Trees are such beautiful additions to the landscape, but when trees are too close to your roof they can cause enough damage to need roof repair. Protect your roof by keeping your nearby trees neatly trimmed and away from your roof as much as possible. It’s a good idea for you or a roofer to check your roof periodically for damage caused by trees. The spring and the fall are the best times to inspect your roof. If you decide to do this yourself, make sure that your ladder is in good condition and that the weather is clear and dry. Wear rubber-soled shoes that more easily grip the rooftop.

Roofing Damage from Trees:

Limbs leaning over the roof

Branches that are too close to the roof can bang against it in wind, rain and snow. Repeated banging of the branches can cause damage to the shingles on your roof.

Fallen leaves on roof

In the autumn, falling leaves can clog gutters. When gutters don’t drain properly, water can accumulate behind fascia boards or back up into the attic. Be sure you clean your gutters regularly to prevent this from happening.

Fallen limbs on roof

When branches snap off and fall onto your rooftop, it can cause substantial damage to your roofing material and sometimes to the roof deck itself. Prevent this from happening by making sure your trees are pruned and any potentially dangerous branches are removed.

Read more about roofs and tree problems

Image: Hundred House roof lines / Groton School / CC BY 2.0