How Trees Cause Roof Damage

180 Contractors • July 25, 2026

Drip, drip, drip. It’s the one sound that a homeowner never wants to hear. Once you start to hear it, it could be a sign of costly water damage in the making due to roof leaks.


Your roof is the only thing keeping the elements at bay. Roof damage can change the sound of rain from something comforting into a nightmare. If you want the patter of rain on your rooftop to be something that makes you cozy rather than anxious, then you need to get roof waterproofing.

Of course, this will depend on the type of roof you have and your roof lifespan. Keep reading as we discuss everything you need to know about repairing your roof to withstand the elements.


Roof Waterproofing Begins With Your Type of Roof

Before we can get to the process, you need to know that your type of roof will determine the sort of waterproofing that you get. At a very high level, there are only two types of roofs: flat roofs and arched roofs.


Arched Roof Waterproofing

In most cases, residential areas have arched roofs. This is because the weight of snow in the winter could easily collapse a roof. Arched roofs distribute that weight straight to the foundations, allowing the snow to melt off in spring.


Most arched roofs have wood or asphalt shingles. It wouldn’t be beneficial or effective to have a single, flat material. Waterproofing with arched roofs is about making sure there is a tight seal between the asphalt shingles and the roof itself.


Flat Roof Waterproofing

In some cases, though (especially in dry areas like the Southwest) residents may have a flat roof. A flat roof has an entirely different type of drainage system. Rather than having the water drip off the arches into the siding, flat roofs tilt slightly so water drips out of drainage pipes on each side.

Flat roofs are much less common for residential applications, though. In most situations, you will see flat roofs in commercial buildings that can withstand the weight of snow or heavy rain.


Flat roof waterproofing is very different. The waterproofing needs to be across the surface of the roof, which would make shingles entirely ineffective. Instead, flat roofs use a synthetic rubber membrane that provides a complete, even seal across the surface.


Waterproofing Your Roof: Get a Roof Inspection First

If your roof is in need of waterproofing, the first step is an inspection. You should be getting this on a semi-regular basis already. After all, the roof is a critical component of your home and deserves a bit of love, too.


Roof inspection can help identify problems long before they become severe. In particular, when you have leaks that grow steadily over time. Luckily, your roofing contractor can handle the roof maintenance and roof repair immediately if they spot an issue.


Additionally, the problem may not be simply waterproofing. You may need an entire roof replacement. Most roofs, especially modern ones, only last up to 50 years, and often much less.

That’s why we recommend doing the roof inspection first. For all you know, you could be due for a complete roof replacement. If you were to skip that replacement, you might be patching nonstop holes in an effort to keep the water out.


Again, it’s important to view a roof inspection as a benefit to you, not an annoyance. Roof repair is always cheaper if you find out that you need it before the damage gets really bad.


Roof Waterproofing

Assuming your roof doesn’t need a complete replacement, it’s time to get the waterproofing done.

You likely have an arched roof. If that’s the case, then waterproofing is all about those shingles.


Your contractor will use sealant to make sure and caulk off any areas with the potential to leak. They may need to replace a few asphalt shingles or tiles in the process.


Determining where the leaks are can sometimes be tricky. Shingles can deceive you. On the surface, they may appear to be in good condition, but they are actually cracked, misaligned, or somehow leaking water beneath.


Should I Really Hire a Roofing Contractor?

With prices being what they are, we don’t blame you for wanting to do this DIY. However, we highly recommend against it–and not just because this is our business.


It’s essential that you do not try to tackle this yourself. Sure, it might be a good learning experience for Rusty, but roofs require experts to get the job done. You want to make sure that this problem is nipped in the bud and doesn’t pop up again next month.


Further, roof contractors make sure that your roof looks good. If you take things into your own hands, your roof could end up with unsightly splotches of sealant. Roofing contractors make sure that everything looks nice, clean, and beautiful upon completion.


At the end of the day, going cheap is often more expensive in the end. Handle the problem right the first time, or you could be paying to fix any mistakes made for years to come.


Attic Maintenance

Naturally, your attic is where those first drips and drabs will land. Your roofing contractors may need to take a look at the attic. There could be issues with the insulation, which may be able to solve the water dripping issue altogether.


The attic can also be hiding more pernicious issues. For example, black mold growth could begin here if there is enough moisture. You don’t just want to seal off the roof; you want to make sure that any water that gets inside it doesn’t create problems.


Let 180 Contractors Handle Your Roof Waterproofing

Roof waterproofing is essential as the summer showers, wet autumn weather, and winter storms get closer. It all begins with a roof inspection, which may be able to identify if you have more serious issues; i.e. you need a roof replacement. Contact a roofing contractor in your area to handle the issue for you and get it done right.


Speaking of contractors, we’d like to introduce ourselves. We’re 180 Contractors, and we get the job done right the first time. Get free estimates for your roofing job and we will get straight to the waterproofing.

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