Preventing roof damage from wildlife

Damage caused by wildlife is a problem for all homeowners – but animals particularly like to make their homes in older, traditional structures.

Thatch roofs, wooden beams, and even trusty Kent peg tiles often become attractive locations for wild birds, rodents and a plethora of other animals. Of course, wildlife is a natural part of the environment – and we love our natural world – but animals invading a property can cause significant (and costly) damage if left unchecked.

In this post, we’ll explore why animals target roofing, what kinds of damage they can cause – and look at how to prevent running afoul of a fowl (or a rodent, for that matter).

Why are wild animals drawn to heritage roofing?

Animals like roofing for the same reasons we do; roofs offer shelter, warmth and safety. This makes them an ideal nesting spot for many animals, but traditional roofing materials, like thatch, are especially appealing.

That’s because they mimic the natural environments that many wild species are used to. Thatch can make for a soft, insulated nesting material – which rodents like rats and mice find particularly inviting.

Tiles, on the other hand, create small gaps that birds, bats, and other flying creatures can easily squeeze into – using the spaces within to build nests or to take shelter from the elements.

Roof damage from wildlife tends to be more prevalent in rural areas and villages, where homes are close to fields and woodland. One bat deciding their bat box is no longer the Ritz and taking shelter in your roof is unlikely to lead to too many problems – but over time, the presence of wild creatures can go from a minor nuisance to a major problem…

Types of wildlife that target roofs

Rodents

These small creatures like mice and rats are notorious for gnawing on roofing materials. Rats can cause extensive damage as they chew through insulation, wood and even electrical wiring in their quest to build nests. They multiply quickly, and their presence can also invite predators – and lead to health concerns (they are rats, afterall). 

Birds

Pigeons, starlings, sparrows, and many other small birds like to seek refuge under loosened roof tiles or eaves, especially during nesting season. While birds themselves may not directly damage roofs, their nests can block drainage systems, lead to tile displacement, and cause leaks during heavy rainfall. Chimneys are also prime targets for nests, too; perhaps because of the escaping heat.

Bats

Bats can be more difficult to manage because many are considered protected species.

They usually settle in roof cavities and under loose tiles, causing minimal structural damage. The problem is their guano, which can accumulate over time, leading to staining and nasty smells – not to mention health risks and other pests!

Squirrels

Squirrels have been known to chew through roof vents, soffits, and fascia boards to access attics – building nests using insulation. Like other rodents, they may chew on wiring, creating a fire hazard.

The damage wildlife can cause to historic roofing

The damage caused by wildlife in heritage roofing can be extensive if not addressed promptly:

Chewing, pecking and burrowing by rodents and birds can weaken structural elements like beams, insulation, and roof tiles. Over time, this can compromise the integrity of your roof.

Nests and displaced tiles can lead to blocked gutters and downspouts – preventing water from draining properly. This can result in water pooling, leaks, mould growth, and even rot.

Animal droppings can carry diseases and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Accumulated droppings can also attract insects, and lead to infestations.

And last but not least – there’s the fire risk. Animals that chew on electrical wiring create a significant risk of fire. Any roof that’s had animals in it should be inspected for damaged wiring.

How can you stop wildlife from damaging your period property roof?

Thankfully, there are several humane and effective ways to stop wildlife from damaging your roof. We recommend being proactive, and using a combination of deterrents and physical barriers.

Decoys and visual deterrents

You might have seen wooden crowns or owls adorning some roofs around you. It’s not actually decorative – it’s one of the simplest ways to deter birds from entering a roof. Decoys of predatory birds create the illusion of danger, making birds less likely to approach your roof. If crows themselves are the issue, shiny round objects have been known to deter them – but this then has been known to attract magpies… So, you have to pick your deterrent wisely!

Humane trapping

For more persistent animals like squirrels and rodents, humane traps can be used to capture them safely. Once caught, they can be relocated to a suitable natural habitat, away from your home. Follow your local guidelines for wildlife relocation.

Sealing gaps and installing mesh

Closing off potential entry points prevents animals from getting inside in the first place. Vents, chimneys and eaves can be fitted with mesh or other barriers that allow airflow but prevent wildlife from entering. Gaps under tiles or between roofing materials should also be sealed, and any loose tiles addressed, too.

Rewilding and habitat management

In some cases, creating a more suitable habitat for wildlife away from your home can help. Providing safe birdhouses or bat boxes near your property can encourage animals to settle there instead of in your roof!

Heritage Roofing Specialists Since 1984

We specialise in kent peg tile roof repairs, heritage property roofing – and undoing the damage done to historic roofing by wildlife.

For a quote, contact us at [email protected].