Live oak leaves and Spanish moss don't damage shingles directly, but they trap water on the roof, clog valleys and gutters, and keep the surface damp, which is what wears roofs out early in Savannah.
Valleys become dams
Valleys carry the most water on any roof. When leaves and moss pile up there, water backs up and works its way under the shingle edges. Valley leaks are among the most common we find on tree-covered Savannah homes.
Shade feeds algae and moss
A roof that never fully dries grows algae, the black streaks you see on many homes, and eventually moss, which lifts shingle edges and holds moisture against the mat.
Gutters overflow
Packed gutters overflow in the first heavy rain, rotting fascia and dumping water next to the foundation and crawl space.
Limbs and branches
Branches rubbing in the wind scrape off granules. Limbs that fall during storms crack shingles and decking.
Prevention that works
- Have valleys and gutters cleared at least twice a year under heavy canopy
- Install micro-mesh gutter guards
- Choose algae-resistant architectural shingles at replacement
- Keep limbs trimmed back from the roof line
- Book a free inspection after major storms