Common Raccoon Roof Problems
Raccoons and Dormers
If you suspected a raccoon was in your attic, where would be the first place to look for any evidence of a raccoon getting in?
The first place we suggest you look is where a dormer meets the main roof.
We’ve highlighted this area in many posts and pictures over the past few years as it is the #1 spot for raccoon entry into attics in our area.
In this area, the dormer eave hangs over the roof and provides a nice little sheltered cubbie hole that draws raccoons’ attention. The eave is often blocked with a piece of soffit to discourage entry by animals and cleans up the look. The soffit in these ares is usually no match for a raccoon.
To the right is a schematic of dormer construction with the common area of raccoon entry circled in red.
If you are hearing raccoon noises in your attic and have dormers, see if the soffit (the material which blocks the eaves) is missing or loose.
Sometimes this can be done from the ground as loose, missing, or dirty soffit is often visible. It is also common to see bits of insulation in this area.
When nothing is evident from the ground, there is no substitute for an up-close inspection by a professional who knows what to look for.
For example, we offer this short video clip. No raccoon entry is visible from the ground. However, with a good inspection, Ryan is able to show us how the raccoon is getting into the attic.
Raccoons and Roof Transition Areas
But what if there are no dormers on your house? What are some other likely area for raccoons to get into the attic?
We suggest finding any area on your home’s roof where two different roof lines meet. These transition areas from one roof line to another are a hot spot for raccoon entry.
Additions to original construction often have roof transitions that make raccoons happy and are great areas to inspect.
Check out this example as Ryan diagnoses a raccoon problem at a roof transition area.
Raccoons and Vents
If your inspection finds no entry at the dormers or roof transitions, next take a look at all the vents. Remember, vents are nothing but holes in your roof with a purpose.
Raccoons can find any weaknesses in vents and exploit them as was shown in this blog post all about raccoons going through roof vents.
Raccoons and Roof Damage
The last step to inspecting for raccoons on a roof are for areas of damage that exist.
Most roof damage that we see is the result of water damage and results from:
- Gutter and downspout problems which keep fascia wet all the time
- Poor flashing practices
- Age of roofing materials
Finding raccoon entries that exist because of roof damage has the added benefit of knowing that some repairs to your roof are needed ASAP.
Raccoons in the attic isn’t a good problem, but finding a major water damage problem is something you’d like to find out about sooner rather than later.
Inspection of Roof for Raccoon | Akron, Canton, Kent Area
Hearing raccoon (or any other animal) noises in the attic often brings worry. What is up there and how did it get in? Hopefully, some of the information in this post has been helpful if raccoons are the issue and your trying to do it yourself.
But, if you need a professional for your roof raccoon inspection and are located in Stark, Portage, or Summit County Ohio, please give us a call. We will find out where the raccoon is getting in and offer a solution.
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