When you think of ways to protect your roof, you might focus on cleaning your gutters regularly and scheduling yearly maintenance. Many homeowners don’t realize another serious threat to their roofs: pests.
Birds, insects, and rodents can wreak havoc on your roof, and you may not realize it until the damage is done. Understanding how pests can damage your roof and implementing a few preventive measures will help you mitigate this risk and maximize your roof’s lifespan.
For a free roof inspection, call Polaris Roofing Systems today.
What Pests Can Damage a Roof?
Some pests, such as squirrels and raccoons, may burrow into your attic through the roof, creating a home in this warm, dry space. Others, like insects, may feed on your roofing materials. And some, including birds and certain bugs, may use your roof as their nesting ground, damaging the surface and structure.
You’ll also want to watch out for roof rats. These rodents are good at climbing, and they often seek shelter in high places as protection from predators.
Some of these pests are more noticeable than others, but they can all cause significant damage in a matter of days.
How Do Pests Cause Roof Damage?
Understanding how pests can damage your roof enables you to watch for signs of potential damage. Insects and critters might damage your roofing materials and structure in a few different ways:
- Rodents often damage roof insulation by gnawing or chewing through it.
- Squirrels and roof rats create holes in the roof by burrowing through weak areas.
- Bird droppings can corrode metal, eat through paint, damage shingles, and even clog gutters.
- Birds may also peck at shingles, weakening or damaging them.
Keep an eye out for these signs that a pest is damaging your roof:
- You hear unusual noises from overhead, such as scratching, scurrying, flapping wings, or gnawing.
- When examining your roof from the ground, you notice excessive bird droppings, nests, or other debris.
- You have a new leak or notice moisture in the ceiling.
- You spot frequent bird or animal activity on the roof.
Any of these signs should prompt you to call a professional roofer for an inspection. You don’t want to wait until significant damage becomes obvious; calling now could prevent any issues from worsening.
Tips To Prevent Pest Damage to Your Roof
Pests aren’t picky when it comes to choosing a roof to invade. Unless you have prevention measures in place, unwanted critters can damage your roof without warning. Still, certain roofs have an elevated risk:
- Those on woodland properties
- Those with untreated wood
- Poorly maintained roofs
You can prevent roof damage by:
- Scheduling regular roof inspections. Do this at least annually to check for signs of infestations. You may be able to catch one early before the pests have time to inflict much damage.
- Seal all entry points into your roof. A roofer will inform you about any potential entry points into your attic. These areas may attract pests looking for shelter. Seal them now before it’s too late.
- Trim trees that overhang the roof. If you have trees near your roof line, pests may jump from the tree to your roof. Trimming any overhanging branches discourages this activity.
- Install screens over vents. If any open vents lead to your attic, install screens or vent covers to prevent pests from squeezing through.
Choose Polaris Roofing Systems for Pest Prevention and Roof Repair
Now that you know how pests can damage your roof, rely on our roofing contractors to mitigate this issue. Contact us today at 928-699-4840 to schedule a free roof inspection in Flagstaff, Bellemont, Doney Park, Mormon Lake, Munds Park, Sedona, and Williams, AZ!
