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What damage can squirrels do in the attic is a question I never thought I ask. Do you have a lot of wildlife in your area? Squirrels and other local wildlife can be a great treat and a major positive of where you live. However, they aren’t always great for your home – and especially your roof.

That’s why keeping them in check is important. You don’t want to get to the stage where you have to get rid of them. In this article, we’re going to look at some of the issues associated with squirrels and your home. Especially the damage they could do to your roof and attic, along with what to do about it.

You should only see extermination as an absolute last resort. Thankfully, there’s a lot you can do before that to fix the problem. Making minor roof repairs might be necessary in some extreme cases, but your priority should be preventing this from happening again while preserving the nature around you.

But firstly, let’s have a look at the damage squirrels can do to your roof and attic.

What damage can squirrels do in the attic and roof?

have sharp teeth and claws that are designed to break into acorns. That means they can get into your home and especially your roof cavities and attic and cause real damage. It’s easier to get into these areas without being warned off because it’s harder for you to tell what’s going on up there even when you’re loving in your home.

For example, a squirrel brave enough to try and break into the main part of your home (which most aren’t) will be easy for you to spot and shoo away.

That means your roof area and attic is the area that’s most at risk. Squirrels are excellent climbers so getting up there shouldn’t a problem. A bit later, we’ll look at a few ideas designed to protect your roof while keeping your local wildlife population in-tact. But first, let’s have a closer look at the sort of damage squirrels can do in your attic.

What Damage Can Squirrels do in the Attic – Chewed wood

Your attic will have lots of beams and other wood structures, and squirrels can chew through quite a lot of it. While it could take years for one to actually make it through an entire beam, they can cause lots of superficial damage and other issues. If you want to keep your wood in-tact, you probably want to keep squirrels out of your attic.

Chewed electrical wires

This might be slightly more concerning than chewed wood as it is more dangerous, to both you and the squirrel. Chewed electrical wires can cause appliances to malfunction or other major issues in your home. They could even be a fire hazard. So if you want to keep your home safe, make sure squirrels don’t get into your attic and chew your wires.

Nesting material

If squirrels really like your roof, they might decide to make a nest in it! That means they’ll have plenty of time to chew all your wires and wood, but they’ll also cause issues with nesting material. The amount of nesting material a squirrel can bring will vary. Some like to bring a huge load of leaves and other debris to make your attic their home. Others prefer to stick to the insulation that’s already in your attic. And that’s not a good thing – that means they’ll be chewing and re-arranging the integrity of your roof insulation.

Anything you store in the attic

If you’ve got things you want to keep stored in the attic in boxes, squirrels could chew through these, too. This could cause quite a lot of financial damage if you’ve got anything valuable up there.

Feces

If a squirrel is living in or spending a lot of time in your roof or attic, they need to go to the toilet somewhere. And that means there could be a lot of feces and urine all over your attic. While this damage might only be superficial, it can be horrible to clean out.

How can you repair this damage?

The repairs that might be needed will depend a lot on exactly what’s been chewed through. You might have to completely rewire your attic and ge a carpenter in to repair the wood damage. You may also need to fill the area with new insulation and have a major clean.
Some of the toughest damage to repair could be the part of the roof where the squirrel entered. Don’t go outside to do work on your roof unless you know what you’re doing and can do it safely. Depending on how they got in, some of the roof membrane might need to be overlayed or new shingles put in place. An expert roofer can do this for you.

How can further damage be prevented?

Now you know why it’s important that you keep squirrels out of your roof. In many ways, that often means keeping them off your roof in the first place. Many homeowners enjoy living alongside squirrels peacefully and this should be what you’re aiming for. So how can you do it?

• Making changes to your roof

Your priority is keeping squirrels away from your roof. That means installing features that make it hard for them to get ontop. You could try blocking certain areas, especially ones near trees if that’s a common way for wildlife to get up there. Some homeowners like to put a slippery or smelly solution on their roof to put off squirrels. You could also try things like scarecrows or water sprinklers.

You can also get high-pitched noise emitters that put out a sound you can’t hear but that puts off squirrels. You might want to put this inside your attic as you won’t want to disturb too much wildlife outside. It’ll stop them coming in but might not prevent them trying in the first place (and causing some damage).

