Why Roof Maintenance Is Necessary to Avoid Pest Damage

No one likes the idea of living with pests. Not only do they damage your home, but they can also pose a huge risk to your and your family’s health. It doesn’t matter if they are tearing through your walls or getting comfortable in your home. Pests are inconvenient and frustrating to deal with. Fortunately, with the help of DeG Contracting, you can learn about proper roof maintenance and keep those creepy critters out of your home. 

How Do Pests Get In Through the Roof?

If your roof is not brand new, there is a good chance that it has experienced some wear and tear over the years. Whether your shingles begin to lift, your flashing begins to weaken, or your roof starts to develop cracks, there are many ways that your roof can become vulnerable to pests. 

Obviously, some pests are smaller than others. Small pests such as ants, termites, and spiders can access your roof through small cracks. Larger animals, such as mice and bats, can enter when there are larger holes in the roof. 

Though it may be challenging to spot smaller holes until there is an infestation, larger holes will often show out in the form of other roofing issues. You may experience leaking in your home. You may also see some exterior signs of damage. 

Some of these damages include the following.

• Loose or missing shingles, 

• Damaged gutters,

• Watermarks on your ceiling or in the attic.

If your home has overhanging trees, they can also provide a pathway for animals to your roof. Animals such as squirrels and birds that spend a lot of time in trees have easy access to the roof if there are branches leading them there. 

The best remedy to this problem is to keep your trees trimmed and ensure that there are no overhanging branches. 

What Kind of Damage Can Pests Cause?

The types of damage that pests can cause are endless. Some pests, like termites, have the sole mission of destroying your home. They will chew through the wood and leave your home with a questionable foundation. While not all pest damage is as extreme as termite damage, these pests can still make your living conditions uncomfortable. Here are a few examples of the type of damage that they can cause. 

Water Damage

You don’t always have to climb to the top of your house to notice some roofing damage. Water damage is one of them. The same entry methods that the pests use to enter your home are the same ways that water will enter your home when it rains, hails, or snows. 

Those holes do not get patched back up after the pests find their way in. Therefore, your home can experience water infiltration and damage if this problem goes unseen for too long. Water damage can lead to mold and bacteria growth, a rotted roof, and attract more pests. 

The following are pests that are attracted to the moist environments created by water damage.

• Cockroaches

• Ants 

• Termites 

• Mosquitos 

Destruction of Your Personal Property

Pests generally travel in groups. That being said, when they enter your home, they can quickly take over. Homeowners who have had pest control issues in the past reported that the pests destroyed their property in several ways. 

One way pests can destroy your personal property is by leaving droppings. Whether it is fecal matter or urine stains, they will leave dropping over the floors, furniture, or anything else that has been left out. If you use your attic as a storage space, this could become a problem if pests were to invade your home. 

Cracks and Holes

Not only do pests leave your roof with cracks and holes, but they also leave cracks and holes once they are inside. Some pests gnaw away at anything they can find, whether it is your food or wooden cabinets. These cracks and holes can create bigger problems and leave you with expensive remediation and repair costs.

Why Is Roof Maintenance Necessary to Avoid Pests?

Pests can be a nuisance. Not only do they make you and your home feel dirty, but they can also disrupt the structural integrity of your home. With proper roof maintenance, this issue will be minimized. 

Scheduling routine maintenance with your local roofing company can put you in a good position to fight pest damage. Routine maintenance will allow you to catch minor issues before they have a chance to get larger. You will be able to patch up small holes and extend the life of your roof while keeping the critters away from the valuables you keep inside. 

Some roof maintenance tasks you can do to avoid pest damage include the following.

• Clean your gutters frequently.

• Schedule regular maintenance and inspections. 

• Trim any overgrown trees and overhanging branches.

• Check the roof surface for debris.

If you find evidence of pest damage, be sure to call an exterminator and roofing company to handle the problem as soon as possible. Pest infestations can cause damage to your home’s structure and your family’s health. Do not take any chances and address this problem as quickly as you can. 

Your home is a major investment. Don’t allow the pests to take over.

Find Out More About Roof Maintenance in St. Louis, MO, by DeG Contracting

Any type of home maintenance pays off in the long run. Roof maintenance is the same. Adequate roof maintenance routines can extend the life of your roof and save you both time and headaches in the future. If you are looking for a reliable roofing company in St. Louis, MO, contact DeG Contracting. Save yourself time and money by getting the job done right the first time. 

With many years of experience in providing top-notch roofing services, DeG Contracting is your trusted roofing company. Your comfort is important to us. Let us do the hard work so you can rest assured that your family is safe. Contact our team now for a free estimate and to get started on a roof maintenance schedule.