If you live in New Orleans or surrounding areas like Metairie, Slidell, you already know that wildlife can sometimes get a little too close for comfort. One common—but often overlooked—problem is roof damage caused by animals. From raccoons tearing shingles to squirrels nesting in attics, critters can compromise the integrity of your roof and lead to costly repairs. That’s why today we’re diving into dealing with roof damage from animals, offering insights into the signs, prevention methods, and repair options every homeowner should know.
Common Animals That Cause Roof Damage
Wildlife is part of life in Louisiana, but that doesn’t mean they should become roommates. Here are the most common animals known to cause roof damage:
- Squirrels: Known for chewing through wood, insulation, and even wiring.
- Raccoons: Strong enough to tear off shingles and pry open soffits or vents.
- Birds: Can nest in gutters or under eaves, causing blockages and water damage.
- Bats: Often sneak into attics through tiny openings.
- Rodents (rats/mice): Chew through insulation and make nests, leading to structural damage.
Signs Of Animal Damage On Your Roof
Catching animal damage early can save you thousands in repair costs. Look out for these signs:
- Visible Roof Damage: Missing shingles, torn flashing, or holes in soffits and fascia.
- Noises in the Attic: Scratching, chewing, or scurrying sounds—especially at night.
- Droppings or Odors: Animal waste leaves behind strong smells and health risks.
- Clogged Gutters: Nests made of twigs, feathers, or debris.
- Insulation Disturbance: Torn or missing insulation in the attic is a common nesting indicator.
If you suspect any of these signs, it’s best to act fast before the damage gets worse.
How Animals Damage Roofs
Animals don’t just live on your roof—they often actively destroy it to create shelter. Here’s how:
- Chewing and Gnawing: Rodents and squirrels have strong teeth that can gnaw through wood, shingles, and wires.
- Tearing Shingles and Flashing: Raccoons will use their claws to pry open parts of your roof to gain entry.
- Blocking Drainage Systems: Birds and squirrels can create nests in gutters, causing water overflow and leaks.
- Contamination: Animal droppings carry bacteria and can lead to mold and health issues in your attic.
Steps To Take When You Discover Roof Damage From Animals
- Inspect the Roof and Attic Safely
Use binoculars from the ground to avoid confrontation with animals. Look for loose shingles, droppings, or chew marks. - Call a Wildlife Removal Specialist
Before any repairs can begin, the animals need to be safely and humanely removed. Do not attempt this yourself. - Contact a Roofing Professional
At Simplex Roof, we perform thorough inspections and provide detailed repair plans. We’ll identify all damage, including what’s hidden beneath the surface. - Repair and Seal Entry Points
Damaged vents, fascia, soffits, and flashing should be professionally sealed to prevent re-entry. - Clean and Sanitize the Area
Contaminated insulation and materials should be replaced. This step is crucial for the health and safety of your home.
How To Prevent Roof Damage From Animals
- Trim Trees: Keep branches at least 6–8 feet away from your roofline.
- Install Gutter Guards: These prevent animals from nesting in gutters.
- Seal Vents and Chimneys: Use mesh covers to keep wildlife out while allowing ventilation.
- Routine Roof Inspections: Catch damage early with annual checkups—especially after storm season.
- Secure Garbage Bins: Food attracts raccoons and rodents.
Homeowners in New Orleans, Covington, and nearby Gulf Coast areas should be particularly cautious during colder months, when animals seek warmth inside roofs and attics.
The Cost Of Ignoring Animal Roof Damage
Ignoring minor signs can lead to major structural problems, including:
- Mold growth from water intrusion
- Electrical fires from chewed wires
- Compromised insulation and rising energy bills
- Full roof replacement if damage goes untreated
Prevention and early intervention are always more affordable than a complete repair—or worse, a replacement.
Conclusion: Act Early, Stay Protected
Dealing with roof damage from animals is not just a pest control issue—it’s a roofing and home protection priority. Wildlife intrusion can create serious structural, health, and safety concerns for homeowners. In Louisiana’s humid, storm-prone environment, even small issues can escalate quickly if not addressed.
At Simplex Roof, we help homeowners in New Orleans and surrounding areas assess animal-related roof damage, make expert repairs, and implement lasting prevention strategies.
Think animals have made your roof their home? Don’t wait. Contact Simplex Roof today for a comprehensive inspection and custom solution tailored to your property.