• Re-training the local squirrels not to come close

The idea isn’t to get rid of squirrels from your entire property, but just stopping them getting anywhere near your roof. Squirrels will get braver and braver if not deterred from entering your roof area, so try and shoo them away as much as possible. They’re also quite easy to train, so you could try simply enticing them to other parts of your garden, like with nuts or something else. Make them happy to play in the trees and well fed so they don’t feel the need to come over to your roof. If squirrels get too close to your property, jump up and shout at them so they know their limits.

If you’ve got a roof that you think needs replacing or repairing during the colder times of the year – you might be thinking ” can a roof be replaced in the winter?

Will you need to wait until the warmer months before you can get started? Is that always the case, or is it just one of those things people believe without really knowing for sure? In this article, we’re going to have a closer look.

Firstly, a lot of this is going to come down to the specifics of your own situation. After all, one winter in a specific area isn’t the same as in another. If you live in a reasonable warm year-round climate, then of course you should be able to make changes to your roof in the winter. But that’s not the case for everyone.

It’s not just the type of winter that’s important. It’s the type of roof, too. And the type of work you think it needs. There’s not one definitive answer to the question, “can a roof be replaced in the winter?”. The real answer is clearly: “sometimes, but it depends”. In this article, we’re going to look a bit more closely so you can get a more definitive answer to your specific situation.

So can a roof be replaced in the winter? What sort of roof do you have?

As we’ve already touched on. The type of roof you’ve got plays a big roll in how easy it is to be replaced, regardless of the weather conditions.

Aside from the actual material of the roof, it’s design is also important. If it’s hard to access or has a particularly steep slope, things will be much harder in extreme weather conditions. Especially if it’s icy or frozen. Some roofs can expand or contract in extreme weather conditions and this could also cause problems for replacing them at specific times of the year.

Rolled roofs are generally quite easy to replace, so you could do this throughout the year. But not if it’s extremely cold. You see, the tar and other sealant solutions might not dry correctly if it’s too cold or wet.

If you’ve got a shingle roof, there are a few other issues you might have to content with, which we’ll have a closer look at in a bit.

What sort of winter do you have?

This is another important factor. Not every winter is the same. So the answer simply can’t be one that works for everyone. if you live in a southern state, you might find the temperature rarely dips below freezing. In those instances, while there might be a few days of the year where roof replacement isn’t recommended, you can normally get the job done at any time of year.

But temperature isn’t the only weather condition you need to pay attention to. You might live in a mild climate heat-wise, but could still suffer other extreme weather conditions – especially wind. Wind is a big no-no for roof work and could make the job both extremely difficult and dangerous. Make sure you pay as close attention to wind forecasts as you do other weather conditions if you’re thinking about fixing your roof soon.

Not everyone lives in warmer climates, and cold winters can make it difficult to do a lot of different types of roof work. Not only is ice dangerous to stand on, it can also present problems with roof cracking and can prevent new roofs from drying properly.

Safety is the number one concern when thinking about fixing a roof at any time of year, and the weather can play a big role in this. The weather can also affect how easily the new roof will be to put in place as well as how sealants might dry. If you’re not sure about whether it’s the right time for your roof repairs, you should never take the risk. Always consult a professional with years of experience in your area and someone who knows what they’re talking about.

Since most roof constructions these days are made from shingles, we’re going to look at bit more into some of the issues associated with replacing a shingle roof in the winter. Remember, the specifics for your roof might vary a lot depending on where you live and the material used. Especially if you’ve got a roof made from something other than single, like slate or membrane.

What’s an ideal temperature for shingle roof replacement?

Ideally, asphalt shingle roofs need a mild temperature to be repaired or replaced. That means around 40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Even the best shingles can crack during installation, no matter what the temperature. But doing this when it’s either too cold or too hot can make this cracking a bit more likely.

Key benefits of getting your roof replaced in the winter

While there are a few problems associated with getting a new roof installed in the winter – there’s one big benefit.

• It’s cheaper. That’s right, many roofing contractors will offer discounts and reductions on winter roofs to try and drum up business in what’s normally a quiet time of year for them. If you’re willing to put up with a bit of inconvenience, you could get a great deal if you shop around for quotes in winter.
• It’s faster. In the down season, when roofing companies have less work, they can schedule your project right away and you don’t have to wait until the team is available.

