Animals can cause a lot of damage to roofs. Whether it's birds, squirrels, or even larger animals like raccoons or deer, they can leave behind costly repairs and put your home at risk. For instance, animals can chew through wires, tear up shingles, and damage your attic insulation. If left untreated for too long, these issues could lead to further damage, such as water damage and air leaks. Fortunately, there are a few unique solutions that your roofing contractor can implement to protect your roof from animal damage. Here are four of them:
Install Covers on Vents and Exhausts
Your roofing vent and exhausts are natural entry points for animals. From there, they can make their way into the attic and cause damage. The last thing you want is for a wild animal to get stuck inside your home. To prevent this from happening, your roofer can install covers on all vents and exhausts, which will keep animals out. They can even use mesh covers, which will still allow air to flow through while keeping critters away.
Install a Metal Flashing
Animals can easily tear through shingles, damaging your roof in the process. To protect against this, your roofer can install metal flashing around weak spots, such as chimneys and skylights. This will prevent animals from getting through and causing damage. Your contractor can also use drip edge and step flashing to ensure a secure roof.
Install Animal Repellents
You can also prevent animals from getting close to your roof in the first place with animal repellents. These products are available at most home improvement stores and can be applied to shingles and other parts of the roof. The repellents contain a strong odor that will keep animals away from your home. Your contractor can recommend suitable repellants and apply them if needed.
Prune Trees and Bushes
Finally, you can also reduce the chances of animals getting onto your roof by trimming trees and bushes around your home. Animals like squirrels, birds, and raccoons often use these plants as a way to access rooftops. By keeping them pruned, you can reduce the chances of an animal getting onto your roof. It's important to enlist the help of a professional to avoid safety hazards like falling branches.
These are four unique solutions that your roofing contractor can implement to prevent animal roof damage. By taking these precautions, you can keep your home safe and secure. Consult a roof contractor to learn more.
When you have something you like inside a jar, you probably put a lid on it — right? In a way, you can think of your house in the same manner. You like and value the items inside, along with the inside of the house itself. So, it only makes sense that you would protect the interior of your home with a lid. That lid is your roof.
Keep that perspective in mind as you read this blog. Learning more about roofing will feel more interesting if you remember what a roof does: it protects the inside of the home and the people who live in it.