Poor Roof Installation = Squirrels

One of the common topics in our blog posts is the connection between problems with a home’s exterior and how nuisance animals exploit those problems.

Time after time, we see examples of homes that have roofing, siding, soffit, or gutter problems that lead to animals.

Our advice remains constant as well: get those exterior components installed well and maintain them!

Here, we share a story about poorly istalled metal roofing and how it is leading to squirrel problems.  Effectively removing the squirrels and keeping them out will require the installation problem to be addressed.

Short Cuts Enable Squirrels

Nuisance animals like squirrels, raccoons, and bats are very opportunistic.

Once they find a weak spot on a home’s exterior, they are very likely to exploit it.

The stinker with nuisance animals having opportunity at roof edges is that a lot of it is created by poor workmanship/construction practices.

In the video below, Ryan shows you a job with a squirrel problem aided by a roof installation error.

As you saw, one of the big issues here is the lack of drip edge.  The gap left unblocked and the exposed wooden fascia provides the squirrels nice spots for entry into the attic.

What lessons can be learned from this example?

• Get your roof installed right.  Whether it is a metal roof, shingles, or some other product,  get the installation done well.  We all like to save money, but a roof is not the place for a DIYer or handyman with a “do your best and caulk the rest” mantra.  “Good enough” often doesn’t get it with roofing elements. 
• Pull the gutters.  People often try to re-roof without pulling the gutters.  Again, this decision is made to save money.  But getting the gutters off lets you visualize any fascia problems.  Old fascia that has been damaged by water or animals often needs replacing.  Having the gutters removed opens up the area so you can really see what is going on and get it right.
• Think about animals.  Many home repairs are not made with animals in mind.  But, if you think about what opportunities you may be providing for animals, you can often change what you’re doing to take those opportunities away.

The Shoddy Construction Connection

Sometimes squirrels just happen despite everything being done right.

That’s why it is important not to give them any opportunity at all.

In this case, though, squirrels and birds were given free living quarters because drip edge wasn’t installed.

This and situations like it make us wonder if workmanship like this is caused by:

• lack of knowledge?
• laziness?
• unscrupulous people?

We’ll never really know.

We know it happens too often.

Squirrel Removal & Repair | Akron, Canton, Kent

We’re not perfect but we are committed to doing things the right way.

We know that when people hire a contractor for any work at their home, a quality job from a knowledgeable professional is expected.

If you have arrived at this post because you have a squirrel problem, know we can help.

From removing the squirrels to informing you of root causes, Frontline Animal Removal seeks to provide long term solutions.

We offer repairs of roofing and siding elements because these root causes need addressed.

Please visit our other pages for more information.