Prevent animal roof damage by installing bird spikes, gutter guards, and chimney caps, and by sealing access points with wire mesh. Trim overhanging branches and secure food sources. If damage has already occurred, replace damaged shingles, clean out nesting materials, and add protective screens over openings. For significant damage, call Driftwood Builders Roofing for professional repairs.
Roof damage can be the worst, and damage to your roof can easily turn into a bigger problem so you always need to address it quickly. Damage caused by animals and pests can be holes, cracks, or pits in your roof area, shingles, and portions of your roofing structure. Let’s talk more about how to prevent and repair roof damage caused by animals.
Prevent and Repair Roof Damage Caused by Animals
Roofing problems from pests and animals are actually quite common. A roof is outdoors, so it receives a lot of outdoor visitors. From birds, squirrels, raccoons, lizards, mice, bats, cats, and bugs, a roof has a lot to battle to remain in sound shape for many years. If a roof problem caused by a pest isn’t taken care of in a timely manner, it can lead to far bigger problems. For example, water leaks and damage like mold and rot can develop and spread across a roof or within your attic space.What Animals Can Get on your Roof?
Animals can be destructive to a roof and its components in a short period of time. Each type of animal or pest has its own typical destructive behavior. Squirrels and raccoons, for example, like to burrow in your attic space and can tear, scratch, and rip at roofing shingles. If your roofing system is newer, it can withstand more abuse from the environment, storms, and critters. However, these roof pests can still harm a roof whether it’s new or not.4 Ways to Stop Animals from Damaging a Roof
There are a lot of ways animals can find passage onto your roof. Reduce these paths and you can reduce or prevent roof damage caused by wildlife.- Trim Trees and Vegetation This is the first task to help eliminate pests on your roof. Everything can find its way on the tree branch highway. Lizards, squirrels, rats, and larger animals can easily crawl up the tree trunks and across on long branches, right onto your roof. Vines and other plants close to the house or roof can also provide an easy walkway and should be managed.
- Downspouts This entry into your gutter system can also be an invitation for animals and other pests to walk right up to your roof area. If you notice this is an issue, covers and screens can be implemented to prevent occupants from reaching the top of your house.
- Wires and Cables These can also be a runway for animals and bugs to enter a roof space. Housing these in a slippery casing can help prevent critters from climbing up from the ground and calling your roof area home.
- Missing Shingles or Holes If your roof is older or has been through rough weather, confirm that there aren’t easy ways for pests and animals to enter your roof spaces. A professional roofer can also easily assist with this and prevent an invasion of critters into your home.