Pine needles are helpful to landscapers because of the benefits they give to the soil. While pine needles on the ground can be beneficial, those that accumulate on your roofing system and in your gutters can be harmful. Today, Royal Roofing Construction discusses the dangers pine needle build-up may cause when left unmanaged.
Moisture Trapping
When layers of pine needles have accumulated on the roof, moisture becomes trapped, creating a favorable environment for mold and moss growth. Not only can this pose a health hazard to you and your family, but it can also compromise the structural integrity of your roof over time.
Easy Matting
Pine needles clumping together turn into “mats” that can easily make their way to the valleys of your roof. When it happens, they are hard to dislodge and may cause damage to the shingles underneath.
Crevice and Gap Infiltration
In residential roofing systems built with asphalt shingles, pine needles are prone to blowing into the edges. Needles may be forced by wind or extreme weather into gaps and crevices, which may eventually pave the way for leaks and potential damage.
Gutter Clogging
When rain washes off the pine needles from your roof into your gutters, it can easily form clumps inside, causing a clog. When this is the case, an extensive clean-up is in order.
Allergy Issues
In warm and dry seasons, pine needles can trap pollen, making the home miserable for people with allergy issues. This is just one more reason why it’s important to stay ahead of this issue.
How to Address it
Seasonal cleaning is the best management for falling pine needles. You may climb up the ladder and do it by hand or use a broom or rake. A better solution, though, is to should consult a professional cleaner who can do this chore systemically and damage-free.
Another practical option is to install gutter guards. These help prevent leaves, twigs and debris from entering your gutters and damaging your roofing system. It also means less maintenance for you, the homeowner.
For your residential and commercial roofing needs, Royal Roofing Construction is here to serve. Call us now at (714) 909-0567 for a free quote. We serve Anaheim, CA.
