FAQ: Why Are Animals Picking At My Roof Shingles?

Why are your roof shingles taking a beating from local wildlife? It might seem strange, but animals often cause unexpected roof damage, as this, as you might expect, leads to a big headache for you and results in expensive repairs and constant maintenance.

Squirrels, raccoons, birds, and even bats exhibit behaviors that result in serious damage to your roof. Each kind of animal has its own reason for doing this, but you can address it with the right strategy.

Let's talk about this for a little!

The Common Culprits

Are you curious about which animals often mess up your roof shingles? First of all, squirrels are major troublemakers. These small critters love to chew on vents and shingles, mainly because sometimes they mistake them for food and nesting material. Especially active in wooded and suburban areas, they stay close to homes.

Do you hear pitter-patter noises during the day? Chances are that squirrels are up to something!

Also, like squirrels, rats can give you headaches. These rodents gnaw on wood and electrical wires, which leads to severe damage, and they leave droppings that give rise to mold and mildew growth that creates extra issues inside your attic. Rats are more common in urban areas with dense populations where food sources are easy to find.

Birds, like pigeons and starlings, usually use tree branches as pathways to your roof. Once there, they nest under the eaves and in crevices, messing up your shingles. Because their acidic droppings corrode roofing parts over time, bird nests can block gutters and cause water buildup and leaks. Bigger birds like crows might even displace shingles while scavenging for nesting parts.

Have you ever dealt with raccoons? Think about how clever these mammals are. They climb onto your roof branches and make nests mainly in spring and fall, and because they are strong, raccoons can tear away shingles to reach the warmth and shelter of your attic. Also, they might even bring friends, increasing the potential for more important damage.

Then, you have bats, which are mostly a problem in warmer places. Bats look for quiet and dark places to roost, and your attic fits perfectly. While they don't chew shingles, their droppings pile up and create health hazards similar to those of rats. Also, the strong smell, mold, and mildew growth from bat guano are serious concerns.

Knowing which animals often cause damage helps you to take steps and stop each one. You should act now to reduce the harm these animals cause to your shingles and roofing!

Why Do Squirrels Damage Roofs?

Squirrels chew on your roofs because they need to file down their teeth. You might often see them gnaw on shingles, vents, and even little bits of lead flashing. So, the question is, why do they target your roof so often?

Well, the reason is easy. Squirrels need warm and safe places to nest. During colder months, your attic seems to be a perfect option. The soft and insulated space is perfect for nesting away from predators and bad weather, and they peel off your shingles and chew through soffits, creating entry points to get inside.

Are you curious about the damage they cause? When squirrels chew on your shingles, they cause visible damage and weaken your roof's structure. Missing shingles can expose the roof to water and mold, eventually leading to structural decay over time. In the same way, damaging soffits and fascia leads to expensive repairs, wasting your time and money quite a little.

Have you seen any seasonal changes? As temperatures drop, squirrel activity spikes as they search for warm nesting places. So you'll see more aggressive attempts to get into your roof during colder months. It's important to act quickly when you note these issues, or you'll face severe and expensive damage.

Why do squirrels gnaw so much? Quite basically, it's a natural way for them to keep their ever-growing teeth filed down. While they usually gnaw on tree bark and branches, when your roof gets their target, the problem intensifies. No surprise there, right?

What Damage Do Raccoons Cause?

When you deal with raccoons, you often face chewed shingles and other damage. These animals are pretty persistent and strong, usually ripping off shingles and ventilation ducts to get into your attic. Once they show interest, they don't stop at roofing parts - instead, they look for any small gaps and turn them into bigger entrances, which leads to quite a bit of structural damage.

So, why are raccoons so determined? It's because they want to nest, so they'll tear through soffits, fascia, and roof vents to get inside. Once they're in, they make a mess by removing insulation and leaving droppings that spread roundworm and create an overpowering urine smell. On top of that, raccoons also create latrine sites in and around your home, causing even more destruction to insulation and woodwork.

The damage doesn't stop there - they can make large holes and damage the insulation and electrical wiring, too. Think about the risk of potential fires from chewed wires that also create safety hazards. Raccoons' nesting habits can cause ceilings to cave in, which leads to very expensive repairs.

So, what specific problems arise when raccoons nest on your roof? Their strength lets them pry up shingles and ventilation ducts to head for the attic. Inside, they can tear through insulation, which creates pathways that result in more serious damage. The holes they create allow other animals and water to get in, leading to complications like mold growth and compromised roof integrity.

Also, raccoons build nests in and around your roof, usually leading to structural damage that extends beyond your attic. Their nesting behavior can damage soffits and fascia that support the roof, as well as roof vents needed for ventilation. Their droppings and urine spread diseases, posing health risks to you and your family, and they destroy insulation and create latrine sites in parts of your home.

Given all these factors, it's clear raccoons pose a unique and multifaceted threat to your roof that sets them apart from other wildlife intruders.

Birds and Roof Damage

Birds can cause big damage to your roof in a few ways.

You might note that bird droppings are acidic and can wear down roofing parts. Specifically, these droppings can erode tar-based parts like asphalt shingles, as this leads to quite a little granule loss and reduces your roof's lifespan. So, how does this erosion affect you right away? Over time, long exposure leaves your roof open to more damage, and you'll need expensive repairs sooner than you'd think.

