Can Animals Destroy Your Roof?
In short, the answer is yes. Animals can destroy your roof by chewing through shingles, ripping open vents and clogging gutters with nesting debris. Small animals like squirrels, birds and even raccoons can exploit small gaps in your roofing materials to create entry points into your home.
Some of the most common culprits of animals who destroy your roof are:
• Squirrels and rodents. They use their sharp teeth to gnaw on shingles, widen holes, and chew electrical wires inside the attic.
• Raccoons. They use immense physical strength to pry up loose shingles, tear away flashing and wreck soffit areas.
• Birds. They build obstructive nests in roof vents and gutters causing water backup and roof leaks. Droppings from the birds are also acidic and erode materials over time.
• Bats. They can accumulate corrosive droppings that degrade roofing components and creates health risks.
These common animals on your roof lead to a myriad of issues and damages to your roof and your health. When there is frequent animal traffic in your roof, their feces will begin to accumulate. Wild animal excrement can carry diseases which can make you sick when exposed. Plus, the accumulation of feces in a damp environment promotes the growth of mold and fungi; increasing the risk to humans and their health.
If you notice damage from animals destroying your roof, acting promptly to prevent further issues is important. If a small problem is left untreated, it can easily become a big problem costing you more money in the long run.
To prevent animals from destroying your roof, trim back tree branches that hang over your roof, install guards on roof vents, cap your chimney and even consult a local pest control company if you are looking for safe deterrents.
If you have questions about animals destroying your roof, call your locally owned roofing contractor, BB Roofing and we will walk you through all the options that fit your needs and your budget. Call BB Roofing for a free, no obligation estimate today!