What issues are there with winter shingle installation?

As well as the cracking issue we already looked at, really low temperatures can make it harder for the adhesive to dry that helps attach asphalt shingles to the roof. This normally only happens under 40 F. It’s not just asphalt shingles that struggle in winter, either. Fibre-glass ones can fracture a lot in the winter and other single materials can also have problems. If you want to learn more about shingles like how to tear them off or replace them, read our guide on the here 

How to replace your shingles in the winter

Firstly, make sure it’s not too cold. Try and pick one of those milder winter days at the beginning or end of the season. Keep your shingles warm before taking them outside. Instead of using traditional thermal-activated sealant, a roofer working in the winter might apply additional sealing cement to each shingle upon application.

Remember, don’t do this yourself if you’re unsure what you’re doing or don’t think you can do it safely. To answer the question can a roof be replaced int he winter the answer is ” it depends ” 

Rolled roofing is incredibly popular in the United States. It offers an affordable roofing option at an affordable price. It’s easy to install and repair. However, rolled roofing has a shorter lifespan than other, more expensive roofing materials. They often require more frequent repairs to provide the protection and performance you need. 

Rolled roofs are great, but they don’t last forever. One of the most common issues with rolled roofs is they develop holes that need patching. 

This article discusses how to patch a rolled roof and gives you a few other insights worth knowing. 

For most people, the thought of fixing your roof by yourself is a lot. Not many homeowners are used to getting up on top of their homes, much less fixing a hole in their roof.

Still, minor roof repair sits well in the realm of DIY possibility.

While certain repairs and maintenance are best left to the professionals, how to patch a rolled roof is something everyone can learn.

With the right tools and a little bit of patience, you can learn how to patch yoru roof and save yourself a good deal of money without that much time.

Let’s explore what you need to know about patching a rolled roof and where to get started.

DIY Vs. Roof Repair Company

Everything is relative. The money you’ll save on patching a hole is worth it in some instances. In others, it’s not worth the stress.

One of the main reasons roof repair companies exist is they do what you don’t want to do. So if getting up on your roof to patch a hole sounds like a miserable time, especially on the weekend or after work, then hiring the job out is probably the best call.

However, patching is surprisingly simple and done right; homeowners can match the quality of a trained professional without risking roof performance long-term.

Ultimately, it’s up to you. All we’ll say is that it’s hard to beat the feeling of satisfaction that comes with fixing your stuff.

Safety First

Before we get into the nuts and bolts of rolled roof maintenance, let’s emphasize safety first. 

Obviously, your typical roof repair is done at height. You’ll be 10 feet high in the air or more. Odds are, you’re not going to invest in a full safety harness, but just make sure you do the following:

• Ask a friend, relative, or neighbor to spot you on the ladder. 
• Wear shoes with a good grip on the roof.
• Avoid working on your roof when it’s wet or windy.
• Move slowly.

There’s always something more or better you can do with regards to safety. Above all, use common sense and don’t take unnecessary risks. Now, on to the how to patch a rolled roof step-by-step guide!

How to Patch a Rolled Roof? What Is a Rolled Roof Anyway?

Roll roofing is another name for “roof underlayment.” Generally, rolled roofing is faster to install than shingles or tiles because it’s one continuous layer. 

Installers lay rolls of roofing material and then simply, yes, roll the material across your home. Typically, one layer delivers the performance and protection most homes require. 

Rolled roofing is known as a mineral-surfaced roofing product or MSR. It normally comes in rolls of 100 square feet and can be picked up in most hardware stores on the spot or with relatively little advanced notice. This makes it a quick and easy solution that you could apply on the same day instead of some more complicated roofing solutions.

Rolled roofing is slightly similar to shingle roofing in that it’s oil-based and is an asphalt product. It also comes in rolls. However, rolled roofing isn’t as durable as shingles, and it’s also thinner. It is cheaper and easier to install, though – which is one of the reasons why it remains popular.

The wide availability of rolled roofing makes doing things like patching a hole in a rolled roof very easy. With a single trip to the shop, you can have everything you need for the job. 

