Animal Roof Damage: Signs You Have Uninvited Guests
Dec 17, 2020
When someone says they have roof damage, the first thing that comes to mind is weather damage. And while it’s true that storms are the primary cause of roof repairs, you should also be worried about uninvited guests, the critters. Animal roof damage is another reason you may need to call a local roofer.
Certain wild animals are sneaky enough to explore your roof without you even noticing until you see the damage they’ve done. Common wild animals that can damage a roof are raccoons, squirrels, opossums, chipmunks, birds, bats, and a whole list of insects. So, how do you know if you have uninvited guests?
Signs You Have Uninvited Guests
If the animals have found a way in and are roosting in your attic, you’ll notice signs such as:
- Droppings or urine
- Nests made of paper, leaves, or twigs (squirrels, rodents, birds)
- Disturbed insulation (squirrels and raccoons)
- Ducts ripped apart (raccoons)
- Gnawing or squeaking at night (rodents)
- Scampering or Scurrying noises (squirrels or rodents)
- Purrs, whimpers, snarls, growls, hisses, screams, or whining (raccoons)
If the pests have destroyed your insulation or other materials, you may need to replace them.
The Damage They Cause to Your Roof
Your roof is meant to protect you, not to handle constant contact with animals (or humans). So when they do, damage can occur.
Raccoons, squirrels, and opossums use their paws and teeth to create openings in the roof. Whether they get inside or not, your roof will be susceptible to leaks and cause wood rot, mold, and shorten the lifespan of your roof.
Bats and birds cause damage by nesting in troublesome areas like roof vents. Nest in roof vents block airflow in and out of the attic space. Without proper airflow, damage can occur to the structure of the roof during periods of extreme temperatures.
How to Prevent Animal Roof Damage
You can’t just put out a “no entry” sign for animals. It would be nice if that worked. So what can you do? Here are some preventative measures you can take.
- Trim back trees and shrubs with branches too close to the roof. Overhanging tree limbs are the perfect bridge from nature to your home.
- Add anti-bird spikes to the edges of your roof to prevent them from landing.
- Repair any minor roof damaged ASAP. Close any gaps or cracks to remove any easy access points to your attic space.
- Visually inspect your roof for damage or nesting animals.
When to Call Your Roofing Company
Once you’ve called animal control to remove the animal, call your roofing company to inspect and repair any damage. Trained roofers know what animal roof damage to look for and the necessary steps to prevent future infestations. Repairs can include chewed exhaust vents, replacing shingles, and installing metal fascia to cover exposed wood.
Does it sound like there’s a party going on in your attic? Call an exterminator first. Then, call Perry Roofing Company to repair the damage to your roof. Call today. 479.306.4327