It is always a good thing to have trees standing around your home. For one, they provide shade during the day. Then they have features that can help create landscaping that truly captivates. The same trees, however, can pose a threat to your property in a variety of ways.
Gutter Helmet® of Michigan, local gutter guard installer, discusses the dangers of having trees near your home.
How Trees Affect Roofs and Gutters
Planting trees too close to your home may compromise your roofing and gutter systems once they reach heights that exceed that of your property. Leaves and twigs regularly fall from the branches and onto the roofing material. Depending on the tree type, it may become worse, especially when the autumn season comes.
Ignore this problem and these leaves, twigs and other airborne debris will collect on certain parts of the roof and in the gutters. This increases the potential for clogs, ice dams and water penetration onto your property, especially during times of rain or snow.
How Trees Affect Your Foundation
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), tree roots do not commonly penetrate the home’s foundation. They can, however, do so when certain factors are apparent. For example, roots can pierce through the foundation through pre-existing cracks. Some roots are so large they extend beneath the structure, causing uplift. Settling may also occur since roots seep water from the water-rich soil.
Gutter clogs further compound this problem. Water spilling out of the gutter system end up falling to the ground, saturating the soil. Tree roots grow in the direction of water, which then puts the structure’s foundation in danger.
Protecting Your Home From Damage
As a homeowner, it is important that you keep your home in top shape, especially if you have trees planted near it. Take the time to cut down branches hanging above your roof to prevent leaves and twigs from piling up and causing clogs on gutters. Also, ensure the function of your gutter system through regular inspections and cleanings. Doing so also protects your foundation further.
Alternatively, you can invest in a gutter protection system like Gutter Helmet®. It blocks leaves, pine needles and other debris out of your gutters while allowing rainwater or snowmelt to flow into your gutters freely.
Gutter Helmet of Michigan is your local gutter guard installer for your needs. Call us at (800) 824-3772 or fill out our contact form to learn more. We serve Wyoming, Michigan and surrounding areas.
