Squirrels are sometimes adorable and occasionally quite funny, but even if you’ve got a soft spot for these furry creatures, you probably don’t want them to throw a party on your roof. They’re not known for their home maintenance skills, and they have several habits that can cause substantial damage to your roof over time. Today we’re exploring why and how to keep squirrels off your roof.
Why You Don’t Want Squirrels on Your Roof
Squirrels spend a lot of time far above the ground, nesting and climbing in trees. If your roof is accessible to them, there’s a good chance they’ll be tempted to run across it. They might even like to hang out there, drawn to its warm surface. And unfortunately, because they’re very active and curious creatures, they’re known to cause all sorts of damage:
- Holes in the roof
- Damaged shingles
- Chewed wiring (which could contribute to a power outage or even a fire)
- Chewed fascia, beams, and decking
- Shifted or shredded insulation
- Damaged attic (if they manage to find their way inside)
- Destroyed gutters
Plus, the sounds of them scratching, squeaking, and running can be quite annoying!
Now that you know the sort of destruction squirrels can cause, despite their small size and cute appearance, let’s explore how to keep squirrels off your roof.
How to Keep Squirrels Off Your Roof
Trim Your Trees
Expert climbers and jumpers, squirrels typically access roofs by climbing on overhanging trees. They can jump up to 10 feet horizontally, from a tree to your roof, so it’s important to keep the branches trimmed so that the squirrels don’t have easy access. Trimming the trees near your home is also a good idea because it reduces the risk that a branch will fall on your home during a storm.
Cover Electrical Wires
Squirrels may also access your roof via electrical wires. To block this route, consider installing slim PVC pipes in sections over the cables. That way, if a squirrel jumps onto the wire, the pipe will spin, and the squirrel will lose its footing and slip off. And don’t worry about the squirrel getting hurt! Squirrels are pros at falling from high places.
Install Squirrel Guards
You may wish to install guards at the bases of things the squirrels use to climb onto your house: poles, trees, fence tops, etc. These guards are typically composed of sheet metal, which squirrels can’t grip onto. Remember that squirrels can easily hop from one thing to another, however, so putting guards on the trees closest to your house will only be helpful if they’re not near other trees that the squirrels could climb into first.
In addition, you may wish to install a chimney cap to prevent squirrels from nesting in your chimney.
Seal Attic Entry Points
What if you suspect that squirrels have invaded your attic? First, you should inspect the attic to look for signs of damage (gnaw marks, holes, droppings, etc.) and try to locate the entry points. If you can locate a spot where the squirrels seem to be entering, seal it so that they can’t reenter. Then, contact a roofing company to inspect your attic and roof and perform necessary repairs.
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Squirrels may seem harmless, but they can inflict a lot of damage on your home if you’re not careful. Avoid costly and frustrating repairs by keeping squirrels off your roof.
If you live in southwest Missouri and need a new roof, a roof inspection, or roof repairs, contact Taylor-Made Roofing for all your roofing needs. Our experts can help you explore new roofing options, maintain an older roof, perform emergency repairs, complete tear-offs and recovers, and perform remodeling services. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warranty, and free estimates. For more information regarding roofing options and roof decking repairs, please call us at 417-326-8778 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!