Roof Damage: Most Wanted Critters, Squirrel Edition
Forget about rascally rabbits when the leaves start to fall. Autumn is the time to worry about squirrelly squirrels. “Tree rats” can do costly damage to your home, making it essential for homeowners to keep an eye out for signs of nesting and other activities. Here are the signs of home squirrel damage on your home in Lancaster, Coatesville, West Chester, and other mid-Atlantic areas.
Squirrels and Roof Damage
High above the ground and covered with nuts, leaves, and other tidbits, the roof is an attractive landscape for the bushy-tailed beasts. They sport sharp incisors capable of damaging roofing materials, like wood or standard shingles. Cedar shingles are especially vulnerable to squirrel damage. Scratching noises, urine stains, and chew marks are all signs of potentially damaging squirrel activity.
Squirrels and Gutter Damage
Squirrels nest twice each year: once in the spring, and then again in the fall. Gutters can make good nest sites for squirrels. You may see the nests from the ground or a ladder, or you might hear increased scratching noises as they make their homes there.
Over time, squirrel nests–and the associated activity–can damage gutters, reducing their ability to properly carry rainwater away from your home. In some cases, the extra weight and shenanigans may pull old or worn gutters away from the home.
Squirrels and Attic Damage
Attics are attractive nesting spots because they provide shelter from predators and the elements. Squirrels can work their way into your attic by entering through holes or by chewing holes through construction gaps, weak spots, and trim.
Home squirrel damage isn’t done when the critters make their nests, though. The babies will be born and mature there, and the growing family will make even more holes as well as chew wires and cause other damage.
How to Keep Squirrels From Damaging Your Home
You can take simple steps to reduce the risk of squirrel incursion. Fall is the perfect time to:
- Fix broken soffits, fascia, roof shingles, and other entry points
- Install gutter guards and chimney caps
- Install welded wire over attic vents
- Trim nearby tree limbs that can give the critters roof access–most experts recommend at least six feet of clearance
- Remove food scraps from grills to avoid attracting animals
If squirrels are damaging your roofing, gutters, and attic, you may need to consult an animal control expert to trap and relocate the critters.
After you’ve delivered an eviction notice to the beasts, call Best Contracting to inspect and repair home squirrel damage to roofing and gutters. Our experienced team will make reliable recommendations and do the repairs right.
