Animals are one of the most common causes of roof damage. Squirrels, rats, raccoons, birds, and insects can all threaten the integrity of your roof, and Austin’s tree-lined neighborhoods give them easy access to it.
Rodents Causing Damage to Your Roof
Rats, house mice, and squirrels are the rodents most likely to damage your roof, and raccoons can do just as much harm. With their sharp teeth and claws, these animals can easily damage your roof and its supporting structure. Rodents may chew the roof vents, or chew and claw holes right through the fascia, soffit, shingles, and decking, potentially leaving large openings in the roof. They may also nest in your attic and cause damage inside your home.
Insects Nesting in Your Roof and Attic
Your roof provides an easy nesting place for wasps and bees. Their nests may be tucked into a corner or nook of your roof, or the insects may find their way into your attic. Termites can threaten the structure of your home, and carpenter ants can be a sign of damp or rotting wood.
Birds Damaging Your Roof and Gutters
Birds are the most common aerial pests on your roof. They may build nests in your gutters, and the nesting materials can clog your downspouts and cause rain to back up in your gutters. Bird droppings are also very acidic and can slowly discolor and deteriorate your shingles.
Signs of Animal Damage on Your Roof
How do you know if animals have damaged your roof? Watch for:
- Missing, lifted, or torn shingles you can spot from the ground
- Nesting materials in your gutters or around your home
- Gnaw marks, claw marks, or holes in visible areas such as the soffit or fascia
- Noises in your walls or attic from critters that have gotten inside
- Stains on your ceiling from water entering through animal-damaged areas
How to Prevent Animal Damage to Your Roof
- Trim trees back from the roof to take away easy access for critters like squirrels.
- Have your roof inspected regularly by a roofing contractor to check for damage, make sure gaps around vents and fascia are sealed, and catch issues before they become more expensive problems.
What to Do If Animals Have Damaged Your Roof
If you know you have a rodent in your attic or insects getting into your home, your first step is to call a qualified pest-removal company that specializes in the safe removal of that particular pest.
Then have a roofing contractor inspect the roof for damage and entry points, and have those areas repaired quickly so animals can’t get back into the attic and rain can’t cause water damage. Call J-Conn Roofing at (512) 479-0510 for a free roof inspection anywhere in the Greater Austin Area.