Avoidable Tree Damage
Natural phenomena such as heavy rain, high speed winds, and violent tornadoes raging through towns can easily damage homes and properties on their own, but they oftentimes also begin a domino effect of other issues such as flooding, lightening strikes, and hurling debris. The first thought many have when considering how trees can ravage homes links storms with fallen or uprooted trees that fall upon roofs or send broken limbs through windows. While this is a valid concern, storms need not be involved for trees to wreak havoc on homes. A number of problems arise simply due to trees’ growing patterns, their proximity to homes, and homeowners’ general neglect of clean-up.
A first consideration for homeowners is the proximity of the tree to the home. Trees residing too close to a structure may cause problems for the foundation due to roots pushing against the underground base, a common fact many of which many are aware. However, proximity can cause issues above ground as well. Limbs and branches of trees near a home can also push against siding, eventually resulting in loosened pieces or even holes. The limbs may grow between the seams of the siding, which may then be popped free. If the tree is too close and remains thick year-round, a homeowner may not even notice such problems for many years. Depending on the tree, then, a good, safe distance is around 10 to 15 feet, and seasonal inspections and potentially trimmings should be conducted.
Another concern is the growing pattern of the tree. Just as a tree can grow into the side of the house, when growing tall enough, the tree may also lean towards the home and the roof. A shingled roof may then encounter the same damaging effect as the siding. A tree’s limb can very easily push against or between shingles. The shingles may become dislodged, torn, or punctured, and this will certainly lead to water infiltrating the home. Property owners who have trees that have encroached upon or over their houses should also periodically inspect the roofs, or have a tree service or roofing service, such as Fusion Roofing and Restoration, inspect the roofs for them and perform the proper and necessary service to restore the balance.
A third area of which to be aware is general clean-up, or the neglect thereof. An easily overlooked problem for many roofs and gutter systems is deadfall. Small limbs, leaves, needles, and cones perpetually fall from the upper reaches of trees. Most of it accumulates in the yard where it is easily disposed of. However, a great deal of it also lands on the home where it can incur thousands of dollars of damage. Besides puncturing shingles, the limbs can end up in the gutters where they obstruct water flow. The gutters can overflow, spilling out either side which will damage the fascia board and soffit as well as the landscape below. Leaves and needles cause the same obstructions; they may additionally pile up in areas of low pitch, and in winter months, this forms ice dams that lead to water entering the attic. The solution for this is to clean the gutters. While that may sound easy enough, some gutters are very high and unnerve homeowners. Again, in these situations, Fusion Roofing and Restoration may be called upon to clean and inspect the gutters. Also, gutter guards are a tremendous option to better prevent gutter build-up; fortunately, Fusion also expertly installs such quality home protective devices.
Although trees provide beauty, shade, and even delightful fruit, they can and will damage homes. It is the responsibility of property owners to remain aware of the potential ways trees can affect the life of their homes. Monthly inspections, proper manicuring, and regular clean-up can reduce or even eliminate costly fixes. If one is unable to perform such tasks alone, Fusion Roofing and Restoration is always available to provide a helping hand.
