How To Protect Your Roof From Animals

When most homeowners think of keeping their roofs in good shape, they are usually concerned about harsh weather, branches falling from nearby trees, and regular wear. While these are all reasonable concerns, they fail to account for the substantial damage that local critters might cause to a roof.

Calling a roof replacement service because animals have damaged your roof shingles is not a pleasant experience. Taking the proper precautions is critical for preserving your roof in Ellicott City, MD, without damaging the local wildlife. Here are a few tried-and-true strategies for keeping critters off your roof in a humane and practical manner.

What kind of animals live on roofs?

The only thing worse than animals that loudly run over your roof while you’re trying to sleep are animals that do so stealthily, keeping you completely oblivious to their presence until after they’ve already damaged your roof. If you find that your wildlife problem is beyond your ability to address on your own, don’t hesitate to seek help from local authorities.

Critters frequently found on roofs include:

• Raccoons
• Squirrels
• Possums
• Bats
• Rats
• Mice
• Birds
• Bees and wasps

If you find that your wildlife problem is outside your ability to address it on your own, don’t hesitate to seek help from local authorities.

What Kind of Damage Can Animals Do?

Animals can cause significant damage to your roof, destroying materials and creating entry points. They can also compromise waterproofing and insulation, causing water leaks, mold growth, and wood rot. Addressing and preventing these issues is vital to protecting the lifespan of your roof as well as that of your loved ones.

Home Damage

• Enter through soffits: Animals can create holes by chewing and tearing their way through soffits and vents.
• Make larger holes: Once a smaller animal, like a squirrel or mouse has made a hole, this gives an opportunity for larger animals to make their way into your roof.
• Lift or remove shingles: Animals can dig or lift shingles to access soft or rotting wood or through gutters or chimneys.
• Nests: Birds can create nests in flat roofs or attics, blocking venting systems and electrical wiring.
• Invade home: Attics provide insulation for nests and shelter, causing damage and mess quickly.

Health Damage

Critters living in your roof can pose safety hazards, transmit diseases, and cause noise disturbances.

How to Keep Animals off Roofs?

• Trim trees around your house to prevent animals from climbing over to the roof. Tree branches hanging over roofs allow animals to safely access buildings. Trimming these branches in the spring prevents damage to roofs, as many animals rely on trees close to buildings.
• Remove food sources in your yard that could attract animals, keep pet food containers indoors and use latches on your garbage bins.
• Regularly clean gutters to prevent their attraction to animals.
• Trim vines and plants on the exterior walls of your home to prevent them from serving as access for squirrels and raccoons.
• Purchase non-toxic animal repellent, especially ultrasonic outdoor pest repellants.
• Install squirrel guards on nearby poles to prevent squirrels from climbing onto your roof.
• Remove bird feeders or place them further away from your roof.
• Check your attic for signs of animal activity and close off entry points.

The Importance of Roof Maintenance and Inspections

Regular roof repair, maintenance, and inspections are critical for identifying potential issues before they escalate. These professional inspections can help identify wear and tear indicators, such as animal damage, preventing further damage. This will save you time and money in the long run.

Fixing Animal Roof Damage

Animal-related roof damage requires immediate action to prevent further damage and restore the integrity of your roof. Repairs, sealing, and deterrence measures are vital for the safety and functionality of your home.

Inspection

Start by doing a thorough inspection of your roof to assess any damages, potential entry points, and signs of nesting materials, scratching, or chewing.

Shingle Damage

Repair damaged or missing shingles caused by animal activity using matching shingles for seamless repair, and secure new shingles to prevent future roof damage.

Sealing Entry Points

Find and seal any damaged soffits, fascia boards, vents, or chimney flashing. You can also use durable wire mesh or metal flashing to prevent animals from reentering the attic or crawl space.

Removing Nests

Before doing any cleaning, make sure you are wearing the appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and masks when handling contaminated materials to minimize health risks. Then, check your attic or crawl space and clean out any debris, droppings, or nesting materials.

Trust the Roofing Pros at Nu Look – Operating across the Mid-Atlantic

If your roof is severely damaged or you’re uncertain about the next steps, seek out the experienced roofing professionals at Nu Look Home Design.

We are your most reliable friend on the road to an efficient, long-lasting, and visually appealing roof. You can rely on our skilled crew to arrive promptly at your home, whether it is near the Ellicott City station or in one of the surrounding areas. Contact us to set up an on-site consultation now.