while bringing you the best product and service in Austin.
When we inspect, install, or repair your roof, we want to provide you with the best options for your roof design, components, and ventilation. We are Master Elite Contractors bringing you the latest in roofing technology, and a member of our local area Better Business Bureau, so you know we take pride in our work and our community.
Contact us by phone or email to schedule your FREE roofing inspection and quote today.
