Squirrels are so cute, aren’t they? Those bushy tails, those cheeks stuffed with acorns. It’s all fun and games until a critter or flying creature decides to start chewing on your house – specifically, your roof. Here are some of the signs that you may have roof damage caused by wildlife – and what an experienced Michigan roofing company can do to repair the problem.
The Ongoing Roof Damage Caused by Birds
Birds can wreak an incredible amount of havoc on a house, causing roof damage because of very birdlike behavior:
- Droppings: Bird droppings are highly acidic which can eat away at roofing materials and lead to serious exposure and damaging leaks.
- Nests: When birds select gutters to build their nests, the gutters clog and drainage problems cause water to pool on the roof. If water stands for a long period of time it eventually sinks into the sublevel materials and causes mildew, mold, and rot.
- And more: Those bird droppings and clever bird nests are both highly flammable – the sticks, straw, and other materials in the nests, plus dried bird droppings can spark up with the slightest invitation.
The Detrimental Determination of Squirrels
Squirrels can climb wherever they want, but if you have large, lush trees and pines alongside your house, those beautiful trees make it easy for the varmints to leap onto your roof and make it their playground. Or worse, their home. When a squirrel decides it wants in your attic to nest, it can chew away shingles, soffits, vents, and more with their tough teeth.
Your first problem is to get rid of the squirrels before there are animals in your walls, bats in your attic, and water pouring into your house. Then you’ll need a roofing contractor to get the damaged areas patched so you don’t have another squirrel family moving right in after.
Cleaning Up After Dexterous Raccoons
Raccoons are aggressive members of the forest kingdom. Their hands can pick up, carry, and tear whatever they’re interested in – even roofing shingles. If a raccoon makes its way to your roof and decides to chew and relocate materials to get into your attic, it will get there eventually because they are quick and determined.
Often, raccoons go after the roof itself or the soffits, the underside of the roof, to get into the warm and cozy attic. In most cases, these areas need to be repaired once the raccoons have been trapped and relocated. Insulation also needs to be addressed because raccoons like to drag this material out of the way to make the kind of nest they want. Expect to see leaks in your house and potentially higher heating and cooling bills because of holes in the roof.
Get Repairs for Animal Roof Damage in Michigan
Been infiltrated by birds or wildlife? Is your roof suffering for it? Contact The Modern Pros for a complete estimate and professional, reliable service.
