Protecting Your Roof from Critters

If your Minnesota home is near a lot of trees, you probably have many interactions with animals and insects. The roof can be a prime entry point for these critters to invade your house. They are seeking warmth and food—especially during the cold winter months. Call Elite Remodeling Services at (952) 646-2480 if you need to critter-proof your roof.

What can critters do to your roof?

When it comes to protecting your home, you should look out for many different types of animals in Minnesota. These animals include squirrels, mice, rats, raccoons, woodpeckers, and possums. They can cause the following damage:

• Destroy soffits. Small animals can chew through the vents in your soffits and create holes. These holes allow them to enter your roof and wreak more havoc.
• Make holes. Once the small animals enter, they’ve paved the way for larger animals to widen those holes.
• Create nests. Birds can nest inside your roof or your attic. Their nests can block vents or cause damage to wiring.
• Damage shingles. Critters may pull at or remove shingles when trying to gain entry into your home.

A critter invasion is frustrating and unnerving to the people living in the house. It can also result in you spending money to have the animals removed (and fix the damage they caused).

Keeping critters away

Fortunately, there are precautions you or your contractors can take to minimize the extent of critter damage.

1. Trim branches

Raccoons, squirrels, and rats tend to climb onto your roof by using nearby trees. You should trim branches within ten feet of your home.

2. Reseal shingles

If extreme weather or old age has damaged your shingles, they are more vulnerable to critter damage. Sealing your shingles ensures that animals cannot remove them.

3. Strengthen insulation

Even if the critters have broken your shingles, they’ll still have to work through your insulation. Make sure your attic and roof are insulated well.

4. Clean gutters

Gutters can collect leaves and other debris. When they are full of debris, they are prime locations for bird nests or potential homes for other critters. Keep your gutters clear to show these guests that they are not invited.

Critters may seek shelter in your home after (or during) bad weather when they’ve been displaced. If your roof system is not strong, bad weather could leave your home open for these critters. Call a roofing contractor today to make sure your roof is at its best.

What if I have critter damage?

You should perform routine inspections of your home to stop critters in their tracks. Check your attic for animal droppings and bird nests. If you see signs of animal invasion, that may also be a sign your roof needs maintenance.

You also want to avoid openly feeding small animals outside of your home. If they are attracted to your home, they will be more likely to look for ways to get inside.

If you think you might be at risk for critter damage, contact Elite Roofing Services in Farmington, Minnesota. We can take care of existing damage and secure your roofing system to prevent further damage. Call us today at (952) 646-2480.