Depending on things like weather, use, sun exposure, etc., rolled roofing might not last as long and could be more prone to tearing than some more expensive types of roofs. 

Rolled roofing is tough to beat when cost and ease of installation are considerations. 

Some of the Benefits of Rolled Roofing

OK, we’ve said this before, but one of the main advantages of rolled roofing is that it’s cheap. Not cheap in quality, but the price.

That said, rolled roofing isn’t going to match the durability of slate, tile, metal, and other higher-quality roofs. But, with housing prices increasing rapidly, it’s a good choice for many homeowners. You’ll also find rolled roofing on smaller or older homes at lower price points.

Rolled roofing is also easy to install. Many people install their roofs over the weekend with family and friends. You don’t need an artisan craftsman to come to install your roof for you.

Read a few articles, watch a few YouTube videos, and you can get the job done.
Another advantage is that it’s an excellent material for low-incline or low-slope roofs. While not ideal for flat roofs, rolled roofing is a friendly solution for people with lower roofs.

You can buy a big roll of roofing, stick it in the back of your truck, and get it onto your roof with ease. For example it’s a much different process than loading heavy or fragile Spanish tiles.

Some people also prefer rolled roofing because it’s customizable. You can cut it into practically any shape, making finding lines and edges much easier.

These are just some of the benefits of rolled roofing. Overall, it remains one of the most popular roofing materials in the country, for a good reason.

Are There Any Concerns with Rolled Roofing?

So now you know the benefits, but what about the drawbacks, if any?

The main concern with rolled roofing is durability, so you’re here reading this article on how to patch your roof.

With that ease of installation and low price come higher maintenance requirements. Dealing with patches and a shorter lifespan may not be an issue for you, but some people view it as a major drawback, which is why they pay more for something that will last longer.
Rolled roofs last years less than most other roofing materials. You’re also going to have to monitor the roof for holes, cracks, and other issues more frequently.

Finally, some people shun away from buying a house with rolled roofing precisely because they don’t want to handle future maintenance obligations.

In many purchase agreements, prospective buyers often try to negotiate room for roof replacement so they can pay for something like asphalt shingles or tiles instead.

Similar to concerns with durability, weather resistance is also a frequent issue. If you live in an area with strong winds, heavy rains, hail, etc., then you may be fixing your rolled roof more than you’d like—just something to think about.

Repair Basics – How to Patch a Rolled Roof

Let’s say you like the way rolled roofing looks, or you’re buying a house with a rolled roof, and you don’t quite have the budget to upgrade yet. 

Just plan on doing repairs every now and then. No, it’s not like you’re going to be fixing your roof every week. However, there is a higher potential for holes and leaks. 

Now, let’s get on to the repair basics and what you can do to patch your hole. 

Again, when in doubt, contact a roofing contractor. They can either give you an estimate or work with you on the best solution moving forward. 

Better yet, if you know someone with experience fixing roofs, ask them to help! Invite them to dinner and see if they’re up for a fun project. Working with someone who has fixed roofs before will be a godsend. 

Follow these steps to patch your hole. 

1. Locate the specific area of the roof to repair. Every homeowner should take a look up at their roof every once in a while. However, spotting a leak is also a fast way to find out where you need to go. 
2. Remove the nails holding the damaged rolled roofing in place. Nail removal is best done with a cat’s claw nail remover. Take out the old rolled roofing and throw it away. Place the new roll at the top of the damaged roof area by sliding the top part of the new roofing under the existing rolled roofing.
3. Apply tar or cement under the new piece of rolled roofing with a wooden stick. Then, place the new rolled roofing down. Next, drive nails around the new rolled roofing approximately every foot.

You can apply a bit more tar to the top of the new rolled roofing, where it meets older parts of the roof for added protection. 

Following these steps will keep your roof looking great and get the job done for longer. You can patch your roof and prevent leaks or water damage in no time. Give it a try!

 

If you’ve got some experience in the residential roofing industry – normally because you’ve had your own home’s roof replaced or repaired at some point, you might think that you’ve got enough knowledge to know exactly what’s right for a commercial roof maintenance or installation.

