Squirrels may look adorable as they scamper across your yard—but unfortunately, the roof repairs needed from the damage they can cause aren’t quite as cute.
Although plenty of pests can plague your roof, like rats, raccoons, bees, and wasps, squirrels cause more damage to Indianapolis homes than any other creature in the area.
If you suspect squirrels are wreaking havoc on your roof, read through this helpful guide to discover why squirrels are attracted to your home, how to spot the remnants of their damage, and tips to prevent these pesky critters from returning in the future.
Signs of Roof Damage from Squirrels
If your roof has suffered damage from squirrels, you may notice the following:
Visible Roof Destruction
Although your asphalt shingles may peel from inclement weather or old age, shingle damage can also be a sign of squirrel damage. If your peeling shingles are accompanied by chewed roof decking or gnawed holes in your soffit or fascia, you can almost guarantee the damage was caused by a squirrel.
It’s vital to fix roof damage immediately to avoid moisture damage from rain, snow, and hail storms. Plus, if you can catch the squirrel(s) early enough, you may be able to prevent them from destroying your attic.
Clogged Gutters
Squirrels love to collect pinecones, acorns, and nuts. Unfortunately, these items can become lodged in your gutters if the squirrel drops them while running across your roof or jumping from branch to branch on the trees in your yard.
Large, solid objects can cause your gutters to become backed up with water, and unfortunately, clogged gutters can result in costly water damage to your roof, siding, and foundation.
Attic Damage
There may be a squirrel nesting in your attic if you get a whiff of pungent urine upstairs or see chewed-up insulation, boxes with holes, and other destroyed belongings in your attic. If you notice items in your attic have been disturbed, it indicates the squirrel has already weaseled its way into your home—which means it had to find an entryway.
Check your roof to locate peeling shingles, holes, and other exterior damage that your unwelcome visitor may have created. Then, hire a reliable contractor to fix your roof immediately to avoid more significant problems in the future, like water damage.
Gnawed Wires or Cables
Unfortunately, once squirrels enter your attic, they may chew on wires and cables, which can cause short circuits that may start a fire. If you notice damaged cords in your home, remove them immediately to protect your home from hazards.
Why Are Squirrels Targeting My Roof?
Unfortunately, squirrels are creative, and they can find plenty of ways to damage your roof and maneuver their way into your attic. Here are a few specific reasons squirrels may be targeting your home:
Your Exterior Is Exposed
If your roof is vulnerable, squirrels will seize the opportunity to enter your home. You may be prone to attracting these critters if you have holes in your soffit, fascia, or ridge vents.
You Have Trees Near Your Roof
You may be dismayed to discover that your beautiful landscaping is attracting squirrels to your roof—but if you have overgrown trees that drape over your exterior, you may be inviting squirrels into your home.
Your Gutters Are Clogged
If your gutters are filled with leaves, twigs, and other debris, squirrels may decide your gutters are a great place to build a nest—which can result in collateral damage to your gutters, soffit, fascia, and more.
Tips for Preventing Squirrel Roofing Damage
- Install gutter guards to keep out debris, like leaves, pinecones, acorns (and squirrels!) while allowing rainwater to filter away from your home.
- Install a drip edge to deter squirrels from burrowing into your home by covering the vulnerable area between your shingles and fascia.
- Trim your trees to create at least a ten-foot gap between your home and the branches to prevent squirrels from easily jumping onto your roof.
- Inspect your roof for squirrel-related damage regularly to keep these pesky critters at bay.
- Install a sonic repellent device in your attic that emits high-pitched tones humans can’t hear, but squirrels won’t come near.
Say Goodbye to Roof Damage from Pesky Squirrels with JD Hostetter
Whether you’re looking for a dependable contractor to make repairs from recent squirrel damage, replace your roof with a reliable alternative, or simply inspect your roof for signs of unwelcome visitors—we can help!
JD Hostetter is a local roofing company that understands the unique challenges Indianapolis homeowners face with squirrels—and the collateral damage they cause.
Do you have more roofing questions? If so, read through our roofing guide to discover the benefits of new shingles, our detailed roof replacement process, and other helpful information, like cost, warranties, and more!
