Your roof shields your family from the elements and other threats that lurk outside. Roof damage is typically associated with leaks produced by severe rains or debris colliding with the roof as a result of high-speed winds. Your roof, on the other hand, is vulnerable to damage, particularly from various roof damaging pests.
Here are a few examples of animals and other pests that can swiftly wreak havoc on your roof:
Birds
You may enjoy hearing birds sing in your yard, but you do not want to hear them sing on your roof. Even though birds aren’t particularly large, they do have talons that may tear off a roof, and some will peck at it in search of insects to eat. Their excrement is acidic, which can lead to rusting. If the birds decide to construct a nest on your roof, the situation might become significantly worse.
The nest will most likely be in your gutters. These nests, on the other hand, can clog gutters and generate pools of water that can leak through the roof or into the foundation of your home.
Rodents
Mice and rats prefer to live in the walls of homes for warmth, and if the infestation isn’t identified and exterminated, they’ll often reach the roof. They may devour the building material or insulation in the walls or attic once inside or on your roof.
Furthermore, if rodents are not eliminated, their offspring will most likely live in your walls and roof. You most likely have rodents if you hear a biting sound in the walls or ceilings of your home. Bite marks or gnaw marks on walls, cables, or other objects around your home are another clue to search for.
Termites
Even if your roof doesn’t have wood shingles, it almost certainly has wood underneath, so it’s critical to protect it against these wood-eating pests on a regular basis. If termites are present, the wood in the affected region will become thinner and thinner until holes form. It will be more difficult to regulate the temperature, and your home will be exposed to rain and water damage.
While termites prefer wood, they will eat anything that contains cellulose, such as paper, cardboard, cotton, and other materials. To get to their preferred diet, termites may even gnaw through plastic.
Bees
Protecting bees is vital, but that doesn’t imply we want them living in or on our roofs. If bees decide to create a colony on your roof, they’ll consume it to make place for themselves. Bees will also add a significant amount of weight to your roof, perhaps causing structural damage. Not to mention the risk of being stung if you open a window on the second floor.
If any of these species have caused damage to your roof, you’ll need to have it assessed after the pests have been removed. A residential roofing contractor can determine whether the damage is severe enough to necessitate a complete roof replacement or whether minor repairs are all that is required.
These pests aren’t often a bother in the wild, but they will be in your house. There are several natural techniques to keep animals from becoming too at ease on your land. If such methods don’t work, it’s time to bring in the professionals.
More on roof damaging pests
Your home’s roof is designed to protect it from Mother Nature’s harsh weather conditions. Roofs aren’t designed to withstand continual contact with animals (or humans) or their attempts to gain access to the attic space through the roof. Squirrels, raccoons, and opossums, for example, will use their paws and teeth to make holes in the roof. Whether or not the animals get inside your property, the damage will be prone to roof leaks, which will lead to wood rot, mold, and a roof’s lifespan being decreased.
Birds and bats can damage your roof simply by breeding in inconvenient places, such as roof vents. Nests (and the animals that make them) can obstruct the movement of air into and out of the attic. During periods of intense heat, a lack of sufficient airflow can cause damage to the roof’s structure.
Tips for Keeping Roof Damaging Pests From Ruining Your Roof
You can’t simply post a “No Trespassing” sign on your roof. As a result, you must take the following precautions:
- Trees and bushes with branches that droop too close to the roof should be pruned back. (Overhanging trees provide a link between nature and your home.)
- To keep birds from landing on your roof, install anti-bird spikes along the edges.
- To prevent wild animals from using this as an easy entrance point to your attic space, get minor roof damage fixed as soon as possible.
- Visually inspect your roof for damage as well as any signs of animal nesting.
If you’re having problems with your roof because of wild animals, talk to your local pest control experts about the best ways to prevent it from happening again. In addition to pest management, contact your local roofer to have them inspect your roof and fix any damage caused by these wild animals.
What types of roof damage might trees above or near your house cause?
Birds are attracted to trees, and if their limbs dangle over your roof, their acidic droppings will cause harm. When it comes to trees and your roof, birds aren’t the only thing to be concerned about.
Problems with erosive erosion and drainage
Allowing tree limbs to dangle over your roof can destroy the top layer of protection by allowing water to drop down continually after it rains. Fallen leaves and other debris will also obstruct water drainage along your roof, causing water to go where it isn’t supposed to. Water will start pouring via your roof as it finds the path of least resistance.
Summary: Roof Damaging Pests You Should Know
Your roof shields your family from the elements and other threats that lurk outside. Roof damage is typically associated with leaks produced by severe rains or debris colliding with the roof as a result of high-speed winds. Your roof, on the other hand, is vulnerable to damage, particularly from various critters.
If you have any questions about common roof damaging pests contact me today.