The roofing industry has changed quite a lot over the years. These days, homeowners are rarely opting for the standard, 3-tab shingles that were so popular a few decades ago. Instead, they are going with architectural shingles, and in some cases, with even more eco-friendly options like green roofing or slate. Whether you're shopping around for a new roof or are thinking of having repairs made to your current roof, it pays to be educated. Learn the basics on this blog, where we discuss roofing in the modern world. We explore various roofing materials, roofing techniques, and how to find the right roofer.
Trees can add to the value of your home and render your yard more attractive, but they can also lead to damages to your roof. The following are common types of tree damage that can be avoided with proper trimming. If you have any of these issues, you need to have your roof inspected.
Extensive Moss Growth
Many people enjoy the green carpet of moss on a roof shaded by trees, but unfortunately, moss growth can lead to major roof damage. Moss traps moisture on the roof, which can cause asphalt shingles to degrade and warp more quickly. When moss is blown off of a roof, it sometimes takes the gravel coating or even parts of shingle with it. Further, moss can force itself beneath a shingle as it grows. The moss then lifts the shingles, which allows moisture to seep beneath. Sometimes the moss growing beneath a shingle will lift it enough to either break or dislodge the shingle.
Moss grows in shaded, damp conditions so it is more common on roofs that are beneath heavy tree cover or on the side of the house with the least sun exposure.
Leaf and Branch Damages
Trees, both deciduous and conifer varieties, can drop a lot of debris on a roof. Leaves and needles can behave much like moss, which means they trap moisture against the roof. Leaves and twigs can also clog up your gutters, which can lead to poor roof drainage in warm months and ice dams in cold months — both things that can lead to roof leaks.
More direct damage is also a concern. Broken and falling branches can puncture your roof, necessitating a major repair or the need for a replacement. Branches can also scrape across the shingles during windy weather. The scraping branches can pull off or break shingles. Even light scraping leads to damage, since the branches may knock off some of the protective gravel covering on asphalt shingles.
Consistent Moisture Exposure
Moisture exposure is a major issue on asphalt shingle roofs. When your house is heavily shaded by trees, there is less air circulation. The reduced air movement can trap moisture and make the roof slow to dry out.
Constant moisture exposure causes asphalt shingles to curl at the edges. The curled edges don't shed water properly when it rains, so water actually gets trapped on the roof. This trapped water further degrades the shingles and it may also leak beneath the curled edges and into your attic.
Contact a roofer in your area to have your roof assessed for tree damage. When caught early, the roof can be repaired but extensive damage may require replacement.
For more information, contact a roofing service in your area.