As spring rolls around, you might begin to see critters on your roof. Where did they come from and how do you get rid of them? These animals can impose a threat to the sturdiness of your roof structure, as well as break into your attic and damage your belongings. No one wants uninvited company. Here are some common reasons why critters get on your roof, the damage they can cause, as well as how you can get rid of them.
Springtime Is Here; Keep an Eye Out on Your Roof
Critters are most likely to get on your roof and enter your home in the spring. It’s mating season, and they need a cozy place to nest and put their babies in. Animals have basic survival needs: food, water, and shelter. If some of these needs aren’t being met, they will do what it takes to satisfy them. This includes using your roof and attic as a main source for these needs. Attics provide ready-made dens, so there’s no need for these critters to waste their energy creating their own dens.
Boilers leak water, so it’s a great source of hydration for rats or other small rodents. Sometimes, critters will choose your roof just because it receives more sunlight than your neighbors’ roofs do. There might also be gaps in your roof that allow for easy access, or nearby trees that facilitate their climb.
What Critters Should You Look Out For?
There are quite a bit of animals that can damage your roof. These include raccoons, squirrels, bats, birds, mice, rats, wasps, and bees. Raccoons are extremely destructive and can transmit diseases to both humans and pets. They can rip off shingles from your roof, or pry up the soffit and fascia to enter your attic. The holes they leave in your roof allow snow and rain to penetrate. This can cause serious water damage, leaks, and mold growth.
Squirrels also enter through the same way raccoons do, but even have an easier time because they are smaller. These critters build nests in your roof and attic by gnawing through wires and PVC pipes. They chip up exposed wood and rip up insulation.
Bird droppings are highly acidic and can damage asphalt shingles and comprise their integrity. Not to mention, these droppings also provide nutrients that encourage the growth of algae and moss. Their nests can clog up exhaust fans and the gutters. This becomes a safety hazard and the gutter blockage can potentially infiltrate the roof under the shingles.
How to Get Rid of Critters On Your Roof
If you are tired of critters messing up your roofing system, or you don’t want to take any chances, here are some tips to prevent their existence:
- Use animal repellent to keep critters off your roof
- Check your roof and attic regularly for these critters
- Make sure there are no nearby branches for easy access to the roof
- Keep trash contained
- Ensure gutters are clear
CK Roofing Offers Affordable Roof Inspections and Repairs
Get in touch with CK Roofing and our experts will inspect your roof and gutters to ensure that no critters have established a home there. If you notice issues due to critters on your roof, then our team will repair or replace any parts to fortify your roof. Give us a call today to get started!
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