If you’re a homeowner in Lynchburg, you may be wondering what kind of damage wildlife can do to your roof. Fortunately, our roofers are here to explain everything you need to know! Wildlife can cause all sorts of problems for your roof, including damage from animals scratching and clawing at the shingles, nests built on top of the roof that can cause leaks, and even raccoons and squirrels chewing through the shingles and insulation.
Keep reading for more information about how wildlife can affect your roof – and what you can do to prevent it from the perspective of roofers in Lynchburg.
Vultures
Vultures, also known as buzzards, are large birds of prey that typically live in open areas such as grasslands or deserts. While they may seem harmless, these scavengers can cause serious damage to your roof.
Vultures have strong beaks and claws that they use to rip open shingles and other roofing materials. Once they gain entry to your roof, they often build their nests in attics or chimneys, which can block airflow and lead to fires. In addition, the droppings of vultures are acidic and can eat away at your roofing materials.
Rubber membrane roofs are especially vulnerable because vultures are attracted to the smell of the chemicals of the rubber. If you have a rubber membrane roof, it’s important to keep an eye out for any vultures that may be roosting on your property.
As a result, it’s important to take steps to prevent these birds from nesting on your property. One way to do this is to install a physical barrier such as netting or spikes around the perimeter of your roof. You can also try broadcasting loud noises or flashing lights in order to scare them away. Roofers in Lynchburg love this tip.
Remember that, at least in Virginia, it’s illegal to harm or kill a vulture, so be sure to take non-lethal measures to deter them from your property. Get in contact with wildlife specialists in your area to learn more about how to get rid of vultures.
Raccoons & Squirrels
Raccoons are one of the most common types of wildlife that can cause damage to your roof. These nocturnal animals are excellent climbers, and they often use roofs as a way to access food or shelter.
Raccoons typically enter roofs through holes or openings, such as vents or missing shingles. Once they’re inside, they can cause a variety of problems. For example, raccoons often build their nests in attics, which can lead to blocked airflow and fires.
In addition, these animals are known for chewing through insulation and electrical wiring, which can create serious safety hazards. And finally, raccoons often carry diseases that can be harmful to humans, such as rabies.
Squirrels can eat through mesh gutter guards, dig holes through fascia and soffit, and more. It’s very frustrating!
One way to keep raccoons away is to make sure that all holes or openings are securely covered. Be sure to remove any food sources that might attract them, such as garbage cans or pet food. And finally, you can try installing a loud noise-making device to scare them away.
Bats
Another common type of wildlife that can damage your roof is bats. These nocturnal animals often roost in attics or chimneys, and they can cause a variety of problems for homeowners.
For example, bats often carry diseases that can be harmful to humans, such as rabies. In addition, their droppings are acidic and can eat away at your roofing materials. And finally, bats can be a fire hazard because they often build their nests in attics or chimneys, which can block airflow and lead to fires.
If you think you may have bats on your property, it’s important to take action right away. Anti-bird spikes or netting can help deter them from roosting on your roof. Trim back trees or shrubs that may be providing them with easy access to your property. And finally, seal all holes or openings that they might use to enter your attics and chimneys.
Roofing contractors in Lynchburg can help you take these steps to prevent damage from raccoons.
Final Thoughts
Your roof is the lifeblood of your home, and it’s important to take steps to protect it from damage. Wildlife can cause a variety of problems for homeowners, from fires to disease. By taking these precautions, you can help protect your home from the damage that these animals can cause.
Roofers in Lynchburg are here to help! Schedule your roof inspection here. Thanks for reading!