Roof damage is often
associated with extreme weather events, but there are non-weather related
threats to your roof as well. Raccoons do not build dens and instead look to
occupy spaces that can keep them warm and dry, especially after giving birth to
pups, which normally occurs during the months of spring. While raccoons will
typically find protection in a natural environment such as hollow trees or
rocky overhangs, these animals are incredibly resourceful when it comes to
finding and settling into spaces that provide warmth and shelter, such as
attics.
To access these
spaces, raccoons use their strong and dexterous front paws to create an
opening, an opportunity that is often presented by older shingles and other
elements of an aging roofing system. In these situations any weakness in the
system, including ventilation and fascia, can be exploited by a raccoon to gain
entry. Starting with a hole that may measure only 5 inches across,
raccoons can enter the attic and then start working to improve their living
conditions by enlarging the hole and moving in. In addition to the damage to
the roof, nocturnal raccoons can quickly become a nuisance by moving around and
making noise while household members are trying to sleep.
The best way to
prevent the damage and inconvenience of a raccoon infestation is to eliminate
the things that will draw them to your home in the first place; the
availability of food and water. Buy trash cans that can be locked shut or are
specifically designed to prevent access by raccoons and opossums. These cans
are designed with a narrower base with handles that can be accessed only from
the underside to hinder climbing. The lids are usually hinged and somewhat
heavy to makes access even more difficult. A second, though probably
less effective measure, is to cut tree limbs and branches away from your roof.
This step will shut off one point of access to the roof, but raccoons are
skillful climbers, so if they have found a food supply around your home they
will do whatever they can to hang around.
If a raccoon and her brood have already taken up residence in your attic, do not try to remove them yourself. Raccoons can be quite vicious when protecting their dens and their pups and bringing in a professional will provide a safe and humane removal. After the removal, do not procrastinate to get the damage fixed. Have a professional roofing company do the repairs and assess any other weaknesses in your roof that may be exploited in the future by a family of raccoons seeking food, warmth and shelter.
