Top 3 Animals in Scottsdale That Can Cause the Most Damage to Your Roof

Weather isn’t the only thing that can cause roof damage, and the team of experts at Diversified Roofing are sharing the top three animals that could cause the most destruction to a roof, and how to prevent it.

“People often think rats could wreak the most havoc, but birds are actually the worst pest we’ve seen cause destruction to roofs,” said Vice President of Diversified Roofing Brad Nally. Considering approximately 12% of homes in Arizona have solar roofs – a prime place for birds to nest – it’s no wonder they’re a bigger menace than expected.

The top three animals in Scottsdale that you’ll see causing damage to your roof?

3. Rats

“Roof rats can chew through just about anything as they are trying to escape heat and find shelter,” said pest elimination expert Dave Burns of Burns Pest Elimination. Roofs being the most common entry point for these pests can cause swift destruction of underlayment and stucco. The team at Diversified Roofing recommends ensuring all roof penetrations are properly sealed and there is metal flashing at roof-to-wall junctions and within dead valleys on the roof.

2. Termites

With homes being built of wood, it’s most common to think termites would cause the most destruction – after all, they cause an estimated $5 – $40 billion in damage to structures throughout the US each year. “While they can destroy decking, framing and even roofing material, there is still one animal that is more destructive,” added Nally. “Once you see signs of a termite it’s essential to call a pest elimination company to prevent any larger destruction of the property.”

1. Birds

Surprisingly enough, birds are the #1 threat to a safe and healthy roof. “Their droppings, which are highly acidic, can cause corrosion, punctures, leaks and even reduce a roof’s lifespan by half,” said Nally. Birds – and pigeons in particular – are known to pick away at the roof’s underlayment for nesting and for Arizona residents with solar panels on the roof, birds can use those areas for shade. “It’s essential to have protection and/or netting around solar panels,” said Dave Burns of Burns Pest Elimination. “Spikes on perches is also a very useful method to deter birds from making your home their own.”

For more tips and information from Diversified Roofing, or to schedule a complimentary inspection, visit www.diversifiedroofinggroup.com, www.diversifiedroofing.com or call 602.858.9221.