Roof damage from animals is not only possible, it is a definite threat.
While you can weatherproof your roof against threatening weather systems, safeguarding one of the most vital protective regions of your home from invading critters is significantly more challenging. You must stay alert and watch for signs of intruders during all seasons to prevent the need for costly roof repairs. Following are some specific animals to guard against and signs you may have the beginnings of roof damage from animals.
What Types of Animals Invade Roofs?
The goal of most invading creatures is to seek shelter from the elements. Animals are attracted to the dark, protective heat source in the attic and will ruin a roof’s covering in an attempt to gain access. While mice may be the first creatures that come to mind, raccoons, squirrels and rats also target roofs and attics as a nest location. In addition, birds and bats may be drawn to build nests inside attics, chimneys and gutters.
What Kind of Roof Damage Can They Cause?
Animals commonly enter roofs through the soffits and soffit vents. They tear at the surrounding material or the soffit itself until enough space has been made for them to squeeze inside. They might also remove shingles and bore through rotting wood to enter or gain access through a chimney or gutter. Larger rodents such as raccoons may be deterred from entering through fans or vents, but small rodents can easily overcome obstacles in their quest for a warm, dry nesting place. Once an entrance hole has been established, other animals can also find a way inside, as can water, which can saturate wood and destroy shingling.
While many animals and birds may want to use a section of the roof or attic as their nest, once inside, they can devastate the electrical wiring and venting systems. Rats, mice and squirrels reflexively gnaw on wiring and wood, wreaking further havoc. Overall, animals and birds do not only have the capability of incurring expensive roof repairs, they can also cripple or destroy other inner workings of the home.
Preventive Techniques
First, ensure all tree branches are trimmed. Overhanging branches are a common way for animals to climb onto the roof’s surface. Clean debris from gutters regularly to deter birds from nesting in the space, preventing proper water drainage.
Inspect your attic’s interior on a regular basis, looking for droppings, gathered nesting material and signs of a frequently used animal entrance, sometimes spotted through observing the oily residue left behind as they enter and leave the attic.
Also, walk around the perimeter of the roof from ground level and look for missing shingles or torn roofing materials. Call a roofing contractor skilled at animal damage control such as the Roof Doctor team when you notice any signs of an infestation or interior and exterior roof damage from animals.