Risky Rodents and Your Roof

Central Florida is not known for being friendly to your roof. Your roof could be damaged by sun exposure throughout the year, heavy rain during the “wet” season, or the risk of hurricanes. There is another danger to your roof all year, but little is known about it. Few homeowners are ready to take precautions to protect their roofs. The risk increases in cooler temperatures, such as the one we have recently experienced. This could surprise you.

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Rodents are what we’re referring to. Roof Rats are also known as Black Rats and Ship Rats. They are a pest and disease-carrier species that can be a nuisance. In Florida they are the most destructive rodent pests, causing thousands of dollars of damage each year to homes. How do they get there?

First, you need to know a bit about this rat’s lifestyle. Roof rats, unlike their relatives, prefer higher ground-living or hiding places below the ground (like sewers). They prefer to live in trees and eat fruits all year round. They are a problem all year round in Polk County. In fact, Tampa has been named one of the top US cities with roof rat infestations in recent decades.

What should you expect from roof rat damage and how can you protect your home? Roof rats can squeeze through places you might not expect. Sometimes they can reach 1/2 inch in diameter, depending on their size. They can enter attics and build their homes, damaging insulation, wiring, cables, and HVAC ductwork. They can also chew through your roof if they cannot find an opening in the ceiling to gain entry to your home. This can leave your roof exposed to the elements, causing secondary problems like water damage and other pest infestations. Roof rats can be difficult to eradicate. It is expensive and takes a lot of time. These are the best ways to stop roof rats from ever happening.

All shrubs and trees should be kept away from your home’s perimeter. Rats and other creatures can gain entry to your roof through trees that extend over or near your roofline. You must stop them from having this opportunity! Keep an eye on your attic. You should be alert for signs such as rodent droppings, insulation that isn’t in its proper place, chewed items, etc. You can catch signs of infestation early and get help before they become severe. Routine roof inspections by professionals are a good investment. A professional local to you should inspect your roof at least once a year. Roofers will be able to spot rodent activity in your roof that others might miss. If they find evidence of roof rats, they can help you create a plan of attack and repair any damage that has been caused by them.

This post was written by a roofing professional at KCG Roofing. KCG Roofing is a premier roofing contractor in Florida! KCG Roofing has the experience and expertise to replace or repair your roof with quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. All our roofs are backed by a 15-year leak-free guarantee, the highest in the industry. We have been family-owned and operated for over 40 years.