Roof Vents Explained
If you have an attic, you also may have a roof ventilation system. Roof vents help ventilate your attic and keep the air flowing throughout this space. A roof ventilation system helps hot or cold air escape from your attic and prevents problems. Without roof vents, moisture and hot air could get trapped inside and cause issues with the structure. There are many different types of roof vents that may be part of your ventilation system. Many roofs have a ridge vent installed at the top of the roof line to let air escape properly. Off-ridge vents may also be used to allow more air to escape. Other roof venting solutions include box vents, roof turbines and power attic vents. Intake vents like soffit vents, gable vents and over-fascia vents may also be part of your home.Squirrel Entry Points
Unfortunately, squirrels may be able to access your home through any type of opening, such as a roof vent. The roof of the home is the most popular spot for squirrels and other types of wildlife to access your property. Squirrels are drawn to rooves because of their location. These creatures spend time up in the trees when looking for shelter. They build their nests as high up as possible to protect themselves from predators and the elements. When a squirrel is looking for a spot to shelter during the fall and winter, it may come across your roof and be tempted to get inside your home for warmth. Roof vents may have small openings that allow a tiny squirrel to squeeze itself inside. If a squirrel gets into your home, it can damage your insulation, wiring and wooden beams. It may also make a mess by leaving urine and droppings all over your attic.Squirrel-Proof Your Roof Vents
The best course of action to keep squirrels from getting inside and damaging your property is to protect your roof vents. If you can remove unnecessary roof vents from your home’s ventilation system, that may also be an option to close off any entry points to your home. Not all homes can function without a proper roof ventilation system, so be sure to check with your roofing contractor before moving forward with removing vents Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control can give you advice about sealing the existing roof vents on your home.
For some roof vents, you can try using roof vent covers to prevent animals from getting into your home. Another option is to use screens or cages around the roof vent. These covers, screens and cages allow air to come in and out but keep small animals from accessing your property. The materials on your roof, such as wood, cedar, asphalt and fibreglass, can be easily chewed through by squirrels. They have strong teeth that are constantly growing, and they may be determined to get inside.
