3 Ways Birds Can Cause Damage to Older Roofs

The sight of birds on your property often adds a lot of nice visuals and calming sounds. Unfortunately, birds can also create problems for your property. Some areas can have more damage than others and ultimately lead to the need for major problems and repairs in the future.

If you already have an older roof, then birds can make the condition of the roof even worse. Learn how birds on your property could become responsible for leaks, damage, and a major reduction in your roof quality. If any of these damaging elements occur, then you may want to consider a roof replacement sooner rather than later.

1. Corrosive Bird Droppings

Bird droppings are a sight you likely don't want to see, and you also don't want to know about the acids or ingredients inside the droppings as well. Birds do not urinate like humans. This means that the droppings they have contain both urine and waste from their daily consumption. The droppings are high in uric acid.

The uric acid can cause damage to rooftops. While you won't see an instant effect of the acids burning through shingles, long-term exposure can cause damage and slowly eat away to materials on your roof. If you already have missing shingles or any damage, then the acid could have an impact on those materials as well.

Acid could eat away at the tar paper and make it easier for water to leak into the roof and cause damage.

2. Bird Nest Building

Birds are always looking for new areas to build nests. While they won't just build a nest right on top of the roof, they could seek out areas to place nests in different crevices of the roof. As the animals plan their construction, they could cause damage to the edges and sides of your roofing.

For example, the soffit, rake, and gable all present ideal areas for a bird to build a nest. As a part of the process, a bird may chip away at the material, damage siding, or impact the edges of the roof. Once they use the nest and abandon the area, the damaged parts of the roof could become susceptible to water damage and leaks.

Not to mention, any areas on the front of your house could lose their curb appeal due to the damage. A new roof replacement could include new fixtures in those areas that discourage any nesting from birds. Newer and stronger materials can help prevent any damage and discourage nests anywhere near your home.

3. Bird Pecking

Certain species of birds love to peck. Their strong beaks can wear away at material, even the strongest roofing shingles. If you have any exposed wood elements on your roof, then the beaks could cause even more damage. Birds like crows and woodpeckers are some of the most likely to peck through your roof.

Woodpeckers will often seek out any bugs or insects on the roofing area and try to peck through the shingles to reach them. Crows often do the same thing. Not only can these birds cause damage to the roof, but the loud noises can be really disruptive inside your home.

Over the years, moss or other growths could occur on or under the shingles which attracts the pecking birds. A new roof replacement will eliminate these growths and not encourage the birds to peck at your roof. You can deter from your property and ensure your new roof lasts for years without any bird damage.

For a new roof installation, contact our professionals at P & G Roofing. We have high-quality materials that can transform your roof and provide your home with extra protection from birds and other pests.