Checking Your Roof for Animal Lodgings

The cold and rain of the winter lead animals to seek shelter. In the cities, this often means in the roofs of homes and buildings. Unfortunately, animals can cause a number of damages to the roof and attic of your house, causing leaks, and damaging insulation and wiring.

The most common animals in the Pacific Northwest are raccoons, squirrels, birds, and mice.

What to look for

  • Unusual sounds. Two common sounds you may notice are scampering and persistent scratching.
  • Animal droppings. If you are inspecting the attic keep an eye out for animal droppings (don’t clean them up using your bare hands, animal droppings can contain salmonella).
  • Holes or damaged entry points. Raccoons will create fairly large holes and potentially be quite noticeable, but mice and squirrels will squeeze through smaller holes that might not be as obvious.
  • Interior damage. Damaged insulation, damaged ductwork
  • Chewed shingles. In order to get into the roof, squirrels, in particular, will gnaw at composite shingles. Check around roof vents, ridge vents, plumbing vents, and chimney vents.

How to remove them

Mothballs and ammonia are ineffective against animals, as are ultrasonic sound emitters and strobe lights. Often the best course of action is to call a pest control service. They will be able to humanely and safely remove the animals completely. Especially if there is a nest with babies in it, you will want to ensure the babies are safely taken out, along with the parents, otherwise, the animals will merely try to get back it to care for their children. Another thing you have to consider is that the animals may try to bite you, and rabies or other kinds of infection are a real possibility. Pest controllers know what to look for, and how to handle the different animals safely.

How to prevent

Trimming surrounding tree branches will help make it harder and less appealing for animals to jump from the trees onto your roof. You will also want to regularly clean the gutters to deter birds from nesting in the debris. Replace damaged shingles as not to give animals an entry point and keep an eye out for damages to any entry points in your roof, such as vents.

Regular roof inspections will also help you notice any potential openings in the roof that will allow for animals to find their way in. Along with an annual professional roof inspection, check the roof on a regular basis yourself, and take a serious note of anything that looks unusual or possibly damaged.

To learn more about getting your roof inspected talk to the Roof Tech team at +1.604.888.7663 or info@rooftechconsultants.ca