By: Shelby McCullough| Published: August 22, 2018
Here in the Orlando area, we may not get winter weather like other areas of the country do. But roof damage from trees is still a reality. There are still many ways that tree limbs and branches can encroach upon — and that leaves and pine needles can damage — the roof of your home or business.
The difficulty with preventing roof damage from trees is that we aren’t regularly looking at our roofs. It’s just not something we normally think about. We walk out of our homes, hop in our cars, and are busy living our lives; regular roof inspections are not one of those top-of-mind tasks.
The biggest tree risk to houses, of course, is the chance that one from your yard will topple over and fall on your home. The chance of this happening — even when a storm isn’t in progress — is greater if trees in your yard are showing signs of decay. Maybe there’s a tree that’s been dead for a while, and you’ve been putting off having a tree professional come out and remove it. If it’s near your house, it poses a danger to the structure (and potentially the folks inside).
Another way that trees can pose a risk to your roof is with overhanging branches. Powered by a wind storm or hurricane here in Orlando, large branches can gain enough force to put holes in your shingles or roof. A good basic rule is to periodically look around your house and ensure there is about a 10-foot radius around it that is free of overhanging branches.
Tree leaves or pine needles seem innocent enough when thought about in a context of roof damage. But when they pile up on a roof, moisture gets locked into the shingles. As they never get an opportunity to dry out, the area is a prime target for warping, rotting and leaks.
Be alert
It’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your roof once or twice a year. They should check the condition of shingles and flashing and ensure that no branch damage or rot activity is weakening their integrity. Soft spots are a sign of rot and need to be investigated.
Water leaks or water stains on ceilings are another sign that a branch or rot from leaf buildup may have affected your roof. It’s good to check the attic for these signs as well, where they aren’t as obvious as they are overhead in a living area.
McCullough Tree Service regularly makes recommendations on tree maintenance solutions, such as clearing limbs that encroach on homes. Feel free to give us a call today; we’ll come out and have a look to ensure your roof if doing what it’s supposed to do: protecting your home, loved ones and possessions.
Now Serving Winter Springs, FL
We’re thrilled to announce that McCullough Tree Service is now offering its expert tree care and maintenance services in the Winter Springs, area. Winter Springs, residents can benefit from our wide range of services, including professional tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding, and comprehensive storm cleanup. Our team of certified arborists is dedicated to maintaining the health and beauty of your trees, ensuring your landscape remains safe and attractive. Trust us to bring top-notch tree care solutions to your doorstep. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (407) 734-5854.
