Trees and flowers can definitely spruce up a front yard. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t put out a few pots of tulips or plant a small tree a safe distance away from your home.
It’s essential, however, to make sure that all of these yard decorations are as secure as possible during weather events. Trees can cause especially large amounts of damage due to their size and bulk. Read more about whether your trees are a threat to your roof.
How Can Trees Damage Your Roof?
In general, tornadoes, storms, and strong winds can cause a big mess. Not only do you have to deal with the wind itself, but you also have to watch out for large objects being knocked down. One of the most common ways damage occurs during a storm is falling trees.
Fortunately, preparing beforehand can minimize some of the damage associated with weather events. First, let’s talk about some of the reasons why a tree could damage your roof.
1. Damage from Falling Trees
Have you ever driven out the morning after a big storm only to find a tree blocking the road? It happens all the time. That’s because although we may think trees are solid, impregnable structures, they’re really not.
Often, the soil on which a tree sits can be wet from previous rains, causing it to be soft and weak. This, combined with weak roots, can make a tree much more prone to toppling during a particularly long-winded storm.
The reason why this is important to know is that trees can easily fall on buildings as well. If your home or business has a tree particularly close, it’s best to consider removing it. Try consulting with a tree removal service.
2. Damage from Falling Branches
Whole trees aside, small branches can fall as well. These can damage parts of your roof, tearing off shingles, gutters, and flashing. These damages are problematic because you’ll be left vulnerable to the elements while you’re waiting for repairs.
Additionally, the falling branches could also damage other parts of your home, such as windows and objects left out on the deck.
The best thing to do is to ensure all nearby tree branches are trimmed. Examine your home from all sides to check for anything that hangs over your roof.
3. Damage from Overhanging Branches
If you have an especially large tree on your property, or if a tree is close to your home, there is a chance some branches may be touching your roof. While a branch touching your roof likely won’t cause damage from falling, it can cause damage from mold. When branches sit on top of your roof, they can create a dark, damp environment for mold to thrive.
Not only can mold pose a health risk, but mold can also cause structural damage to a home. If you have any tree branches touching your roof, consider having your tree trimmed and your roof inspected for mold damage.
4. Clogged Gutters
Fall is wonderful for so many reasons — pumpkin spice lattes, apple pies, pretty fall colors, and all that good stuff. All of this does, however, come with one big caveat. Fall leaves and branches absolutely love clogging up gutters.
Clogged gutters can keep water from flowing off into a safe area. The result could be pooling water and an increased chance of leaks.
The safest way to enjoy the beautiful fall colors is to keep all the trees at a good distance. Try to remove any trees or tree branches that are inching too close to your home. It may also be a good idea to clean out the roof gutters 1-2 times a year.
5. Animal Access
Last but not least, tree limbs also give animals a quick and easy way to get up to your roof. Squirrels, mice, and birds all love making nests in homes. Unfortunately, they often tear up the roof in the process.
Try to keep an eye out for animal nests or unusual sounds coming from your roof. These are all good indications that you have a critter setting up shop on your roof.
Tree Damage Roof Insurance
A commonly asked question is whether or not home insurance covers damage caused by falling trees. The short answer is…it depends.
Many insurance policies do cover falling trees, but it largely depends on your insurance company. The best way to know for sure is to give them a call and ask.
Do keep in mind that most insurance companies only cover damage caused by unexpected accidents. This means that an unmaintained house could put your chances of being covered at risk. Remember to get regular roof inspections (1-2 times per year). Also, keep an eye out for trees and roots that are inching too close to your home and address them as needed.
Roof Maintenance Tips
The best way to make your roof last as long as possible is by maintaining it well throughout the years. Just like any other part of the home, a roof requires careful maintenance in order to keep it healthy.
Roofing Inspections
Try to get your roof inspected at least 1-2 times per year. Although it is possible to DIY it, be careful if you opt for that route. Never put your safety at risk.
The easiest way to inspect your roof is by calling a professional roofing company. They can do a thorough look-over and let you know if there’s anything that needs to be replaced.
Quality Matters
As you can probably guess, the quality of your roof does play a part in how well it holds up over time. For example, a poorly installed roof could be prone to breaking or falling shingles and flashing. It’s better to install the shingles correctly the first time so that the issue doesn’t require an expensive fix later on.
The material used for the roofing can vary as well. For example, asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing options due to their low cost. Standing-seam metal, on the other hand, lasts longer. It also requires less maintenance, making it a great option for home buyers that don’t want a lot of hassle.
Repair Damage As Soon As Possible
It’s always best to face roofing damage head-on. Although it may be tempting, try not to dawdle on repairs. A missing shingle can let bits of rainwater sneak through every second that it remains unrepaired. It’s cheaper to replace just one shingle than to restore water-damaged ceilings and walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
We hope that this article helped answer some of your questions related to trees and how to maintain your yard properly. Just in case, however, here are a few more answers to frequently asked questions.
How Long Does A Roof Last?
The exact lifespan of a roof largely depends on the material used for the roofing and how well it’s maintained. For example, a good asphalt shingle roof can last about 20-30 years if maintained correctly. Metal, clay, and slate roofs can last even longer, however. For example, a metal roof could last up to 80 years, and a slate roof could see 100 years.
The location of your home can impact your roof’s lifespan as well. For example, particularly windy or stormy regions might require more frequent roof repairs or replacements. Regular roof inspections and gutter cleanings can help extend the life of your roof and protect your home from possible water leaks.
Do Your Services Come With A Warranty?
Yes! Austermiller offers great warranties on full roof replacement jobs. Some of our warranties go up to 10 years. Talk to us today for more info.
What Is Roof Flashing?
Flashing is thin pieces of metal that are made to seal up small cracks and crevices around your roof. For example, the space between a chimney and the surrounding shingles or a small crack between a skylight and the surrounding roofing.
Roofing In Mt. Juliet
Was your roof damaged during a recent storm? If so, don’t worry, Austermiller Roofing has got your back. We offer roofing and flashing repairs and replacements. Our company also offers leak detection, as well as water damage restoration services for ceilings and walls.
The best part about us, is that we work with top-notch roofing materials. Our staff can cut standing-seam metal roofing panels to any shape or size. This way, we’re able to find just the right roof for your home. Don’t wait, take action today, and get your roof looking spiffy in no time.
Looking for a cheaper roofing option for your first home? Ask us about asphalt shingles. They offer a good curb appeal, at a great price. Whatever you’re looking for, Austermiller Roofing can figure out the right shingle for your home, so don’t hesitate to talk to us.
Interested in a quote, or simply looking for some info? Fill out our online form or call us at (615) 553-2041. Someone from our team will be in touch as soon as they can.