Roof damage is a frustrating and costly issue for any homeowner. While most people know the typical causes of roof damage, such as storms and weathering, many overlook a surprisingly common problem – animal damage. Creatures ranging from squirrels to birds can cause significant harm to your roof and potentially even find their way into your home. With some knowledge and preventative measures, you can protect your roof and your home from unwanted animal intruders and avoid costly repairs. Alternatively, you can seek the help of professional and trusted roofing contractors like Steadfast Roofing to help you take proactive steps to protect against animal roof damage before it’s too late.
In this guide, we’ll explore how you can identify the presence of these sneaky intruders and provide 5 practical tips to help safeguard your roof and your home.
How Do You Know Your Roof is Under Attack?
Identifying potential animal threats and signs of activity is the first step in protecting your home from animal roof damage. Watch for signs of animal activity on your roof, such as scratches, droppings, nests, or chewed areas. Squirrels, for instance, are notorious for burrowing through shingles and even chewing through wood to make their way into your attic. Birds, on the other hand, can cause damage to your roof by building nests in gutters and under shingles leading to water damage and mold growth. Raccoons are particularly aggressive and can scratch and claw their way through shingles causing significant damage to your roof, attic, and insulation.
5 Preventive Measures to Protect your Roof from Animal Damage
By understanding which animals are the biggest culprits and what to look for, you’ll be better equipped to protect your roof from animal damage. Below are five practical solutions that could help you keep critters from your roofing system.
1: Regular Roof Inspections and Maintenance
Your roof is always a prime target for sneaky critters looking for a cozy place to call home. Even the tiniest gap or crack in your shingles, tiles, or pipes can provide access to your attic and invite unwanted guests like mice, squirrels, and raccoons. That’s why having your roof inspected by a professional regularly (at least once or twice a year) is crucial. Not only will this help extend the life of your roof, but it can also prevent pesky animals from causing damage and turning your attic into their playground.
2: Keep your Gutter Cleaned & Maintained
To prevent birds from nesting in your gutters, keeping them free of debris is crucial. A buildup of leaves, sticks and other materials can attract birds seeking nesting materials. Have your gutters cleaned at least twice yearly (in the spring and fall) to minimize the chances of clogging. Alternatively, a more permanent solution is to install gutter guards, which a professional roofing contractor can do. This can significantly reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning and help protect your roof from potential animal damage.
3: Relocate Your Garbage
Garbage cans naturally attract animals to your property, leading them to search for shelter on your roof. It’s important to properly store your garbage and relocate it away from your home. This can reduce the chances of animals making their way onto your roof and causing damage.
4: Ensure All Tree Branches are Trimmed
Overhanging tree branches can provide easy access for animals to climb onto your roof. Trimming any tree branches hanging over your roof is important to reduce the risk of animal damage. This will also help protect your roof from falling debris during storms.
5: Cap Chimneys & Monitor Your Attic
Chimneys and attics are common entry points for animals. It’s important to cap your chimney to prevent animals from entering through this area. All you need to do is have a steel cage or crate installed to block the opening of your chimney. This affordable and easy solution can be done during regular roof maintenance or at the same time as a new roof installation. You should also monitor your attic for signs of animal activity, such as droppings or chewed areas. If you notice signs of activity, it’s best to contact a professional to remove the animals safely.
As much as we love and appreciate animals, we certainly don’t want them causing havoc on our roofs. While we can’t completely eliminate the risk of animal damage, the tips outlined in this article can significantly reduce the chances of these intruders wreaking havoc on your roof. If you find yourself with a critter invasion, it’s wise not to tackle the problem alone. A professional extermination company can safely remove unwanted wildlife from your attic. A roofing contractor, on the other hand, can assist with all your roofing concerns. They’ll be able to provide expert advice and assistance to keep your roof in top shape for years to come.
