As any property owner knows, fallen trees have the potential to cause significant damage. In extreme situations, this may look like trees crushing the roof and walls of your building. However, while a total collapse may be one of the most serious ways in which a tree can damage your property, it is far from the only one. Fallen branches, leaf buildup in the gutters, and constant shade may all be detrimental to the structural integrity of your building. As such, it is important to regularly work with trusted contractors who can trim and inspect your trees, as well as conduct roof inspections and maintenance. 

WestBank Roofing is one such company. Our decades of experience have given us the tools we need to prevent and repair roof damage caused by surrounding trees, improving roof protection and ensuring the continued stability of your building. Of course, there are plenty of steps you can take on your own to assess and protect your property as well. 

Common Ways in Which Trees Cause Roof Damage

There are a number of ways in which trees can impact the stability of your roof, from creating divots and holes to drawing pests toward your building. And while light damage may not look like anything to worry about, it can be more serious than you think. Minor issues can expand and worsen, let water into your home, and cause your heating and cooling systems to expend more energy. 

In order to avoid extensive roof repairs, here are some things to look out for:

  • Falling branches. While small twigs may cause little to no damage on impact, larger branches can dent or even create holes in your roof.
  • Constant shade caused by overhanging branches. Without sunlight, wet tiles cannot dry as quickly, which may lead to the growth of destructive moss and algae. If your roof has wooden shingles, the damp wood may even begin to rot. 
  • Small twigs and fallen leaves which accumulate on your roof may trap moisture, causing your roof to decay. 
  • Clogged gutters due to fallen debris. If your gutters are not able to adequately divert the water they collect, they may overflow and damage the structure of your roof. Additionally, allowing your gutters to collect standing water may attract mosquitos.
  • Tree branches which hang too close to your property may scrape against your roof on windy days, slowly degrading the roofing material.
  • Overhanging branches can also give animals and pests such as squirrels, ants and termites easy access to your roof. These creatures, particularly squirrels and termites, may begin eating away at your roof and walls, damaging the entire structure. 

How to Prevent Tree Damage to Your Property

Now that you know some of the risks trees pose to your property, it is important to be proactive about removing as many of them as possible. Consider these methods for avoiding tree damage:

  • Remove trees which sit too close to your building. While trees can make your property look more attractive, a tree which is planted too close poses multiple risks. Not only could branches damage your building, but the roots of the tree could harm your foundation. 
  • Regularly clear debris from your roof and gutters, and consider installing a gutter screen to add an additional layer of protection.
  • Trim any branches which hang too close to your roof
  • If termites or ants have infested your building, work with a pest control company to remove them, assess any damage they have caused and prevent them from returning.
  • When planting any new trees, consider how stable the specific varieties are. Avoid any trees which may be easily uprooted during a high wind event or tropical storm.

The Importance of Regular Roof Inspections and Maintenance

If you suspect a nearby tree may have damaged your roof, there are some signs to look out for, including puncture holes which can allow rain or pests inside, cracked or fallen shingles, and excessive moss and algae growth. If this damage has gone unnoticed, there may even be signs inside the property, including water stains and mold. 

In order to avoid any nasty surprises, it is important to have a professional assess your roof to discover any tree damage and determine what repairs need to be made. The earlier they can catch the damage, the better, as any necessary maintenance may be quicker and less costly. 

When it comes to conducting roof inspections and maintenance, we at WestBank Roofing are here to help. Our experienced contractors are ready to examine your building and conduct roof repairs in a timely manner in order to restore the stability and security of your roof. And for those who would like their roof to be assessed regularly, our standard roof maintenance program might be the perfect fit for your needs. Customers in this program will be visited by our roofing contractors in order to have their property inspected, after which our contractors will make a plan to visit between one and four times per year. An agreed-upon fee will be split between the scheduled appointments.

Contact WestBank Roofing to Schedule a Roof Inspection Today

As a property owner, it is important to regularly examine your roof and trees in order to prevent future damage or catch existing issues early. The longer you wait, the more costly and extensive any maintenance and repairs may be. And in an area like New Orleans, where wind and storms are a regular facet of life, ensuring that your roof is as structurally sound as possible is incredibly important.

When you work with WestBank Roofing, you never need to worry about handling tree damage on your own. Our expert roofing contractors are ready to assess any damage, conduct the necessary repairs with high-quality materials, and offer warranties to add an additional layer of roof protection to your property. So if you suspect your roof has sustained tree damage, or if you are aware of any current structural issues which need to be repaired, contact WestBank Roofing and schedule an inspection today.