Information On Why You Should Clear Trees From Your Roof

Stripping away the old roof.

Information on why you should clear trees from your roof.

Trimming tree limbs over your roof is risky and mistakes can be costly. This can actually do more damage than it s worth. This is one of the safest methods to prevent future growth of moss. Leaves and moss can trap water and cause your roof to deteriorate prematurely.

Nail zinc strips along the ridge caps along the peak of the roof. If you need to clear your gutters or retrieve something from your roof always use a ladder and never over reach. Clean the gutters clear any obstructions or buildups that form along your gutters be they dirt piles pine cones foliage or tree parts to ensure water flows freely and drains from your roof as intended to allow for the continued passage of rainfall into the ground. You can blow the leaves off a low pitched roof with a leaf blower.

Moss thrives in damp moist areas including roofs that are north facing or shaded by trees. A simple mixture of bleach and water will kill the moss causing it to dry up release from your roof and blow off in the wind. You could end up doing more damage to yourself than good to your roof. Caulk spray the area once your roof is clean return to the problem areas and caulk the holes and other areas of concern.

And it s wise to trim back all branches that are close to or touching the shingles. Preferably there should be a distance of at least three feet between your house and the farthest extensions of the nearest trees. For those brands which state they work perfectly consider that the main reason for installing them is to reduce maintenance. On steeper roofs you can pull them off with a broom on an extension pole or better yet use a roof rake for leaves.

If your roof is in good shape but has some damage to one side from a downed tree or has lost shingles in a wind storm an overlay is worth considering. If there are trees near your home that may be a potential source for ants gaining access to your roof pruning may be necessary. Accumulated debris along the roof is a common culprit that can attract them. That s why it s best to have a certified and insured arborist handle the job.

You should also go around and inspect any nearby trees for signs of rot or decay as dead limbs are more likely to fall or break. Broken tiles and the risk of injury are just a couple of reasons why you should never stand on your roof. Keep your gutters free of leaves. Since your roof should be inspected annually should be cleaned annually and a chimney should be inspected and cleaned annually adding gutter cleaning at this time adds little to no cost.

Trim tree branches from the roof area to prevent further moss growth. If you find moss on your roof don t panic.