CAN SQUIRRELS CAUSE DAMAGE TO MY ROOF?

While wind, hail and fallen trees are common reasons for roof damage, there are also squirrels which can be bringing damage to your home.  

We tend to think, "how cute they are up there on my roof", but know they are sure to cause some real worries! 

Why?

Squirrels have a natural need to chew, and it all comes down to their teeth. Unlike our teeth, a squirrel’s teeth never stop growing. To keep their teeth from getting too long, squirrels have to chew on things all the time.  

Squirrel Damage:

• Materials Affected: Wood, shingles, polyethylene, lead sheathing, soffits
• Consequences: Compromised protection of your home, moisture damage, opening spaces for pests to enter.

Roof Damage by Squirrels:

• Actions: Peeling shingles, chewing roof decking, entering attic.
• Nests: Found in roof crawl spaces and attics. Look for destroyed insulation and materials like leaves and sticks stuffed inside. 
• Solution: Install a drip edge to deter tunneling under shingles.
• Call: Contact a Pest Control Service

Why Squirrels Target Homes:

• Motivation: Seeking warmth and shelter, gnawing to keep teeth sharp.
• Risks: Chewing electrical wires (fire hazard), using attic insulation for nests.
• Entry Points: Gaps in soffits, fascia, ridge vents, uncapped chimneys.

Additional Damages:

• Attic: Chewing on wiring and insulation, potential entry into living spaces.
• Outdoor Lines: Chewed phone or cable lines causing bad signals and outages.
• Gutters: Dropping pinecones and nuts, causing clogs and water overflow.

Prevention Tips:

• Tree Trimming:  Squirrels can jump about ten feet, meaning the tree branches should be around 11 feet from your roof or more. 
• Repellents: Apply to shingles, siding and vents. There are also some DIY solutions found online where chemicals are not involved. 

Repair and Maintenance:

•  Inspection: We would be happy to investigate this for you at NO charge. Schedule your appointment online here today. 
• Professional Help: We are highly skilled with all roof repairs or replacements if needed. 

 _____ Squirrel Shenanigans? We’ve Got Your Roof Covered _____

Be Pro-Active BEFORE they claim a home on top of yours

When the seasons change and after big storms, grab some binoculars and play roof detective from the ground. Spot any broken, cracked, or missing shingles? Give Pro Styles Roofing a call before those sneaky squirrels turn your attic into their penthouse suite.

THEY'RE HERE!

1. If those furry little troublemakers have already moved in, call pest control to evict them. 

2. CALL us to seal up their entry points to keep them from coming back. Depending on damages you may want to submit a claim with your insurance carrier.  If you need assistance with the insurance process, we would be happy to assist you.