Trees, especially mature trees, provide not only cooling shade, but can also add stately elegance to any home. Properly placed trees can also provide cost savings which can amount to up to 25 percent of the energy a typical household uses.1
The shade cast by trees also helps prevent ultraviolet rays from reaching roofing materials which prolongs their life.2
In terms of home maintenance, however, trees can also be problematic. Large trees can shade a lawn, making it difficult to grow lush grass. When the leaves fall, mature trees can provide hours of backbreaking leaf clean up.
In addition to those drawbacks, mature trees can also be a hazard for your roof unless you maintain your trees properly.
How Can Trees Impact a Roof?
The most obvious damage to roofs caused by trees is when the tree, or a large limb, crashes through the roof. In this case, homeowners’ insurance typically will pay for the cost of removing the tree and repairing the roof and any structural damage. Generally, a homeowner will have to pay a deductible. The insurance company may not pay for any damage unless it was considered a “covered peril.” Check your homeowner’s policy for what specifically constitutes a “covered peril” but in general fire, windstorms, snow and ice, lightning, vandalism and theft are considered “covered perils.”3
There may be limits on what your homeowner’s insurance will pay so it is best to check your policy. Most policies cap the coverage at five percent of the amount of insurance you have on your home.
Tree damage to your roof caused by rot, age or floods is typically not covered by insurance.4 Your neighbor’s trees or tree limbs that fall on your roof and cause damage are covered by your insurance in most cases.
You may be liable for damages if your tree is dead and falls on your home or your neighbor’s property. It is a good idea to examine your trees regularly. If you find a split in the trunk of the tree, fungus on the tree bark, peeling bark, a significant lean, falling branches, and discolored leaves your tree may be dead or dying. If you see any indication that the tree is diseased, it is best to bring in an arborist to make a professional determination.
How About When Branches Touch the Roof?
Branches that are touching your roof can also be a hazard. These branches may rub against the shingles during high winds and can wear away the shingle’s outer protective layer. Pinecones, needles and leaves can also collect on your roof from branches touching or over your roof. These debris absorb moisture and can cause moss and algae growth in addition to clogging your gutters which can cause ice dams that can damage not only your roof but also the structures below the roof.
Another real hazard of branches touching your roof or above your roof is that they provide a superhighway for animals to get on your roof and into your attic and other areas of your home. Experts recommend that there be six feet or more or clearance between your roof and your tree branches.5
How Can You Protect Your Roof from Tress?
Homeowners can usually tackle the trimming and pruning of smaller trees, but mature trees generally require the services of arborists or tree maintenance professionals. As you do with hiring roofing companies, make sure that the tree maintenance professionals provide you with proof of personal and property damage liability insurance and workers compensation insurance.6
Check the company background for facts like how long the company has been in business, what their reviews are like, and whether they have certifications or belong to professional organizations. As some communities also require licensing or permits for certain tree removal services it is best to look into local regulations.
Maintaining your trees is an ounce of prevention. Even the best maintenance can’t prevent all hazards though. Any damage to your roof should always be evaluated by a roofing professional. Doing so can save money. A repair done right away can prevent further roof and structural damage.
The Best Roofing Services Near You
Excel Home Improvement in Romulus are the contractors to call when any type of damage to your roof has occurred. As premier roofing contractors throughout the area, Michigan homeowners know they are getting the best quality work and product with our roofing services. Our home improvement services include roof repair, roof maintenance, new roof installation, siding installation, gutter installation and more. Reach out to us any time for a Free Estimate on any of our services!
______________________________
1 Energy Efficient Landscaping
Link: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-landscaping#:
2,5 The Ways Trees Can Damage Residential Roofs and How to Prevent Tree Damage
Link: https:roof-damage-from-trees/#:
3, 4 Will Tree Damage Be Covered by Your Home Insurance?
Link: https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-fallen-trees/#:
6 BBB Tip: How to Hire a Reputable Arborist or Tree Service Company, 7/25/2023
Link: https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/18640-bbb-tip-tree-service