We have spoken in depth about roof damage and how it is typically caused by leaking due to heavy storms or fallen debris as a result of strong winds. However, we have not tackled the topic of roof damage caused by wildlife and how roofers can help. 

Critters Known to Damage Roofs

Living in any region of Georgia, which is covered by about 40% of forest land, means that wildlife is abundant in suburban neighborhoods. Most, if not all, older neighborhoods have well-established pine trees and it is certainly not uncommon for the backyard of unfenced homes to spill into a wooded area. 

That said, you’re likely to have numerous squirrels, chipmunks, opossums, birds, raccoons and even bats. 

During the day, you may even witness a squirrel or two running from one side of your roof to the other. However, those same squirrels could have easily made a way inside your roof and into your attic to store food, especially during the winter months. 

There are even some wild animals that are sneaky enough where they will enter your roof without you being aware of it, particularly at night  when you are on your third dream. If you are a heavy sleeper, you will not suspect the intruders until after you see the damage they have caused, including an entryway they’ve created.

Other common critters that can enter your roof include insects such as termites.

How Wild Animals Damage Your Roof

As you already know, the roof of your home is meant to protect your home against the elements or tough weather conditions. Roofs are not meant to deal with constant meddling by wild animals or their ways of trying to get inside of the roof to your attic.

Wildlife like the squirrels, raccoons, and opossums we’ve listed previously, use their paws and teeth to make openings in your roof. These animals are persistent and will more than likely get inside of your home, and when they do, the damage will be much more susceptible to roof leaks that will in turn lead to wood rot, mold, and a shortened lifespan of your roof. Not to mention the unsightly holes in different corners of your roof. 

And believe it or not, birds and bats can also cause damage to your roof by nesting in areas such as in roof vents. These nests can block the flow of air in and out of your attic space. Unfortunately, that means that a lack of proper airflow could damage the structure of your roof during times of extreme temperatures.

Ways to Prevent Wild Animals From Damaging Your Roof

Whether some damage has already been done or not, we recommend you implement some of the preventative measures that we highlighted here:

• Trim back any shrubbery with branches that hang close to your roof. This is because overhanging trees can act as a bridge for animals to your home’s roof.
• Get roof damage repaired immediately in order to prevent wild animals from using this opening as an easy access point to your attic.
• Do visual inspections of your roof for damage and to see any animals that may be nesting there.
• Put anti-bird spikes to the edges of your roof so birds can’t land here.

If you have been experiencing problems on or in your roof because of wild animals, be sure to call your local pest control company to find out the best prevention methods including removal of those animals. Aside from that, you will definitely want to contact a licensed roofer to come out and conduct an inspection of your roof and repair any damage these wild animals may have caused.  

At R L Hayes Roofing & Repairs, we thoroughly inspect your roof for any damage caused by wildlife and help with any roof repairs you will need. Please contact us for a quote and to see what work needs to be done on your roof. 

R L Hayes Roofing & Repairs
3540 Wheeler Rd Ste 103
Augusta, GA 30909
(706) 869-1193
https://rlhayes.com/