Roofing Services That Are Helpful When A Tree Overhangs Your Roof

Posted on: 4 December 2020

In a perfect world, there would be no trees overhanging roofs. They're simply bad for roofs. Branches can fall and cause damage, and the shade from the tree can also be an issue, making algae and moss growth more prominent. However, this is not a perfect world, and as such, you may have a tree overhanging your roof. Short of having the tree cut down, there are a few things you can do about this. And most of them are services you can have a roofing company perform.

Flashing Additions in Valleys

When there is a tree overhanging the roof, all of the leaves and little sticks that fall off the tree tend to fall on the roof and settle into the valleys of the roof. Then, they collect water. Over time, this can cause the shingles in the roof valley to deteriorate. A way to prevent this issue is to have a roofing contractor come add metal flashing to the roof valleys. The metal won't deteriorate when wet leaves sit on it, so your roof will last longer.

Herbicide Sprays

Moss and algae love moisture and shade. And when a tree overhangs your roof, the roof stays moist and shady. It won't be long, then, before moss and algae grow on the roof, and as they do, they can accelerate roof deterioration. A roofing company can come spray some herbicides on the roof to prevent these plants from growing. Generally, you will need to have the roof re-sprayed every year or two.

Zinc Strips

A longer-term solution for algae and moss growth is to have zinc strips placed along the peak of your roof. Each time it rains, the rain will wash some zinc ions down the roof. The shingles will develop a light coating of zinc. Algae and moss do not like zinc and will be less likely to take up residence on your roof, even with the tree keeping the area moist and shady.

Insecticide Treatments

Bugs also tend to like the moisture and shade provided when a tree overhangs the roof. And while these insects won't typically feed on shingles, they are interested in the wood that lies beneath the shingles. This can cause some major problems if the bugs in question happen to be carpenter ants or termites. Having a roofing company come spray your roof with insecticides every year can really help keep the bugs at bay.

If you have a tree overhanging your roof, and you can't get rid of the tree, you should at least use the approaches above to manage the issues a tree might cause.

For more information, contact a local roofing service.

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