Did you know that your garden can have a major impact on how your roof performs? Trees, bushes, plants and even water features can shorten the lifespan of your roof. Even if you maintain your garden with pride you should read below to learn how your garden can affect your roof.
Table of Contents
Overhanging Trees: A Hidden Threat
Having large trees around your home may be an obvious place to start. They are great for adding beauty, character and shade to your garden but they may be already causing damage to your roof or an accident is waiting to happen if a storm arrives.
- Algae and moss build up – Leaves and branches can blow onto your roof and cause moss and algae to start to grow. This can crack tiles, cement and make your roof deteriorate faster.
- Falling branches – During storms or heavy winds large branches can break off and rip through your tiles and felt underlay and even cause major structural damage.
- Scratched tiles – If a tree has long branches that lean onto your roof they can wear down the protective layer on the tiles and cause them to break, this makes your roof vulnerable and will lead to leaks.
- Blocked gutters – Leaves, branches and twigs can build up in your gutters and cause blockages, when it rains water will then overflow behind your fascia into the eaves and you will get leaks internally and it will also cause the timber to rot..
Example:
A study conducted by the UK’s National House Building Council in 2022 reported that blocked gutters was the cause of 64% of roof related problems. If you have trees in your garden or live close to a wooded area it is important that you get your gutters and roof cleaned regularly. If you are unable to clear your gutters then roofing company Point Roofing can install hedgehog gutter guard for your guttering to help stop leaves blocking your gutters and downpipes.
Moss and Algae Growth
Debris from close by trees that builds up and gets damp will lead to moss and algae growing on your roof. This stuff is the enemy of roof tiles and over time slowly deteriorates tiles, slates and cement work.
- Moss absorbs water – This keeps your tiles damp for longer periods and causes the tiles and slates to not perform correctly and changes the way of the waterflow which can get through gaps and into your roof.
- Weakens roof tiles – Over time moss can cause tiles and cement work to crack, it works its way through the tiles and cement causing them to move and allow water ingress.
- Aesthetic damage – A roof covered in moss and algae is not a pretty sight, it makes the property look old and unkept. It is recommended to have a roof clean before selling your home to bring the roof back to life.
Prevention Tip:
To avoid the above problems and stop any damage to your roof you must trim branches on trees near to your home regularly and get your roof cleaned with moss removal treatment once per year.
Climbers and Ivy: Beauty or a Roofing Nightmare?
Climbing plants like ivy and wisteria add beauty and charm to your home but if it is not maintained and kept away from your roof it can be a roof’s worst nightmare.
- Lifts tiles – Roots can run wild and get under the tiles ripping through the protective felt underlay and moving tiles out of position, this creates gaps for water to get straight into your home.
- Traps moisture – Dense foliage traps moisture on your roof similar to algae and moss, together they stop your roof from being able to dry and it leads to damage and rotting of timber.
- Encourages pests – Ivy provides a shelter for birds and insects that might nest in your roof and cause damage. Birdcomb can be installed at the eaves of your roof to help prevent birds from getting into your roof.
Prevention Tip:
If you want climbing plants on your home walls then it is better to put them onto a trellis instead of allowing them to cling directly to walls and get into the roof.
Pests: Unwelcome Visitors from Your Garden
The more trees and bushes you have in your garden the more likely it is that you attract animals like birds, rodents and insects. This may bring character to your garden but some of these visitors can cause damage to your roof.
- Birds – Lots of different types of birds such as pigeons and seagulls try to nest in your roof, chimney and gutters. They can break tiles and rip felt underlay as well as causing blockages that all lead to roof leaks.
- Rodents – Rats and squirrels get under your tiles and chew through felt underlay and timer to get into the warmth of your roof, this also allows water to follow in behind them.
- Insects – Bees and wasps build hives by the edges of your roof, this can cause damage and openings for wind to blow water in.
Strong Winds and Garden Debris
The UK is known for its unpredictable and sometimes harsh weather conditions. When a storm hits and you have large trees and bushes near your home your roof could be in for a rough time. The storms and heavy winds are enough for the roof to have to deal with but any debris or furniture that are blown onto the roof can cause serious damage.
- Loose garden furniture – Many homeowners have garden items such as chairs, tables, sheds, parasols and plant pots. If these items become airborne during a storm and hit your roof that can break tiles, knock them out or even rip through the felt underlay.
- Flying debris – Tree branches, bushes, stones, broken parts off other builds like sheds or the kids trampoline can be lifted by strong winds and smash straight into your roof if not secured properly.
- Fence panels – I think nearly everyone who lives in the UK has had a fence panel blow out at some point in their life, when fence panels are not secured they blow away in the winds and might just land on top of your roof.
Prevention Tip:
When winter time is soon approaching, always check over your garden and make sure loose items are secure and storm proof. Pack away any garden furniture or plant pots that may be vulnerable in high winds.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Roof
So now that you understand the dangers you should want to keep your garden and roof in harmony. Follow the simple steps below to keep your roof safe:
- Keep an eye out for moss and algae on your roof, if it starts to look dirty get it cleaned.
- Trim nearby trees and clean gutters regularly to stop branches hitting your roof and gutters getting blocked.
- Train climbers on trellises rather than walls so they don’t get into the roof and cement.
- Prevent pests from nesting by securing entry points like birdcomb at the eaves of your roof.
- Secure fencing and pack away garden furniture before bad weather hits.
