A roof keeps the weather out — but it can also be a way in for animals. Squirrels, raccoons, birds, and bats love the warm, dry, hidden space inside a roof and attic. Once in, they chew, nest, and make a mess. In Middle Tennessee and North Georgia, where wooded neighborhoods put wildlife right next to our homes, this is a common problem. Here’s how animals get in, the damage they do, and how to keep them out.
Common Ways Animals Get In
Animals are great at finding small openings. The usual entry points are:
- Missing or lifted shingles
- Holes in the soffits or siding
- Loose or rotted fascia boards
- Open or unscreened gable and ridge vents
- Open or uncapped chimneys
- Gaps where roof sections meet
Many of these start small — but a determined squirrel or raccoon can make a small gap much bigger.
What Gets In Around Here
Our wooded suburbs are home to plenty of critters that target roofs:
- Squirrels — the most common; they gnaw to get in and keep gnawing once inside.
- Raccoons — strong enough to tear open vents and weak spots.
- Birds — nest in vents and gutters, blocking airflow and drainage.
- Bats — slip through tiny gaps and roost in attics.
- Rats and mice — squeeze through gaps the size of a coin.
Trees that hang over your roof act like a bridge, giving animals an easy path up. Keeping branches trimmed back helps a lot.
The Damage Animals Cause
Once inside, animals do real harm. They chew through wiring (a fire risk), shred insulation, and leave droppings that create odor and health concerns. Nests block vents and gutters, which traps moisture and leads to leaks and rot. The entry holes themselves let in water, too. What starts as one squirrel can become a costly repair.
How to Keep Animals Out
The best defense is a sealed, well-maintained roof:
- Fix missing shingles and damaged flashing promptly
- Repair holes in soffits, siding, and fascia
- Screen all vents and cap the chimney
- Trim branches back about 10 feet from the roof
- Get a professional inspection to find gaps you can’t see
One honest note: if animals are already living in your roof or attic, you’ll need a licensed wildlife removal specialist to remove them safely and legally first. Once they’re out, we seal and repair the roof so they can’t get back in.
Found a Way In? Get a Free Inspection
If you’ve spotted a hole — or heard scratching overhead — don’t wait. We’ll inspect your roof, find every entry point, and repair the damage. We serve Franklin, Kennesaw, and the nearby areas.
Schedule your free inspection or call 678-345-1711 today.
