Squirrels may be cute little critters, but they can do serious damage to your roofing. Luckily, you can typically tell if squirrels are harming your roof since they often leave behind some telltale signs. This guide explains what to watch for along with what roof repairs might be necessary to fix and prevent squirrel destruction. 

How Can I Tell if My Roof Has Damage From Squirrels?

Squirrels are known for their exceptionally tough teeth. They access the roof in the first place by climbing up trees in search of nuts. Then, they use their teeth as tools to tear through shingles and roof underlayment so that they can access your warm, comfortable attic. 

Inspect your roof carefully to spot signs of damage. Squirrels leave chew marks, holes, and claw marks on the areas that they target. In addition to chewing on your roof, squirrels can damage other materials, including your fascia, vents, wiring, wooden beams, and chimneys. You may even notice the squirrels themselves on top of the house. Every few weeks, be sure to grab a pair of binoculars and inspect the structure from the ground for signs of damage. 

How Can I Prevent & Repair Squirrel Damage?

To prevent squirrels from getting access to the roof, start with pruning your trees so that the branches are farther away from your home. If you keep the branches trimmed, squirrels can't jump onto your house from nearby trees. Maintain your bushes the same way so that squirrels can't easily reach drainpipes or other spots that extend up toward the roof. Finally, keep bird feeders away from your house since squirrels are often drawn to these feeders as food sources.

If squirrels damage your roof, you'll need to act quickly since roof vulnerabilities increase the likelihood of costly water damage. Additionally, your house may be at risk of fire if squirrels chew on your electrical wiring. Quickly schedule roof repairs as soon as you notice gashes, broken shingles, or similar problems. A roof repair specialist can help determine whether you can rely on small fixes or if the home will need a complete replacement to restore the integrity of your roof. 

If you notice any signs of squirrel damage on the roof, turn to Cincinnati Roofing for quality roof repairs and replacements. This family-owned company has been in business for more than 50 years. They're also an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor that serves local residents throughout Hamilton County, OH. Learn more about their services online, or schedule an appointment at (513) 484-5363.