If you’ve heard the flutter of wings or the pitter-patter of paws in your ceiling, it’s time to critter-proof your roof the right way.
Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and even bats are more than a nuisance—they’re experienced invaders that know how to sneak through the tiniest gaps in your home’s roofline. Once inside, they can cause serious damage to insulation, wires, and even your health.
In Raleigh and across the Triangle, spring and summer are prime seasons for attic intrusions. But with the right roof solutions, you can stop the wildlife parade before it starts.
Why Critters Love Your Roof
Your roof may seem solid, but to small animals, it's full of opportunities. Entry points like chimneys, ridge vents, gable vents, rotting fascia, and loose flashing give wildlife easy access to warm, dry attic space—perfect for nesting.
Common attic invaders in North Carolina include:
- Birds (especially chimney swifts and starlings)
- Squirrels and flying squirrels
- Raccoons
- Bats
Once inside, they nest, chew, scratch, and leave behind hazardous droppings and debris. It doesn’t take long for a small problem to become a structural one.
Coexisting with Wildlife – NC Wildlife Resources Commission offers a detailed guide to common species and how to coexist or find humane removal solutions.
The Risks of Animals in the Attic
Critters may be cute—but not when they’re chewing wires or building nests in your insulation. Here’s what’s at stake:
- Damaged insulation and HVAC systems
- Chewed wiring, increasing fire risk
- Roof leaks from torn shingles or damaged flashing
- Droppings that carry disease and attract other pests
- Blocked exhaust vents, which can pose a carbon monoxide or fire hazard
If you’re hearing noises or spotting signs of wildlife activity, don’t wait. The longer animals stay, the more costly the repairs become.
Custom Roof Features That Keep Wildlife Out
One-size-fits-all solutions rarely work when it comes to protecting your home from attic intruders. That’s why Pickard Roofing offers in-house sheet metal fabrication to design and install purpose-built features that defend your home—without compromising airflow or curb appeal.
Chimney Caps & Screens
Chimneys are one of the most common entry points for birds and small mammals. A well-fitted chimney cap:
- Blocks wildlife, rainwater, and downdrafts
- Allows smoke and gases to exit safely
- Comes in copper, stainless, or galvanized steel to suit your home’s style
Properly installed caps are crucial—not just to block animals, but to maintain proper chimney function.
Custom Vent Screens
Gable vents, soffit vents, and ridge vents offer necessary ventilation, but they’re also open invitations for bats and birds. We fabricate vent screens that:
- Preserve airflow
- Fit non-standard sizes and shapes
- Prevent nesting and roosting inside attic spaces
Our team ensures every screen is secure, subtle, and made to last.
Bird Screens for Roofline Gaps
Birds often slip behind gutters or perch beneath solar panels. Custom-fitted bird screens can:
- Seal eaves, ridges, and overhangs
- Prevent nesting in fascia or under drip edges
- Protect decorative trim or moldings from staining and damage
Flashing & Fascia Repairs
Rotting wood is a top target for raccoons and squirrels. With our in-house fabrication shop, we can build and install custom flashing and fascia wraps to protect high-risk areas.
Protect your roof’s edges with custom flashing and upgrade vulnerable fascia boards with durable copper or aluminum.
Signs You May Have a Critter Problem
Some infestations are obvious—others hide in the attic for weeks before you know they’re there. Keep an eye (and ear) out for:
- Scratching or movement in walls or ceilings, especially at night
- Bird feathers or droppings near attic vents or chimney caps
- Torn insulation or nesting material in attic corners
- Visible gaps or entry points near soffits, fascia, or chimneys
If you're unsure, a roof inspection from a local pro can help pinpoint access points before repairs turn into replacements.
Why Pickard Roofing’s Fabrication Team Is Your Best Defense
Off-the-shelf vent covers and hardware store chimney caps don’t always fit—especially in older homes with unique architecture. Pickard Roofing builds custom solutions that fit your home’s exact dimensions and needs.
- All metalwork is fabricated in-house by our experienced team
- Designed to blend with your home’s style and materials
- Trusted across Raleigh for both historic preservation and modern roof design
Learn how our in-house sheet metal team solves roof problems others can’t.
FAQs: Critter-Proofing Your Roof
Can I install chimney caps or vent screens myself?
You could, but we don’t recommend it. Poorly installed caps can restrict airflow, void warranties, or create fire hazards. Professional installation ensures a perfect fit and proper ventilation.
Will vent screens affect attic airflow?
Not when designed and installed correctly. Our screens allow ventilation while keeping wildlife out.
Do I need to remove animals before sealing?
Yes—always. We can refer you to trusted local wildlife control partners to ensure the roof is safe to seal.
Stop the Intrusion Before It Starts
From bats in the gable vent to birds behind the fascia, wildlife will always look for ways into your roof. The key is sealing them out before they get in.
Pickard Roofing’s in-house metal team delivers custom-fitted, aesthetically matched solutions—from chimney caps to vent screens—that protect your roofline and preserve your home.
Think you’ve got an attic visitor—or want to prevent one? Contact Pickard Roofing today to schedule your roof inspection and custom critter-proofing plan.
