Wildlife damage on your roof

Jeff Littleton
Last Updated January 15, 2024
12:00 pm

Even if you consider yourself an animal lover, certain creatures can wreak havoc on your home. We’re talking about those animals that have a knack for chewing, clawing, burrowing, or tearing their way through the very structure of your house. No matter how adorable they may appear, having wildlife in your attic or on your roof is not ideal. Allowing these creatures to roam freely and do as they please can damage your roofing system significantly, resulting in costly repairs, unsanitary messes, and nests in hard-to-reach areas.

How wildlife enters your home

When it comes to wildlife like squirrels, raccoons, rats, and birds, they won’t wait for an invitation to make themselves at home. These creatures are notorious for causing extensive damage when they break into your house, often through your roof. Seeking shelter beneath your roof protects them from harsh weather conditions and potential predators, leading them to tear their way through the soffits to access your attic. Additionally, they may chew through screens or grates to enter through a soffit vent or damage siding and shingles by ripping, chewing, or scratching. Covering other potential entry points, such as rooftop vents, fans, gutter lines, and chimneys, is crucial to prevent their access.

Rodents like squirrels and rats, in particular, have a natural need to constantly chew on objects to maintain healthy and sharp teeth. As a result, they often target wood, wires, and other materials found on rooftops. Identifying chew marks is essential, as it indicates their presence. It is crucial to pay attention to this sign and take prompt action. Any damaged electrical wires, wood beams, or rafters in your attic should be replaced or repaired immediately to prevent potential structural issues.

The exterior walls

The integrity of the exterior wall is crucial for the overall structure of your house. If you come across a small hole, use filling products like cement to seal it off or bricks for larger openings for proper reinforcement. Look out for burrows near the wall and inspect the basement for hidden passages. Repairing a wall demands extra caution as the stability of the entire structure relies on it, so it might be wise to seek professional assistance if the damage is extensive.

The roof

One often overlooked but highly vulnerable area for unwelcome invaders is the roof. If you discover signs of animals in your attic, make sure to inspect the roof thoroughly. We advise covering vents and chimney outlets with mesh wire to prevent entry.

Another aspect to consider during roof repairs is nearby trees. Trimming branches to eliminate potential access points is recommended if branches hang over the roof. Even after making these repairs, creating an environment in Florida that is less enticing for rodents, in particular, will go a long way. This includes securing garbage bins and ensuring no food items are left lying around.

Common animal intruders and the damage they cause

Encountering an animal on your roof may initially seem delightful. Still, it’s important to consider the potential damage they can inflict. Even small animals can cause significant harm. The most common culprits in Florida include squirrels, birds, rats, and other small creatures.

Squirrels

Although they may appear harmless, squirrels are known for nesting in attics. They seek warm areas and can cut through shingles and vents to gain access. Their strong chewing abilities can quickly penetrate even solid structures. Once the squirrels are removed, it is crucial to patch the roof to prevent water leakage, which can lead to mold, mildew, and rot.

Birds

While nesting birds can be charming, they can also cause damage. Birds often block gutters with their nests, increasing the risk of roof flooding during heavy rains. Additionally, their acidic droppings can gradually erode shingles and paint, resulting in unattractive stains and potential mold and mildew issues. Regular cleaning of gutters and roofs can prevent debris buildup and address acid damage early on.

Rats

Small rats commonly enter homes through soffits, the areas beneath overhangs. Once inside, they cause extensive damage by chewing through HVAC vents, wires, and even the roof itself. This can lead to leaks, wall damage, and rapid reproduction of the rats. Regular inspections are crucial to identify and repair soffit openings that rats may use as entry points.

Other animal intruders

Raccoons, iguanas, bats, and roof rats/mice have their own destructive tendencies. Raccoons can tear large holes in shingles and set up nests in attics. At the same time, iguanas seek refuge on barrel tile roofs, potentially loosening tiles and causing leaks. Bats can enter through small gaps and make homes in attics. Roof rats/mice burrow through roofs, causing damage to insulation, tubing, and electrical cords.

If you suspect animals are currently damaging your roof, it is advisable to contact a professional roofing contractor for a thorough assessment. They can identify the extent of the damage, provide appropriate repairs, and offer preventive measures to avoid future intrusions.

Wildlife prevention tips

We recommend taking proactive measures to avoid the issues mentioned above and prevent animals from entering your home through the roof. These measures go beyond inspecting your roof and include maintaining your yard.

What is the strongest roof in a hurricane?

Here are some techniques to consider:

Trim Tree Branches: Ensure that all tree branches are properly trimmed to prevent animals from using them as access points to the roof.

Clean Gutters Regularly: Clean debris from gutters regularly to discourage birds from building nests and obstructing water drainage.

Inspect Attic: Regularly inspect the interior of your attic for droppings, nesting materials, and signs of animal entry, such as oily residue.

Check for Roof Damage: Walk around the roof’s perimeter from the ground floor, looking for broken shingles or torn roofing materials that could provide animal entry points.

Seek Professional Help: If you notice signs of infestation or roof damage caused by animals, contact a roofing contractor experienced in animal damage control.

Protecting your yard and home

In addition to preventive measures, addressing any wildlife presence in your yard is important. Here are some tips for protecting your yard and home:

Keep bird feeders away from exterior walls to avoid attracting birds. Birds can carry ticks and invade eaves and attic spaces.
Keep trash receptacles clean and tightly sealed to prevent animals from being drawn to your property by the smell of garbage.
Reduce standing water sources to limit locations where invading animals can drink.

Maintain a well-mowed lawn and trim overgrown vegetation to make your yard less attractive to wildlife.
Identify and remove or protect food sources in your yard, such as gardens, fruit trees, and berry bushes, using fencing to keep animals away.
Remove lawn clutter and items that can serve as hiding places or harborage for animals.
To prevent iguanas from accessing your roof, block their access points by wrapping metal sheeting around the base of trees and cutting branches that touch your house. Cable poles with wiring can also be blocked with metal sheeting to prevent them from becoming bridges to your roof.

By implementing these preventive measures and seeking professional assistance, you can minimize the risk of animal intrusions, protect your home and roofing system, and maintain the natural longevity of your roof.

When you need to replace broken tiles

Wildlife damage on your roof can lead to significant issues, including expensive repairs, unsanitary messes, and compromised structural integrity. Taking proactive measures to prevent animal intrusions and promptly addressing any damage is essential. If you need replacement tiles for your home or business, All Points Tile and Slate is here to help.

With our extensive inventory of high-quality replacement tiles, you can restore the beauty and functionality of your roof. We understand the importance of a reliable roofing system and offer a wide range of options to suit your specific needs. Visit our inventory to explore our selection and find the perfect replacement tiles to safeguard your property from future wildlife damage. If you need assistance identifying your existing tiles to find the perfect replacement, don’t hesitate to contact us and speak to a tile expert today.

The information on our blog is for educational purposes only and should not replace the advice of a professional roofer. For all roofing questions and needs, please contact our experts at 407-366-2521.