4 Ways Trees Can Harm Your Roof and the Rest of Your Home

Trees purify the air you breathe and provide wildlife with food and shelter. They can also elevate the look of your landscaping and liven up your property. During warmer months, trees can help you save money on energy costs by providing shade. But even if they have plenty of benefits, they can potentially harm your roof and the rest of your house. 

A leading roofing company shares four ways trees can damage your property.

1. Roof Damage

Overhanging branches from trees near your house are often associated with roof damage. They can scratch or poke shingles, which can cause them to break. If shingle damage occurs, you must act quickly to avoid leaks and water damage. You can easily avoid this roofing issue by regularly trimming trees in your yard. 

2. Frequent Gutter Clogs

Leaves, branches, twigs, seeds and other debris from overgrown trees could end up on your roof and gutters. Over time, they will build up and cause gutters to get clogged. When this happens, water will overflow onto your home’s exterior. Clogged gutters can cause rainwater to flood your basement and harm the foundation. Whether you have an asphalt, tile or metal roofing system, you must schedule routine gutter cleaning to minimize the risk of clogs. Additionally, do not allow trees to grow too close to your house. 

3. Physical Property Damage

You want to get rid of dead or weak trees from your home. During extreme weather events, they can fall, damage your property and endanger your family. Massive branches can also break and fall due to heavy snow or ice. 

4. Foundation Damage

Tree roots are another threat to your home’s foundation. In some cases, they can pierce through existing foundation cracks. Massive roots that grow underneath a house can strain the foundation and cause an uplift. They can also absorb water underneath the foundation, causing it to settle unevenly.  

Need help keeping your roof in good shape? Turn to Earl W. Johnston Roofing for high-quality roof repair and replacement services. We specialize in asphalt shingle, metal and tile roofing systems. Call us at (954) 989-7794 or complete our online form to request a quote. We work with clients in Weston, Lauderdale and Hollywood, FL.