The next time you walk outside, take a moment to gaze up at your roof. What do you see? Do you see even shingles that are all laying flat? Or do you see shingles that are starting to curl and that are covered in moss? You can tell a lot about the condition of your roof just by looking at it. If you are at all concerned about the state of your roof, then your first call should be to a roofing contractor. They can evaluate the situation and recommend repairs or replacement as needed. Learn more about roofing and roofing contractors here on this website.
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Up on the Rooftop
Understanding, Preventing, And Repairing Bird Damage On A Residential Roof
Lori Silva
Although birdsong is a pleasant part of any neighborhood, bird damage on your roof isn't pleasant. Spotting, repairing, and preventing damage is imperative.
Dropping Damage
Bird droppings aren't just unattractive on the roof, the droppings are highly acidic so they can slowly eat through shingles and other roofing materials. A few droppings from birds passing by aren't a concern, as residential asphalt shingles are quite durable. Problems occur when birds nest on the roof or if larger flocks choose your roof for their daily perch.
Repair & Prevention
If caught early, your roofer can wash the droppings off the roof before major damages occur. Otherwise, any shingles showing signs of acid damage, such as a loss of the protective outer coating on the shingle, must be replaced. Your roofer can also install spikes or similar bird-prevention devices that make your roof unattractive for perching and nesting.
Debris Buildup
Debris from both nests and feathers can pose an issue on your roof, with the severity of the problem depending on the location of the debris. Nesting debris can block rooftop ventilation, leading to condensation problems that lead to rotten roof decking in the attic. Debris can also trap moisture in gutters or along roof valleys, which can lead to leaks around the eaves or beneath the shingles.
Repair & Prevention
Cleaning off any debris buildup, bird-caused or otherwise, is the first requirement so any further damage is prevented. Your roofer will then inspect the shingles, eaves, and gutters for any damage that requires repair. Finally, they may install screening around vents or covers on the gutters, along with bird prevention devices in problem areas, to ensure the nests aren't rebuilt.
Pecking Problems
Pecking itself isn't the problem, it's the type of pecking that occurs that causes concern. If you have wood eaves, for example, the drumming of sapsuckers and woodpeckers on the eaves can eventually lead to holes and cracks. Birds may also peck at and pull up loose shingles or flashing, especially if they are trying to get into the eaves or a roof cavity to build a protected nest.
Repair & Prevention
Your roofer will hunt down any damage and patch it up, whether this means replacing a shingle, a length of flashing, or installing new eaves. If woodpecker drumming is the main problem, the installation of aluminum eaves can prevent further damage. Otherwise, keeping the roof in good repair so that birds don't try to pull and peck at loose parts should minimize most other damages.
Contact a residential roof damage repair service or click here to learn more.
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