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Preventing Tree Damage To Your Colorado Roof

When people shop for a home, especially here in Colorado, they often look for mature trees on the property. Trees provide beautiful greenery and elevate the exterior of any property. Unfortunately, the beauty that mature trees on your property provide is offset by the risk of roof damage. Trees can cause a number of problems with your Centennial roofing system. With proper roof care and maintenance, however, you can avoid roof tree damage and protect your home. 

Types of Roof Tree Damage

Branches That Are Too Close To Your Roof

Branches that hang over your roof can cause multiple types of damage, especially if the branches can make contact with your roof. If it gets windy, which it frequently does in Centennial, branches that are too close to your roof may rub against its surface. This can scratch the surface of many different roofing materials. In the case of asphalt roofing, branches can rub off the protective outer granules. Asphalt shingles need this outer coating to properly protect your home against the elements. Missing granules due to overhanging branches will diminish the longevity of your roofing system. 

Broken Branches

Sometimes, especially during storms, overhanging branches snap and fall. Accumulated snow can also put strain on branches and cause them to break. If branches fall onto the surface of your roof, it may result in dents, punctures, or even missing shingles. The branches may rip shingles entirely off of your roof, leaving the underlying structure vulnerable to damage. 

Shade 

Some shade over your roof from trees can be a perk in the summer, as it will help keep your home cool. But, an abundance of shade could inhibit your roof from drying out after storms. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause your roof to deteriorate. It also creates an optimal environment for the growth of mold and mildew, which could spread into your home’s interior. 

Debris

Tree debris may not seem like an urgent issue for your Centennial roof. But, debris like pine needles, leaves, acorns, etc. can quickly build up on your roof and start to cause problems. For one, this debris can accumulate in your gutters, creating a clog. Your gutters are instrumental in your roofing system to drain water off of the surface of your roof when it rains, snows, or hails. If your gutters are clogged, they can’t effectively direct water off of your roof and away from your home. This could lead to water damage to your home’s roof, siding, and foundation. 

When debris from trees build up on the surface of the roof, it can also hold water and moisture. This will keep your roof from drying out, again opening up the opportunity for mold and mildew to grow. 

Animals

Trees can act as a jumping-off point for critters, making it possible for squirrels, in particular, to reach your roof. If squirrels settle in and start to call your roofing system home, it could lead to problems including chewed decking, damaged soffit and fascia, and even broken shingles. 

How To Prevent Tree Damage To Your Roof

Prune Trees To Manage Growth

If you have young trees on your property, make sure to prune them consistently. This will give you control over how much they grow and support stable crotches. Tree crotches are the space where the branch meets the trunk, and durable crotches will reduce the chance of branches breaking in high winds, snowstorms, etc. 

Trim Mature Trees

Mature trees on your property should be trimmed regularly so that there aren’t any branches hanging too close to the surface of your roof. If you have to trim back a tree significantly to ensure that it doesn’t touch your Centennial roof, however, it may be a smarter choice to cut it down. But, always consult an arborist in this situation to ensure that you make the right choice. 

Remove Precarious Trees

If there are trees on your property that are ill or unsteady, they should be removed before they have a chance to fall on your home. A fallen tree can cause overwhelming (and expensive!) damage to your roofing system. 

Clean Tree Debris

Regularly cleaning your roof and gutters to remove tree debris will help reduce the risk of moisture damage. Pine needles, in particular, can accumulate quickly, so you’ll need to complete this maintenance task multiple times throughout the year.

To learn more about Centennial roofing maintenance, or to schedule roof repairs, contact Spire Roofing today.