Rodents and other pests can do serious damage to your roof, and they don’t stop when temperatures drop. However, with a few simple preparatory steps and some help from a qualified roofing contractor, you can eliminate some of the risks involved with pest infestations and keep your roof looking like new throughout the season.

How to Keep Your Roof Pest-Free Through the Winter

1. Trim Trees

Critters like squirrels often make their way onto roofs by jumping from nearby trees. To stop them from accessing your home, or at least to make it more difficult, trim away the branches that are closest to your roofline. If your trees are particularly tall or tough to reach, have a professional handle this task for safety.

2. Repair Gaps

Pests tend to make their homes in roofs, gutters, and siding, where they can easily create nests or store spare food. If you notice small gaps in between your flashing and siding or in any parts of your home’s exterior, have them repaired as quickly as possible. This will lessen the chances of animals getting into those spaces and widening the gaps significantly.

3. Clean the Gutters

If your gutters are full of leaves, sticks, and debris that have fallen over the autumn months, pests may be drawn to your roof to find supplies for their nests or even food. It’s important to clean your gutters at least once in the fall to prevent ice dams from ruining your roof and siding, but you may need to have your gutters cleaned several times this season if you have a significant number of trees or pests nearby.

If you need a roofing contractor to repair parts of your home’s exterior before winter, contact Columbia Roofing. Based in Elkridge, MD, the roofing contractor has served customers throughout the area for more than 30 years. The family-owned and -operated company offers roof repair and installation services, along with siding and gutter service. To schedule a consultation, visit the company’s website or call (410) 379-6100 to speak with a roofing contractor directly.