Many homeowners don’t put trimming overhanging branches near the top of their to-do list. However, it might be one of the biggest moves you make to protect your roof in the long run. In a previous blog post, we briefly touched upon the benefits of trimming these branches regularly.
Although trees and shrubbery can make your home look beautiful, they pose real threats to your roof and home as a whole. To learn more about these risks and how you can offset them, read our article below:
Shingle Damage from High Winds
On calm days, tree limbs don’t swing or sway. However, it’s a different story once it gets a little windy. Once the wind picks up, it can cause overhanging branches to scrape against your roof. Over time, this can cause considerable damage to your shingles.
In fact, asphalt shingles are particularly susceptible to this. The repeated scraping wears away the asphalt granules. Once the shingles became very worn, your roof becomes far more susceptible to leaks. Leaks bring water damage, and water damage often comes with a hefty bill – sometimes up to $8,000.
So, save yourself money and hassle and trim those branches.
Clogged Gutters
Overhanging branches can pose a huge threat to your gutters. In a previous blog, we talked about how homeowners with overhanging branches have to clean their gutters twice as often as those who don’t. Want to know the reason why?
When you’ve got tree branches hanging over your roof, fallen leaves and other debris can quickly accumulate in your gutters and block them. Your gutters drain excess water away from your roof. Never forget, moisture is your roof’s worst enemy and clogged gutters are water damage’s best friend.
If you’re fine with cleaning your gutters twice as often as the average homeowner, you’re welcome to keep those branches. If you want to maintain your roof with far less hassle, you’ve got to trim those branches!
Direct Impact Threat
One of the worst-case scenarios with an overhanging branch is having it fall directly on your roof. Depending on the branch’s weight, the impact could result in something minor, or you could be facing costly repairs. If your area is known for inclement weather, you should move with urgency.
Snowstorms could put added pressure and weight on the branch and cause it to fall. In a thunderstorm, all it takes is one well-placed lightning bolt and the branch comes crashing down. If the branch is heavy enough, not even the most impact-resistant shingle will stand up to the test.
So, if you want to play it safe, make sure your trim those branches!
We recommend that all homeowners with overhanging branches enlist the help of a certified arborist to trim those branches. It’s a safer and more effective option. Also, if you’ve dealt with an overhanging branch for a long time, we can assess your roof’s condition and advise you on your next steps.
Just click here to book your free consultation with us.