I love the look of ivy growing up my house, but is it safe for my home?

Ivy crawling up the side of a house can create a very quaint and romantic look, but is it healthy for your home? While Ivy may not always cause issues to your home, it is always recommended to avoid it altogether.

Research completed by the Oxford University has found that ivy can act as a thermal barrier for your home and that it is not usually considered strong enough to cause any cracks in your home's exterior brick or wood. However, that doesn't make homes overtaken by ivy are cleared for any potential defects. 

Ivy growth that has found its way into existing cracks or holes will create damage to your home. Ivy growth can become quite heavy and will put pressure on any weakened structures such as gutters or fences. Ivy growth on wood surfaces, including fences, can seep into the cracks of the wood grain and cause rot. It can also harbor many pests, including insects known to destroy wood.

Ivy growth on siding and soffit

Ivy growth on fence.

Removing Ivy is normally quite easy by simply plucking the plant from your home's surface. Take care when pulling Ivy off your home to not damage your home further by accidentally pulling off attached siding, stucco, or paint.

English Ivy is considered the most invasive species and is banned in some communities. Ivy growth is known to have even caused choking and damage to trees. It is recommended to remove Ivy growth before it reaches the tree's canopy.

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