Once squirrels have been removed from a loft, proofing the roof is what stops the problem coming straight back. A quick glance from the garden isn't enough - a proper check needs to work systematically around the whole roofline, because squirrels only need to find one weak spot. We carry out these checks regularly on properties across Theale, and the same handful of areas come up again and again as the places most likely to need attention.
Soffits and fascias
This is the single most common entry route. The joints where soffit boards meet the fascia, and where boards meet each other, are natural weak points, especially once timber starts to warp, rot or pull away slightly from the roofline. Every joint along the full length of the roof needs checking, not just the sections nearest existing damage.
Roof tiles, ridges and valleys
Loose, cracked or missing tiles create gaps large enough for a squirrel to force its way underneath, and valleys where two roof pitches meet are a common weak point because water damage there also softens surrounding timber. Ridge tiles that have come loose over time are worth checking too.
Vents, chimneys and other roof penetrations
- Gable end and eave vents, and whether their mesh covers are intact
- Flashing around chimneys, which can lift and create a gap behind it
- Any pipes or cables passing through the roofline, where sealant may have perished
- Felt at the roof edge, particularly if it's visibly torn or sagging
Materials that actually hold up
Proofing is only effective if the materials used can withstand a determined squirrel's teeth. Sturdy metal mesh, heavy-gauge repair materials and properly fitted, durable boarding hold up far better than anything squirrels can gnaw through or force apart, which is why patch repairs using lightweight materials often fail within a season or two.
A thorough external and roof-space inspection is the only way to be confident every weak point on a Theale property has been covered. Contact Pest Services Berkshire for a free quotation and we'll check the whole roofline, not just the obvious gap.
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