Raleigh, NC, is known for its vibrant mix of historic charm and modern neighborhoods, all nestled under a rich canopy of trees. With our humid subtropical climate, warm summers, and steady rainfall throughout the year, Raleigh’s tree-lined streets are both beautiful and beneficial, but they can also pose hidden risks to your home, especially your roof.
At Best Choice Roofing, we’re proud to serve Raleigh homeowners with top-tier asphalt shingle roofing solutions built to elevate and strengthen your home. We go the extra mile to ensure every roof we install or repair is crafted with expert care, long-term durability, and your peace of mind in mind. Whether you’re dealing with aging shingles or unexpected weather damage, our team is here to help protect your home from whatever nature throws its way, including those seemingly harmless neighborhood trees.
Let’s explore four major ways trees can impact your roof in Raleigh neighborhoods, and what you can do about it.
1. Falling Branches and Tree Limbs
One of the most obvious sources of tree damage to roof systems is falling branches. Whether it’s due to a strong summer thunderstorm, winter ice, or just an aging tree shedding weak limbs, a single heavy branch can puncture or crack shingles, damage flashing, or even collapse sections of the roof.
In Raleigh, where the weather can turn quickly and storm systems are common, untrimmed trees hanging over your roof can become a major liability. Even smaller branches can strip away granules on your shingles, weakening their protection over time.
What to do: Regularly inspect the trees closest to your home and trim back any overhanging or dead branches. If you’re unsure, an arborist can assess the health of your trees and identify risks before a storm hits.
2. Clogged Gutters from Leaves and Debris
Trees drop leaves, pine needles, twigs, and even seed pods, especially in neighborhoods like North Hills, Five Points, or Oakwood, where mature trees are part of the appeal. Over time, that debris can pile up in your gutters and downspouts, preventing water from draining properly off your roof.
Standing water on the roof or backed-up gutters can lead to rot, mildew, and premature deterioration of your shingles and fascia. This type of roof damage from tree debris might not be as dramatic as a fallen branch, but it can be just as destructive in the long run.
What to do: Clean out your gutter system at least twice a year, especially in the fall, and think about installing gutter guards to keep all debris out while letting water flow freely. Best Choice Roofing can also inspect your roof’s drainage system and suggest upgrades if needed.
3. Moss, Algae, and Mold Growth
Raleigh’s climate, while lush and green, creates the perfect environment for moss and algae, especially in shaded areas of your roof that don’t get much sunlight due to nearby trees. Over time, this growth can eat away at the protective granules on your asphalt shingles and cause them to curl, crack, or become loose.
Moss can also trap moisture against your roof, accelerating wood rot and damaging your underlayment. This kind of tree roof damage tends to build slowly, but by the time it’s visible from the street, the damage may already be serious.
What to do: Keep tree branches trimmed to let more sunlight reach your roof and reduce moisture buildup. You can also have your Raleigh roof professionally cleaned and treated with a preventative solution to stop regrowth. Best Choice Roofing offers maintenance services to help extend your roof’s lifespan in just these kinds of situations.
4. Root Damage After Tree Removal
Here’s a lesser-known but serious problem: removing large trees too close to your home can lead to roof problems, too. When large tree roots are disrupted, especially from species like oaks or maples, they can destabilize the soil and foundation. This shift can cause structural changes in your home, which may crack your roofline, loosen flashing, or stress the shingle layers.
If your roof starts sagging or you notice a change in how your doors and windows close after a tree is removed, don’t ignore it; it could be roof damage from tree roots beneath the surface.
What to do: Always consult a professional before removing large trees near your home. If a tree needs to go, it’s important to monitor your home’s structure for several months afterward and have your roof checked for any subtle shifts or damage.
Raleigh’s Trusted Roofing Experts Are Just a Call Away
Trees are a beautiful part of life in Raleigh, but they can also be one of the biggest threats to your roof if not properly managed. Whether you’re dealing with sudden tree damage to roof shingles after a storm or just want to stay ahead of the wear and tear, Best Choice Roofing is here to help.
Our team specializes in high-quality asphalt shingle roofing solutions, designed to protect your home from Raleigh’s unique climate and environment. We don’t just fix roofs, we partner with you to keep your home safe, beautiful, and built to last.
Don’t wait until the damage is done. Call Best Choice Roofing today to book your free roof inspection and protect your home from top to bottom.
