Rodent Entry Points Into Roofs

Learn in detail about rodent entry points into roofs

Why Do Rodents Invade Homes Through Roof?

Back in January of 2022, we took a look at a few different roofs that had been plagued by rodents entering into the roof attic, through gaps and openings caused by deterioration or animal destruction at the perimeter of the roof. Some of the areas of this destruction happened at the rear termination, namely through the rear termination ofmr fascia board but because the animals were so aggressive, several areas of metal coping or flashing, drip edge, and fascia board had been damaged. The animals alone were not the sole cause though because these areas of the roof had also been poorly installed and poorly maintained. These issues were already existing and the problems were only exacerbated as the animals searched for shelter or warmth in the winter months.

Recently, we took a look at another roof with similar problems. This particular circumstance is more related to improper installation of roofing materials as they terminate and wrap-around the top of the front facade where the roof terminates at the front of the building.

The picture below shows a close up view of a rooftop corner at the front bay at the front facade.

rodent entry points into roofs part 3

A sheet metal material has been used to wrap or cover the area of termination to provide a seamless area at the pinnacle or uppermost portion of the projection.  Even at a glance though, the work looks extremely sloppy. The angles of metal are bent in such an unprofessional way that they are obviously loose and detached from the substrate.  In most cases, water can be kept out of a building with a concentric or overlapping type of installation so that upper materials pass over top of lower materials. This criteria or requirement alone though is insufficient in conditions of wind driven rain or icing. In this particular case, gaps are so wide and large that animals can essentially visualize them as a cave while searching for shelter.

how rodents enter a roof

How To Stop Rodent From Entring Through Roofs

At a minimum, we would recommend that sheet metals, at roofing terminations, be applied tighter to the substrate surfaces, in this particular case as a makeshift type of temporary repair, we would recommend that the loose sheet metal is at least secured back to the substrate and that gun applied sealants or other types of materials be installed to fill some of the gapping. By and large though, it would have been much easier and better for the original contractor to install this sheet metal more professionally and properly. At this point removal and repair is likely more expensive than the Initial installation.

Smart proactive replacement, construction, upkeep and maintenance of low slope roof systems requires an enthusiastic interest and understanding of waterproofing principles and building science.   Here in Washington DC, historic and modern residential and commercial buildings are extremely expensive and the roof and related systems provide the shield that preserves the building. 

We encourage all of our clients, and all readers of this article and to our blog in general, to prioritize the value of quality construction and building maintenance, and develop a relationship with our company.  You can learn a lot more on our blog.  Feel free to check it out.  If you have questions about the roof and related systems of your building in Washington DC, contact us or fill out the webform below and drop us a line.  We will be in touch if we can help.

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