Why You Should Never Let Leaves Sit on Your Roof
Autumn has almost passed, and all the leaves have fallen from the trees. As beautiful as fallen leaves can be, they can also be detrimental to your home, particularly your roof. If you want to avoid the expenses of unnecessary repairs, keep in mind these key reasons why you should never let leaves sit on your roof.
Leaves Trap Moisture
Leaves on your roof trap moisture, creating an ideal environment for mold, fungus, and weeds to grow. These growths work their way into the roof, destabilizing it and making it weaker and more vulnerable to other damage.
They Can Cause Leaks
Leaves, especially wet leaves, are heavy and can cause severe damage to a roof. A pile of leaves on your roof will make it heavier in one section than in others and can damage both the roof itself and the supporting beams of the roof. A damaged roof leads to leaks, which can lead to even more damage to the roof and the inside of your house.
They Can Clog Gutters
In autumn, the gutters of your house can become clogged with fallen leaves. This is a problem because gutters are designed to collect and drain the water that runs off your roof to an ideal location where it won’t cause damage to your house. If the gutters are clogged, this process doesn’t happen, and water becomes backed up, sitting for long periods of time in one section of the gutter or against the roof of your house. When water sits like that, it can cause the corrosion or decay of both your roof and gutter.
Fortunately, with the proper maintenance, it’s possible to avoid the need for dramatic roof repairs. If you notice leaves building up on your roof, sweep them off before they sit for too long, and remember to check your gutters for clogs regularly. If you’re in the Minneapolis area and these reasons why you should never let leaves sit on your roof have made you realize you’ve unwittingly made this mistake, contact a Minneapolis, MN, roofing contractor such as KAT Construction, LLC. We can repair your roof and advise you on best practices for roof maintenance in the future.