Without a doubt, trees can help every home and neighborhood. They provide shade, improve air quality and add life and beauty to every place they are planted in. Trees, however, carry certain risks with them and can damage your home and property.
Yet, trees can cause problems for nearby homes. You’ll need to be aware of the possible issues before embarking on a tree-planting project.
Structural Damage
Normally, tree roots are unable to pierce through a house’s foundation. They can, however, cause or worsen existing structural problems when their roots penetrate pre-existing cracks. Also, tree roots can suck up moisture beneath a home, causing subsidence or the sinking and caving of the soil beneath the home. This is more common among houses built on shrinkable clay soil as this type of soil can easily sink.
Conversely, tree root systems can also uplift a house’s foundation. Uprooting trees from dry soil can cause a problem called heave, in which clay expands upward, lifting the foundation up with it and by extension your home and your roofing system.
Plumbing Damage
Tree roots normally seek water. Certain trees have invasive roots that reach as far as possible to get water from the soil. This natural characteristic can be problematic for a home’s plumbing.
Roots can enter and block drains. They can also invade clay pipes and eventually ruin them. Roots often target leaky old drains, pipes and rigid joints.
Other Types of Damage
Nearby trees can also cause the following kinds of damage to homes:
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Falling branches can cause damage to roofing, gutters, windows and siding, especially during a storm. Falling branches also pose a danger to you and your family.
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Leaves and twigs can accumulate in your gutters, causing water to pool. This can lead to a host of problems, such as leaks, structural issues and damage to your home’s foundation.
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Nearby trees are fire hazards, especially if their branches can reach your soffits and fascia.
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Insects and animals can use trees to enter your home.
Although they’re beautiful, trees can cause problems for your home, especially in the event of a storm. If your roofing sustains storm damage caused by tree branches, you need to call professional roofers to help you restore your roof’s condition.
Trust Willi Roofing Services to provide you with top-quality roofing services whenever your roof needs to be fixed. Call us at (512) 504-7900, or fill out our online contact form for a free, no-obligation quote. We provide roofing services to homes in Austin, TX, and nearby areas.