Another big problem comes from the nests and debris birds bring to your roof. Birds build nests that can block gutters, causing water buildup and leaks. Often, birds carry types of debris for their nests, further clogging gutters and roof vents. What effect does this debris have on your home? Blocked gutters and vents mess up your roof's drainage and HVAC performance, as this leads to water damage and less efficient climate control in your home.

Woodpeckers bring you a different set of challenges because of their pecking behavior, and they may peck at shingles- especially asphalt and wood ones, to build nests, as this pecking creates tears and holes, ending in leaks. So, what other risks do these birds pose? Plus causing damage, their pecking sounds can be a nuisance and add extra stress.

Bird droppings and nests also pose a fire hazard. Also, nests built in or near machinery like HVAC units can create big fire risks. The flammable parts used to build nests can ignite - especially during the operation of these units. How can you reduce these risks? Regular roof inspections and maintenance are important.

Different bird species create these problems, each needing specific strategies. Crows and pigeons are known for making heavy nest debris, while woodpeckers and starlings are more likely to damage your roof's structure. So, what actions can you take? Use deterrents like bird spikes, nets, and safe chemical repellents to keep birds away.

Bugs (Technically Thought About Animals)

In Atlanta, you deal with different pests that can mess up your roof shingles. So, let's talk about the specific pests causing this damage. Specifically, insect pests are a big concern, with termites, carpenter ants, bees, and wasps being the most common troublemakers.

First, termites are a big threat to roofs. Dry wood termites make nests under wooden shingles or beneath eaves and can eat the wood, which leads to big damage. On the other hand, subterranean termites live in the ground but still invade wooden structures above- especially if there's moisture around, as this makes your roof an attractive target if it's not kept dry and in good shape.

Next, you should think about carpenter ants. These ants cause problems because they build nests in moist wood. Often, you find them around leaking roofs, near chimneys, and even windows where moisture collects. Over time, these little pests can weaken your roof by hollowing out the wooden parts to make their nests bigger.

Now, you should think about the effect of bees and wasps. These insects build hives under roof eaves or in attics. Constant activity and the weight of these hives can harm your roof structure. Besides, a hive full of bees or wasps is a stinging hazard to anyone who goes near, making any repair work difficult and dangerous.

Have you checked for wet areas on your roof? Moisture draws most of these pests in. So, I recommend you make sure your roof is sealed properly and free from leaks so insects don't see it as a prime place to live. Leak areas act like beacons for carpenter ants and termites, and open eaves or attics can get bees and wasps to settle in.

Regular checks and maintenance are important to keep these pests away. So, take steps to avoid them and address any signs of infestation early so you can protect your roof from big damage and expensive repairs later on.

Preventative Measures

You are probably wondering how to stop further damage. So, you should start with regular roof inspections. Check them at least twice a year and look for early signs of animal activity to manage them before they get worse.

What steps can you take? First of all, you should trim overhanging tree branches. You should also think about adding roof and gutter guards. Also, covering vents and openings with metal covers can keep birds, bats, and squirrels away.

Which deterrent devices should you use? You might try bird spikes and netting for bigger birds, while ultrasonic repellents can work for smaller animals. Also, motion-activated sprinklers and flashing lights can scare off potential roof invaders. Remember noise makers and chemical repellents as part of your strategy, and use rodent-proofing parts around your roof.

Take care of food sources around your property, as this includes securing trash cans and keeping pet food indoors to avoid attracting critters. Also, you should manage bird feeders responsibly and remove fallen fruit and nuts quickly. Keeping your garden and compost controlled can make your home less attractive to hungry animals.

Have you thought about sealing entry points? Look at your roof and fascia for gaps or holes and fix them with tough parts to block entry. Also, pest-resistant roofing parts like metal or slate can stop gnawing and burrowing by rodents. Another measure you can take is to cap your chimneys with sturdy guards to block nesting and entry into your attic.

Make sure you keep your roof in good condition and that there are no loose tiles or shingles that animals could exploit.

Protect The Roof Over Your Head

You know how frustrating it can be when animals mess with your roof, right? From the constant chewing by squirrels to the stubborn nesting of birds, you've probably dealt with quite a little. It's important to recognize the signs of these unwanted guests and take some preventative steps as a smart first move. After all, it prevents a problem and is always easier than fixing it later. But, sometimes, your work might not be enough. When you need to deal with major infestations or recurring issues, calling in experts might save you time, effort, and, most importantly, your peace of mind.

Think about hiring professional wildlife removal services in some situations. When the damage from animals is massive and has weakened the structure of your roof, you definitely need expert help. And if you keep having the same problems even though your best work, that's another clear sign you need professional intervention. The benefits of hiring pros extend further because they use safe removal techniques and give you expert advice on long-term preventative strategies customized to your requirements.

When you pick the right service, follow some important tips to guide you. Always check certifications and read reviews to make sure the company you think about is reputable and experienced. You don't want to trust something as important as your home's safety to just anyone. So go for a service that's transparent about its methods and has a reliable plan for preventing future issues. Hiring pros also means putting measures in place to stop it from happening again.

At Colony Roofers, we understand how important it is to protect your biggest investment - your home. We specialize in both commercial and residential roofing, proudly serving communities in Georgia, Florida, and Texas. Protect your investment and your safety by trusting your roof repair needs with the experts. Contact us today for a free roof inspection, and let us handle your roof with the professionalism it deserves. When in doubt, always consult a trusted roofing professional like Colony Roofers. We give you expert advice and great repair and installation services. Get in touch today!