Common Squirrel Entry Point on Brick Homes
At Frontline Animal Removal, we regularly encounter squirrels entering homes through weak spots in a structure.
Brick structures, however, bring strength and solidness to mind. (Three Little Pigs and the Commodores, right?) DO brick structures have vulnerabilities for squirrels to get in? You bet.
Squirrels pick on brick houses when bricks move. Thus, one of the most common areas where this happens on brick homes is at the roof edge transitions. This problem area, where the roof meets the brick walls, becomes an entry point for squirrels when mortar begins to fail. Understanding why this happens and how to fix it properly is key to protecting your home from unwanted wildlife.
Why Roof Edge Transitions Are Vulnerable
The roof edge of a brick home is often more exposed to the elements than other parts of the structure. Over time, weather exposure, particularly freeze/thaw cycles, causes wear and tear on the bricks and mortar.
As temperatures fluctuate, the water absorbed by the bricks and mortar expands and contracts, leading to mortar failure. This failure creates gaps and spaces that are perfect for animals like squirrels to exploit.
Additionally, the roof edge is not always well-supported structurally. This lack of attachment or reinforcement, combined with the natural wear from weather, makes it a prime spot for deterioration. In many cases, as the unsupported bricks shift or crack, gaps are created. Squirrels, ever curious and opportunistic, begin to explore these gaps, eventually gaining entry into the attic or walls of the home.
A Real-World Example
In a recent job featured on our YouTube channel, we dealt with a brick home that had not one, but three roof edge transition failure points. After years of being exposed to the elements, the bricks at these areas had shifted, creating noticeable gaps that became vulnerable to wildlife intrusion.
As soon as the gaps appeared, squirrels began investigating and using these spaces as entry points. Left unchecked, they can cause significant damage once inside, gnawing on wiring, insulation, and wood.
At this home, squirrels had already started nesting in the attic, which added to the urgency of getting the situation under control.
Step 1: Removing the Squirrels
One of the most important things to remember in situations like this is that squirrels must be removed before any repairs are made.
While it might be tempting to fix the gap as soon as you notice it, sealing the entry point without first evicting the squirrels can lead to bigger problems. Squirrels trapped inside will either chew their way back out, creating new damage, or worse, die inside your walls, leading to unpleasant odors and sanitation issues.
At Frontline Animal Removal, we specialize in safe and humane squirrel removal.
We’ll trap and remove the squirrels using your home. Then once we’re certain all squirrels are out, we can proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Repairing the Entry Points
Once the squirrels are out of the structure, it’s time to prevent new entry.
In cases like the one shown in our video, there are a number of methods that could be used to fill that gap.
In this case, the area was covered with some trim after the squirrels were removed. Whatever steps taken is a result of what the homeowner wants and what we can provide. It is the animal remover’s job to present options that are strong, look good, and match the budgetary needs of the client.
Proper repairs ensure that the problem doesn’t reoccur. It’s essential to not only patch the gap but address the underlying cause of the damage to prevent the same issue from happening again.
Squirrel Removal, Trapping & Repair | Canton, Akron, Kent
At Frontline Animal Removal, we have the experience and tools to both remove squirrels and repair your home. If you suspect that squirrels have found a way into your brick home, don’t wait—give us a call today!
