Roof Damage Caused by Trees

As we get closer to the end of summer, now is a good time to take a look at any trees located close to your home. Are any of the branches or leaves touching your roof surface? If so, that area of the roof will deteriorate at a much faster pace than the rest of the roof.

When the wind blows, leaves and branches act like a scrubber, wearing away at the roof surface. We see this on a regular basis and unfortunately for homeowners, it is sometimes impossible to find matching replacement shingles to repair this area. Trees in contact or very close to the roof can also create a perfect spot for moss to grow. Moss can deteriorate the shingles over time, causing them to loosen or break, leading to a potential water leak. Clogged gutters are another issue caused by trees being too close to the roof. Any leaves or debris trapped in the gutters can block water from flowing properly through the gutters and downspouts and safely away from your home. If blockage occurs, water can overflow onto your roof and down your home’s siding. It can affect everything from your roofing system to your attic and foundation.

In Minnesota, the best time to trim trees is in the late winter months, from the beginning of February until the end of March. But during these months, because there are no leaves present, it might not appear that the tree is close to the roof. That’s why it is important to evaluate the trees in the summer, when the heavy leaves have bowed the branches down to their lowest point.
A note about safety is in order here. Working with trees can be a dangerous activity. It usually involves a chainsaw or other sharp cutting equipment, climbing ladders, and handling heavy branches. Do not attempt to trim back trees from the roof if you are not experienced in this type of work. Call a local tree trimming company instead. The cost of an emergency room visit is much more than professional tree trimming companies charge for light trimming. If you insist on taking on the project yourself, be sure to read up on the safety aspects involved at the link below.

Minnesota Safety Council publication about performing tree work safely.