The reality is – that isn’t always the case. While commercial and residential roofs do share a number of similarities (they’re both roofs, after all) – there are also a few key differences. Especially when it comes to maintenance and general roof care.

Some roofing contractors will look after all types of roofs, whether they’re residential, industrial, commercial or other. However, many firms actually just specialize in one type of roof.

So if you’ve got a good home roofing firm on-call, that might not be enough for any commercial roof needs you come across.

In this article, we’re going to have a look at a few key things you need to think about when getting your commercial roof serviced.

Commercial roof maintenance – What material is the roof made from?

Commercial and residential roofs are often made from different materials and will therefore require different solutions and experience to maintain.

Many commercial buildings are covered in low-pitched metal roofs instead of traditional slate, because of things like cost and durability.

However, some of these materials have started to become more popular in residential homes too.

Firstly, architects started adding metal roofs to residential homes as some kind of design statement, but more and more developers have started to notice the benefits they bring.

Metal roofs are now becoming popular in residential constructions as they have been in commercial ones for a few good reasons. They’re cheap, easy and quick to install.

They also provide good cover, insulation and are lightweight. Not only that, but they also don’t require much maintenance or upkeep.

What does that mean for you? Well, as more residential homes start using similar materials to commercial ones, you might be able to find some crossover with service providers.

That means you’re more likely to find residential roofers who can also look after your commercial roof maintenance, although that isn’t always the case.

How often should your commercial roof be checked or serviced?

One reason metal roofs and other similar roof finishes are popular for larger commercial buildings is because they’re cheaper, more durable and longer-lasting.

That means you shouldn’t need to get your roof checked or serviced as often as someone with a traditional residential roof. Generally, some metal roofs will last decades without even needing looking at. Here are 2 simple maintenance tips:

1. Make sure you check when your roof was installed about how long it can go before it needs routine maintenance. If you spot issues with your roof before that time, you’ll still want to call out some experts to have a look.

2. Any leakage, major bending or issues with the integrity of your roof will need checking immediately, even if you haven’t had it in place for that long.

However, most commercial roofs look after themselves and if you don’t notice any issues with them – should stay viable for much longer than traditional residential roofs.

If you’re unsure, phone up a local roofing company and ask their professional opinion.

How to find the best commercial roof maintenance contractor

As we’ve already looked at, commercial roofs have a number of differences compared to residential roofs, but also some similarities in some cases.

While you might be able to find a major contractor that looks after both commercial and residential roofs (especially in an area where metal residential roofing is more popular), you might want to take a bit more time to find an experienced commercial roofing company.

Here are a few tips if you’re trying to do that:

1. Do you know any other businesses who can recommend a good roof company?

When you’re trying to fix or maintain a residential roof, you should probably already know plenty of potential people to ask about their roofs.

That’s because your home will normally be in a neighbourhood that has other residents you might be friends with. It’s easy to simply ask them who did their roof and if they’d recommend them.

With specialist commercial roofs, it might not be that straightforward. Businesses don’t chat with rival businesses like neighbours do, especially if they’re the competition.

You might also be located in a commercial area that isn’t surrounded by other businesses the same way a residential street has loads of other homes.

That makes finding the right roof service firm just that little bit more difficult. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Try attending business networking events and keep as talkative to other business owners as you can.

Even though there might be some competitive rivalry between yours and another business – you never know when you might be able to help each other, whether you’re trying to find a roofing firm or have another business related problem.

2. Try some online recommendation sites

As with almost anything else these days, you can find yourself a good roofing company with a quick online search.

There are plenty of different online review sites that should be able to point you in the right direction. Just make sure you ask around in the local area and don’t only rely on review ratings, as these can be easily faked.

3. Ask to see completed work

Once you’ve got a contractor in mind, have a chat with them and ask to see some roofs they’ve already worked on – either in their portfolio or by actually visiting the site. If they can’t show you any, you might want to look elsewhere.

4. Ask for a competitive quote

Make sure you ask for quotes before you sign-up. Don’t just go on price, either – make sure you like what the firm has to say and agree with the time-frame they offer. We recently wrote about the most important questions to ask a roofer and you should definitely check it out

Getting your commercial roof serviced and maintained needn’t be complicated, but hopefully some of these tips have set you in the right direction.