--- title: "Pests Can Leave Your Roof Damaged" url: https://vertexroofingslc.com/pests-can-leave-roof-damaged/ updated: 2021-05-12 --- # Pests Can Leave Your Roof Damaged It is common to find damage to your roof after extreme weather conditions in Utah like a heavy rainstorm, high winds, and even snow accumulation. What you may not know is that*** pests can also cause costly roof damage***. Nesting and burrowing from ***birds, bats, rodents, and termites can wreak havoc on the integrity of your roof***, putting you and your family at risk for pricey roof repairs and even serious illness. #### If you ***suspect roof damage from pesky little critters, do not hesitate to contact a trusted ***[certified roofing contractor](https://vertexroofingslc.com/certified-roofing-contractor-utah) to perform a full inspection of your roof, let you know the extent of the destruction and restore your roof to prevent further damage. ## **What Kind of Pests Can Damage My Roof?** To ***protect the lifespan of your roof and prevent further damage***, be sure to call a [trained and certified professional roofer](https://vertexroofingslc.com/about-us/) in Utah ***at the first sign of an infestation from any of the following vermin*** that are known to vandalize both residential and commercial roofing systems here in the Beehive State: - **Birds -** Utah is home to hundreds of bird species, and aside from ***potential damage to your roofing system from nests blocking gutters or causing a fire*** when built in chimneys or ventilation systems - ***bird droppings can cause serious damage to shingles***. Highly acidic bird droppings can break down shingles and roof sheathing over time. This type of ***damage will leave your roof at risk for leaks*** that may result in serious structural water damage. The [professionals at Vertex Roofing Contractors](https://vertexroofingslc.com/roof-inspections/)suggest a ***bi-annual roof inspection to make sure your roof is in good repair ***and not exposed to the destruction caused by nesting birds. - **Bats -** Eighteen different species of bats can be found throughout the state of Utah and have been ***known to roost in structural voids, chimneys, attics and the eaves of your roof***. They have the amazing ability to squeeze into very small spaces (as small as 3/8") to make your home their home! While single nesting bats may not cause damage to your roof, a colony can ***pose a serious risk to your roof*** and ***pose the following health risks to you and your family***:   **Histoplasmosis -** Bat feces, or guano, is a carrier of a ***microscopic fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum ***that when airborne can cause a life-threatening lung infection called ***histoplasmosis***. - **Rabies -** While bat droppings pose the biggest threat to your family’s health, rabies is another ***serious disease that can be transmitted to humans through a bite ***from an infected bat. #### Because ***Utah law protects all species of bats***, property owners are encouraged to follow [conflict prevention](http://www.wildawareutah.org/wp-content/uploads/bats-sign2014.pdf) and ***call local animal control*** to have the bat(s) safely removed. - **Rodents -** Mice, rats, and squirrels can squeeze through very small openings and become a big problem causing ***gradual damage to your roof, electrical wiring and yard***. Because rodents have the potential to cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage, do not hesitate to use remediation or call a professional to halt further damage to your home if you suspect an infestation.   ***Common roof-damaging rodents found in Utah***: **Rats -** While rats are not synonymous with the Wasatch Front; Southern Utah residents and business owners are aware of potential rat infestations due to the mild temperatures in the South. Across the state, ***rats seem to come in cycles and are attracted to your home and yard by bird feeders and pet food bowls***. Known for burrowing through the roof of homes and businesses, ***rats can cause serious damage by gnawing on your shingles and lead sheathing***. They also pose a threat by chewing through electrical wires which can cause a fire. - **Mice -** Mice can also gain ***access to your home through small spaces or gnaw their way through roofing*** and walls. These holes can leave your home susceptible to moisture damage and loss of energy efficiency. Like rats, mice can also chew through electrical wiring posing a fire hazard***. Mouse droppings can also pose a serious health risk to you and your family*** from the deadly hantavirus. - **Squirrels -** Squirrels are destructive! A member of the rodent family, ***squirrels will gnaw on shingles and lead sheathing***. Once they gain access to your home, they will usually move right in and make themselves at home. ***Squirrel urine, aside from the pungent smell, can also cause roof and ceiling deterioration.*** - **Termites -** Termites love to eat wood; wood in your roof decking, wood beams, trusses, and rafters. When left unchecked, ***termites can cause major damage costing property owners big money for remediation and repairs***. A bi-annual ***roof inspection will help keep your home protected*** with early detection. As ***Utah's premier roofing professionals***, [Vertex Roofing Contractors](https://vertexroofingslc.com/certified-roofing-contractor-utah) have been providing residents and business owners in Salt Lake City, West Jordan, South Jordan, Taylorsville, Sandy, Millcreek, Cottonwood Heights, West Valley City and Midvale with ***roof inspections, maintenance, repair and new roof installation*** since 2009. ### **** ### **Roof Inspection and Repair in Utah** If you suspect a rodent may be causing damage to your roof, call **Vertex Roofing Contractors** at [(801) 639-0477](tel:+18016390477) to ***request a free estimate*** or [CLICK HERE](https://vertexroofingslc.com/request-a-free-bid/) for our*** 24-hour quick quote service***. Our team of ***reliable experts will ensure your roof is in good repair*** to protect your home and your family. We proudly serve all property owners throughout the Beehive State. 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