Minnesota is home to a wide range of wildlife, from birds and squirrels to bats and raccoons. Whether nesting or stashing food, animals can cause a lot of damage to your roof. Commercial buildings and residential homes are both at risk. In this article, we’ll explore types of roof damage to look for, when to get repairs, and how to prevent animals from nesting or storing food in your roof.
Dealing with damage to your roof? All Elements is here to help restore your roof and keep it in top shape. Contact us to schedule an inspection today!
Signs of Roof Damage from Wildlife
It’s easy to miss the warning signs of animals nesting on or in your roof. Unfortunately, by the time you notice animal signs, the damage might already be done. However, you can still be proactive by knowing what to look for.
- Animal droppings. Inspect your attic or visible areas of your roof for this telltale sign that animals have started calling your roof home.
- Nesting materials. Check your gutters, eaves, chimney, vents, and attic spaces for piles of leaves, shredded paper, twigs, or grass that could be used to build a nest.
- Damaged vents or siding. Rodents can chew through just about anything to gain access to a warm, dry place where they want to live.
- Gnawed material. Animals may chew on anything from shingles to wood when looking for food or a place to build a nest.
- Electrical problems. Squirrels in particular are known to chew through wiring, which can cause unexplained outages.
- Unexplained noises. If rodents have made their way inside your roof, you may hear scratching or skittering noises, especially at night. If you have bats, you may hear flapping noises.
- Paw prints. Look for tracks in dusty areas of your attic or along structural beams.
- Leaks. If the damage has escalated, you may notice leaks in your roof that worsen the problem.
Wondering if you have damage? All Elements can inspect your roof and determine the next steps for repairs. Contact us to schedule your inspection today.
How to Remove Wildlife from a Roof
Identifying bird and squirrel roof damage is just the first step. Before you can make repairs, you’ll have to remove the wildlife from your roof or attic. This is easier said than done, but there are several approaches you can take:
- Use deterrents that create an uncomfortable environment for nesting animals, such as sprinklers, motion-activated lighting, ultrasonic devices, owl decoys, or roof spikes.
- Create a one-way door that lets animals out of an enclosed area, but prevents them from getting back in.
- Hire a professional if you can’t safely or effectively remove animals on your own.
Removing Protected Species from a Roof in Minnesota
Before removing animals or nests from your roof, keep in mind that some species are protected. This applies mostly to birds, as many species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). If you’re wondering how to get rid of birds nesting in a roof, you may want to contact a professional. In many cases, it is illegal to remove a bird nest without a federal permit.
In Minnesota, you will also want to familiarize yourself with bat removal procedures so you can safely control their nests. Some bats are protected, including their roosting sites. No matter the species, you will need to be careful, as bats can carry diseases.
Repairing Wildlife Roof Damage
After removing wildlife from your roof, you can address any damage they caused to your shingles, roofing membrane, eaves, or attic.
You’ll want to start by cleaning up any messes birds or animals have left behind. Because animals can transmit diseases, be sure to wear protective gear when cleaning.
The process for repairing bird or squirrel roof damage can vary depending on the extent of the damage. Steps will usually include:
- Inspecting the roof to assess the repairs needed.
- Patching holes and replacing damaged roof decking.
- Repairing or replacing shingles or roofing membranes.
- Addressing structural or cosmetic damage.
All Elements is here to help with everything from inspections to roof repairs and full replacements. Call us at 763-314-0234 or send us a message to schedule an inspection today.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wildlife Damage?
Unfortunately, most homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage from rodents, birds, or other animals. The reason is that insurers typically categorize pest damage as a preventable issue.
However, your policy may cover animal damage caused by a sudden, unexpected accident. For example, a bird hitting your window and breaking the glass might be covered.
Methods for Preventing Future Damage
If you’re dealing with wildlife roof damage, your first priority is removing the animals and making repairs. After that, it’s important to take steps to prevent similar issues from happening again. Here are a few ways you can keep animals from returning and causing more damage to your roof:
- Install wildlife roof vent covers to keep animals from getting into enclosed areas.
- Clean your gutters regularly to prevent water buildup that may attract pests.
- Add gutter guards to deter birds from nesting.
- Trim overhanging branches that provide easy access to your roof.
- Install sloped covers over flat areas that may be attractive for nesting.
- Use roof spikes, reflective objects, or predator decoys to deter birds from returning.
Even with all of these precautions, one of the most important things you can do is get regular roof inspections from All Elements. Routinely checking your roof prevents small issues from becoming big problems. Call us today at 763-314-0234 to learn more about our residential and commercial roof inspections!