Will it hurt my house if I allow the ivy to grow all over it?
Question:My house is a garrison-style, wood clap board, in the upper north-east. We bought the house a couple years ago and we could see that ivy was growing on the side at one time. The ivy was planted by previous owners at the base of the fireplace. It looks really nice and except for it creeping down the chimney (the chimney sweep pulled some out last inspection), I wonder if it could some how destroy the house. It dies back in the winter and creeps over the house a little bit more each year. My grandpa told me once that ivy destroys stucco, so, I'm just wondering...thanks.
Answers:
just in case you didn't understand what everyone has said, Don't do it
I does not damage a house directly but it can help to hold moisture which can shorten the life of the clapboards.
It can rot the surroundings and it will lead to termites.
Ivy can be destructive. It will eventually work its way between the clapboards and pry them out/loose.
The ivy tendrils (roots) create chemicals that can break down surfaces so that it can adhere to them. When you pull them off, they leave marks and debris that is EXTREMELY difficult, if not impossible to get off. I don't recommend leaving it on the house, even though it's very quaint looking.
Ivy can be very invasive. It can ruin wood, and deteriorate mortar between bricks and stone as well.
I strongly discourage you from doing this. I have seen ivy grow in under the eaves of the roof causing damage. You grandfather is right, ivy if left to grow on houses can and will eventually cause structural damage because of growing into every crevice it can find.
Okay...I'm staying away from this category. That Orkin ad with the roaches crawling all over grosses me out!
no
Ivy is indeed beautiful when it climbs over your home. However, it can trap moisture, destroy paint, and make your wood rot. It can also worm its way into cracks and pull boards loose. Both of these have happened to me. You may be able to let it grow but keep it trimmed back; just be aware of the possible consequences!
It will grow behind the lapped siding..and when it reaches the roof ..it can grow under the shingles or tiles and create leaks too...
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