Is Your Roof Vulnerable To Wildlife?

Have you heard something crawling around in your attic, and aren’t sure what it is? It could be nuisance wildlife that has possibly gained access through an entry point on your roof, looking for shelter in your home.

Your roof is more vulnerable to wildlife than you might think, with wildlife finding ways into homes through roof cracks, crevices and any opening big enough for them to fit through. The type of roof you have, as well as routine maintenance performed, is a major factor in keeping your home wildlife free.

Asphalt Shingle: Affordable But Susceptible to Wildlife

The most common type of roofing in the United States is asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are easily recognizable and most likely what is currently on the structure above you. Identifying entry points and sealing them is a simple and cost-effective approach. Asphalt shingles’ lifespan can be as short as 15 years and are susceptible to exposure, especially in the hot, humid climate most of our customers reside in.

Extreme temperatures of 90 degrees and above, common in southern regions, can soften, expand and warp the shingles, leading to potential leaks and gaps in your roof. Wildlife such as bats and squirrels can fit through these gaps.

• Another issue asphalt shingles face is warping due to excessive attic heat caused by improper ventilation.
• Finally, Raccoons and other rodents can chew through shingles weakened by harsh weather, such as heavy rain or old age, giving them access to your attic.

Once wildlife is inside, the damage can be significant. Wildlife can find ways to get deeper into your home’s interior structure, making removal that much more difficult. Go Pro Wildlife Removal is experienced in wildlife removal and remediation, ensuring the entry point is sealed permanently.

Metal Roofing: The Better Option?

Metal roofing has become a more popular option for homeowners over the years. While more expensive up front, metal roofing has a longer lifecycle, is excellent at preventing weather damage and keeps your house cool, which is highly sought after in the southern region we service. While seemingly the better option, metal roofing still has its vulnerabilities to wildlife, and if not installed properly, can be costly to fix.

• If not properly installed, wildlife can find entry through your metal roof easier than you might think. Metal roofs installed without proper screening under the ridge vent, which runs along the peak of the roof, give wildlife an open slot into your attic.
• Another access point is at the corners of your house, known as eaves, where metal bracing could be missing, creating a soft spot for smaller wildlife, such as rodents, to enter.
• Metal roofs are also more susceptible to warping due to temperature fluctuations, expanding when heated and contracting when cooled-especially if not properly installed.

While you may be enjoying the benefits of a metal roof, they are commonly affected by improper installation, with the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) estimating up to 40% of roofing problems are attributed to installation errors, including metal roofs. If wildlife has found access to your home, Go Pro Wildlife Removal can assist you in identifying where wildlife is entering through your roof through an inspection and remove the wildlife through our expert exclusion techniques.

Keep An Eye On Your Roof!

Preventing your roof from becoming an entry point for wildlife is the safest way to escape damage to your home and avoid costly repairs. A few simple tips to check your roof include:

• Perform a walk around of your home every few months. Walk around the outside and inside of your home (don’t forget your attic and crawl spaces) and look for signs of chewing or scratching, up to and including finding entry points. Evidence of entry often includes wood shavings, insulation remnants, etc.
• Inspect insulation while in your attic. Blown insulation is like snow. Animals will make trails and may tunnel or burrow in it, leaving evidence of their presence.
• During your walk around, be on the lookout for feces or staining. This can include areas that appear “dirty” from repeated use and exposure to oils present on many animals.
• Have routine inspections and repairs scheduled for your roof to mitigate the risk of wildlife entering through your roof.

Go Pro Wildlife Removal is experienced in wildlife removal and remediation, ensuring the entry point is sealed permanently. If your roof has become an access point for wildlife, contact us now for a free inspection. We also offer one-year exclusion warranties that cover all entry point repairs and exclusions techniques that are renewable annually.