Stop Ignoring This Roof Problem—It Can Lead to Costly Damage

If you have trees that hang over your roof, then they probably drop all manner of debris on your roof year round. You may end up with collections of leaves, pine needles, twigs and even small branches on your roof. You’ve been meaning to get up there and take care of them, but it’s a chore that’s been on the back burner for weeks or even months. Delay no more. That debris sitting on your roof is taking years of life off of your roof.

Related: Think Pressure Washing Your Roof Is Safe? Think Again

Why You Need To Remove That Debris Now

While your roof is designed to shed water, it isn’t designed to stay wet for extended periods. When that debris sits on the shingles, it can create mold and mildew growth, this leads to rot and granule loss on the shingles that can cause them to deteriorate more quickly than they should. 

Blocks Drainage

When it rains, that debris can function as a dam that traps water, causing it to pool on your roof. When this happens, water then works its way back up under the shingles, where it can cause leaks into your home and rot the roof decking. 

Related: This Ice Dam Hack Can Save Your Roof

Adds Weight

Wet leaves and branches add weight to your roof, putting more strain on it. This can eventually lead to sagging or other structural problems. 

Mold and Algae Growth

Debris on your roof can harbor mold and algae, which can quickly spread and create ugly stains on your roof, which then require a roof cleaning to remove. 

Why You Should Act Now

Fall and winter typically cause trees to dump a lot of debris on your roof. When spring arrives, it brings with it heavy rainfall and rising temperatures, making that debris sitting on your roof a much bigger problem. 

What You Can Do

Clear the Debris

If you feel comfortable climbing around on your roof, then head up there to remove the debris. You can use a leaf blower or even a soft broom to blow or brush that debris off your roof. Make sure to clear out the valleys between roof surfaces as well as the edges of the roof. As you’re cleaning off the roof, check the gutter and downspouts to make sure they’re clear and functioning properly.

Trim Trees

If you want to reduce the amount of debris falling on your roof, and hence the number of times you need to get up there to clean it off, consider trimming back trees that are overhanging it.