Although squirrels may look cute, these clever critters can cost homeowners thousands of dollars in roofing repairs, just in a single season. Squirrels possess a strong set of teeth that can rip through wood, roof shingles, and even sheathing.
What’s worse, squirrels may eventually find their way into your home. If you suspect a squirrel has damaged your roof, it’s best to be sure. Here’s how you can identify squirrel roof damage and take steps to remove these pesky creatures from your home.
Identifying Roof Damage Caused by Squirrels
Squirrels, if left to their own devices, can wreak havoc on your roof. They can chew into roof decking, tear up shingles, chew holes in your roof soffit, and ruin your gutters. If this isn’t bad enough, squirrels may eventually worm their way into your home through your siding, the soffit or focaccia, or the attic.
Needless to say, a squirrel inside your home can cause a large host of problems. They’ll chew through your electrical wiring, ruin your insulation, and make a mess of your attic storage.
How to Prevent Squirrel Roof Damage
Here are 6 ways you can combat squirrels on your roof and keep these pesky creatures at bay.
- Trim Greenery
To prevent squirrel roof damage, it’s essential to keep the bushes, trees, and tree branches around your property well-trimmed. Doing so will remove access points for squirrels trying to reach your roof. - Add a Drip Edge
Consider installing a drip edge, also known as a drip cap, to your roof to protect it from destructive critters. The drip edge works by adding a metal barrier that hangs over the edge of your fascia. This piece of metal not only helps with water drainage, but it also makes it harder for animals to crawl beneath your roof shingles. - Regularly Inspect Your Roof
Regular roof inspections will help you identify any weaknesses that might lead to squirrel-related issues. It’s recommended that you have your roof inspected at least twice a year, or whenever a big storm blows through. - Clean Your Gutters
Cleaning your gutters regularly is one of the best ways to prevent squirrels from damaging your roof or nesting inside your home. When gutters are left uncleaned, they clog with decaying leaves, dirt, and other debris. This debris creates an inviting nesting environment for creatures like birds and squirrels. - Seal and Insulate Your Home
If you seal and insulate your home properly, you’ll reduce entry points for vermin and reduce your home’s chance of infestation. This is especially important if you have any noticeable gaps in your siding, roofing, or fascia. If you have a chimney, add a chimney cap to seal this area off from birds and squirrels. - Use a Sonic Squirrel Repellant
Ultrasonic pest repellers are electronic devices that emit high-frequency sounds to discourage, incapacitate, or eliminate common household pests like squirrels and insects. There have been mixed reviews surrounding the effectiveness of these devices, but some homeowners find them to be useful.
What to Do If You Have Squirrel Damage on Your Roof
If you notice signs of squirrel damage on your roof, you’ll first want to ensure no animals have entered your home. If you find squirrels have made their way into your house, reach out to a pest control company to prevent them from coming back.
Then, schedule a roofing inspection with a qualified roofing company. It’s important to have a professional assess the damage to your roof. They’ll help you determine whether your roof needs a replacement, or whether repairs will be sufficient.
Invest in a Squirrel-Proof Roof
If you’re tired of squirrels and other critters making themselves at home in your attic, reach out to the expert roofing team at Olson Windows, Doors, Siding, and Roofing.
Our company has been family-owned and operated since 1995. We pride ourselves in being the trusted choice for roofing in Barrington and the surrounding communities.
Let us serve you and your roofing needs! Reach out to our team to see why we have an abundance of 5-star reviews on Google and an A+ rating on Better Business Bureau.
