PRV Tree Service provides shade and beauty for our homes and businesses. However, trees also create issues if they are too close to structures.
Falling leaves, pine needles, and other debris can clog gutter systems and damage shingles. They also hold moisture that encourages mold, moss, and algae growth, which can discolor or reduce a roof’s life span.
Falling leaves are one of the biggest reasons for debris buildup on roofs. They not only clog gutters but can also cause water leaks when they accumulate on the roof and allow rain to redirect from its intended path. When left untouched, leaves can quickly deteriorate the roof’s surface and encourage mildew and mold growth.
Branches that come into contact with your roof can also damage it. The abrasive surface of the branches can crack or break shingles, and they can shade the roof and prevent it from drying. They can also provide an entry point for animals such as squirrels and raccoons, which can gnaw their way through the shingles to enter the attic.
Many cities and areas have regulations that require homeowners to cut down unhealthy or unstable trees on their property. Regularly check the condition of the trees in your yard and surrounding neighborhood to ensure they are healthy and safe.
If you have a tree that overhangs your home or is too close to it, you may need to hire a professional tree trimmer to remove the excess branches. Doing this on your own can be dangerous, and it is best to consult an expert to avoid compromising the safety of the structure of your home. Select a day with clear skies and minimal wind when deciding to trim your trees. This will help reduce the risk of falling debris and minimize injuries to anyone working on your property. A professional can also help you ensure the work is performed correctly, protecting your roof and reducing the chances of a costly repair bill.
Trees are gorgeous and provide a lot of shade, but when they start to get close to your house, they can cause problems. When large branches hang over a roofline, they scrape against the shingles, creating damage. They can also clog gutters and encourage mold, mildew, or moss to grow. Additionally, these branches act as a highway for critters and pests who can climb up to the roof and nest in chimneys.
Overhanging branches can become a problem in severe weather. Strong winds and storms can send these limbs crashing down onto the structure of your home or property. They can even puncture windows or tear off siding. Pruning the trees can prevent this and protect your house from expensive repair bills.
While this might seem harmless, having a professional trim the branches when they start getting too close is important. Generally, the branches should be no closer than 6 feet to your roof. However, this varies depending on the tree size and the distance from your property line.
It is also important to keep gutters clear of debris throughout the year, which can help prevent clogs and rotting of your roof. A clogged gutter can cause water to back up under the shingles and leak into your home, leading to mold and rot. A clean gutter can also reduce the chances of rodent infestation and encourage a healthy, long-lasting roof. A professional roof cleaning service can ensure that your gutters are regularly cleaned and that any leaves or tree debris is removed before it can pile up. This will also help to prevent a buildup of fungus that can lead to moss and mold on your roof.
Trees that drop nuts, such as walnut and hickory, should be planted far enough away from buildings to ensure their branches don’t reach the roof. When these branches rub against the roof, they can cause shingles to crack and break and erode the protective materials. They also provide easy access for rodents, who may chew away shingles and insulation materials or nest inside the home or business. By consistently clearing nuts, fruits, and leaves from the roof, you can protect the integrity of your home or business’s roofing system. A professional roof clearance service can help you keep these items away from your roof. They can also clear gutters of leaves and other debris to prevent water retention and weed growth in the gutters. This can lengthen the lifespan of your roof and gutters.
Tree branches that rub against a roof unsightly erode the protective outer layer of shingles and create abrasive spots on the surface. Overhanging limbs can also shade the roof and cause it to dry out, leading to moss or mold growth. A large branch or pine needle falling from a nearby tree can clog your gutter system and prevent rainwater from draining properly.
Gutters are crucial to your roof’s structure, protecting your home from moisture damage. The trough-shaped gutters channel rainwater away from the sides of your house and into downspouts along the foundation. This helps reduce erosion that can damage your home’s siding, stain, and paint and stops leaks from forming in crawl spaces or basements. Gutters are made of various materials, including aluminum, galvanized steel, and copper, depending on the size of your house. Fascia boards, a type of trim that caps the end of roof rafters, are often attached to the gutters to give them a finished appearance.
Regularly cleaning your roof of debris is important, but gutters are just as much a key to keeping the entire roof and surrounding property healthy. Periodically clearing out gutters will prevent clogging, which can allow water to overflow from the trough and onto the roof. If you climb a ladder to clean your gutters, wear proper safety gear and always use a stabilizer. If you’re uncomfortable with the work, hire a professional to remove unwanted tree debris safely and efficiently.