Animals may be cute as pets or interesting to learn about in the wild or at a zoo, but if you woke up to a raccoon having a dance party on your roof at night, you would not be thrilled! In Tyler, TX, with its abundance of trees and lovely East Texas fields, there is plenty of wildlife around. Unfortunately, many of these animals pose risks to your roof. Read on to discover what to do if you find animal damage on your roof in Tyler, Texas, and what to do to prevent further structural issues.
1. Identifying Common Animal Culprits in Tyler TX
- Squirrels: If you find pieces of your roof chewed through, especially if those materials lead to the attic, you might have a squirrel proands. These little critters can actually cause significant structural damage to your roof.
- Raccoons: Raccoons are known to pry open shingles or soffits in search of shelter, which can cause significant roof damage.
- Birds: Birdsongs can be sweet to listen to, but bird nests can block ventilation systems, and their acidic droppings can even degrade roof materials.
- Bats: Often entering through small openings, bats’ presence can lead to guano (feces) accumulation, which is hazardous and can damage roofing structures.
2. What to Do If You Find Animal Damage? First, Assess It.
- Visual Inspection: Look around and scan for signs such as holes, gnaw marks, nests, or droppings on the roof and attic. These are clear signs that a few furry or feathered critters have been up there.
- Listen for Noises: Are you hearing odd noises in the night? It might be critters on your roof or in your attic. Scratching or movement sounds, especially during dawn or dusk, can indicate animal activity.
- Professional Assessment: Oftentimes, the best policy is just to call the experts. Engage expert Tyler TX roofing companies such as Advantage Roofing, who are familiar with local wildlife in East Texas, to conduct a thorough evaluation and identify all affected areas.
3. Immediate Steps to Take If You Find Animal Damage on Your Roof in Tyler TX
- Secure Entry Points: Once the animals have been safely removed, you must seal all access points to prevent re-entry.
- Remove Attractants: Wildlife is certainly coming around to scope out snacks or a safe place to stay. Keep the area free from food sources and debris that might attract wildlife to settle in.
- Document the Damage: Take photographs and detailed notes of all damages for insurance claims and repair planning. This will help your expert Tyler TX roofing companies know how to best help you repair the damage done by these creatures.
4. Repairing the Damage
- Hire Professional Roofers: What to do if you find animal damage on your roof? Honestly, one of the first steps to ensure is that you have a roofer who understands the nuances of animal-related damage. Select experienced expert Tyler TX roofing companies like Advantage Roofing to make sure the job is done in a timely manner and done well.
- Material Replacement: The next step is to replace compromised shingles, underlayment, or structural components to restore roof integrity. Again, this is a job for the professionals.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: After your roof is restored, it’s good to ensure the best ventilation. Clear any blockages in vents caused by nests or debris to maintain proper airflow.
5. Preventative Measures
- Regular Inspections: If you don’t want to deal with constant animal damage to your roof, you need to schedule periodic roof inspections to detect and address potential issues early.
- Trim Overhanging Branches: Trimming overhanging branches and keeping limbs neat deters animals from accessing the roof via trees.
- Install Protective Measures: Animals use various entry points to access your roof, so if you need to know what to do if you find animal damage on your roof, consider fortifying potential entry points with measures such as chimney caps, vent covers, and sturdy materials.
- Utilize Deterrent Devices: Consider installing ultrasonic repellents or motion-activated devices to discourage wildlife presence.
6. When to Call Professionals
- Safety Concerns: If the structural damage is extensive or you do not feel safe climbing your roof, call expert Tyler TX roofing companies like Advantage Roofing.
- Complex Repairs: Situations requiring specialized equipment or expertise should be managed by professionals, not by homeowners.
- Peace of Mind: Sometimes, you cannot put a price on your peace of mind. If you are unsure what to do if you find animal damage on your roof, ensure the problem is thoroughly resolved, and future intrusions are prevented by calling in a professional to handle it, saving you anxiety and hassle.
Advantage Roofing Can Fix Animal Damage On Your Roof
Maintaining the longevity and safety of your East Texas home is vital. When animals threaten to damage your roof, promptly addressing the issue is key. Homeowners in Tyler Tx should collaborate with local roofing and wildlife control professionals to effectively manage and prevent such issues. By taking swift action and implementing preventive strategies, you can know what to do if you find animal damage and protect your home from the challenges posed by East Texas wildlife. Trust what our customers say! Call Advantage Roofing today and keep your roof wildlife-free!