At Best Choice Roofing, we’re all about keeping your home safe, stylish, and sturdy, starting at the top! We proudly offer a variety of asphalt shingle roofing solutions to fit every homeowner’s needs. Our team goes above and beyond to make sure that your roof looks great and stands up to everything Mother Nature throws its way.
Speaking of Mother Nature, let’s talk about those beautiful trees surrounding your home. You know the ones, towering oaks, sturdy pines, and that maple you can’t help but admire every fall. While tree coverage offers shade, curb appeal, and a dose of fresh air, it can also have a surprising impact on the performance of your asphalt shingle roof.
Trees and Roofs: A Shady Relationship
Trees are a beloved part of many landscapes, and they can even help keep your home cooler in the summer. But when they’re too close to your roof, they can cause more harm than good. Let’s take a look at how tree coverage affects your asphalt shingles.
1. Increased Debris Buildup
Branches, twigs, pine needles, and leaves have a way of collecting on your roof and in your gutters. Over time, this debris traps moisture against your shingles, leading to faster deterioration. Wet leaves can act like a sponge, holding water against the roof and creating an ideal environment for algae, moss, and mold to thrive.
2. Shade That Stays Too Long
While a bit of shade can lower your energy bills in the summer, constant shade prevents your roof from drying properly after rain or morning dew. Asphalt shingles are designed to shed water quickly, but if they remain damp, it can lead to the growth of moss and algae. Over time, this moisture can seep under shingles, weakening the structure beneath and potentially leading to leaks.
3. Physical Damage from Overhanging Branches
Branches hanging over your roof can drag on and scratch your shingles, especially during windy days or storms. In more severe cases, heavy branches can break off and cause significant impact damage, cracking or tearing shingles, and even damaging the underlayment.
4. Pest Highway
Trees act as convenient bridges for critters like squirrels and raccoons looking to explore your roof. Once they’re up there, they can cause a surprising amount of damage, from chewing on shingles to trying to pry open vents and find a cozy attic space.
Climate Considerations in Concord, NC
In Concord, NC, our warm, humid summers and frequent rain showers can make tree-related roof risks even more serious. The high humidity creates the perfect breeding ground for moss and algae, especially when trees provide extra shade that keeps your roof damp for longer.
On top of that, Concord is no stranger to strong thunderstorms and occasional high winds. Overhanging branches can quickly turn into dangerous projectiles or snap off entirely, causing major damage to your shingles and even the structure beneath.
While heavy snow and ice aren’t as common here as in northern regions, winter weather can still weigh down tree limbs, making them more brittle and prone to breaking.
No matter the season, trees that are too close to your roof in Concord can reduce your asphalt shingles’ lifespan and lead to unexpected (and expensive) repairs. Keeping them in check is essential to protecting your home year-round.
What Can You Do?
Luckily, you don’t have to choose between your beloved trees and a healthy roof—you just need to find the right balance. Here’s how:
- Regularly Trim Branches
Make sure to keep branches at least 10 feet away from your roof. This reduces debris buildup and limits the risk of branches scratching or falling onto your shingles. - Clean Your Gutters Regularly
Regularly remove leaves and twigs from your roof and clean your gutters to stop water from backing up and seeping under your shingles. - Check for Moss and Algae
If you spot green or black streaks on your roof, it’s time to take action. Cleaning solutions designed to kill algae and moss can help restore your roof’s health. - Schedule Routine Roof Inspections
A professional inspection can find any potential problems before they become major headaches. Our team at Best Choice Roofing can spot early signs of wear and help you make proactive repairs.
Let Best Choice Roofing Help
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, and keeping it strong is our specialty. At Best Choice Roofing, we’re dedicated to providing asphalt shingle solutions that last, no matter what your local landscape looks like. Our expert team knows how to work with the unique challenges of your area’s climate and can offer tips on keeping your roof in top shape—even if you’re surrounded by a mini forest.
Ready to give your roof some extra love? Contact Best Choice Roofing today for a free inspection and let us help you enjoy both your beautiful trees and a healthy, long-lasting roof.
