In some ways your house needs holes in the attic, but when it comes to the pitter-patter of four-legged feet above your head, it’s a different story. Holes in the attic can be caused by a number of things, from wear and tear on the roof over time to the sharp and pesky teeth of greater Rodentia. The first key to plugging holes in the attic is knowing where they are.

Finding the Hole

Unfortunately, the most common way holes in the attic are discovered is only after animals are nesting up there or water comes dripping down into the main floors. Regular inspection of the attic and the roof is good prevention. Also keep tree branches and other access points trimmed back from the roof. There’s no need to make it easy for the invaders.

After the fact, you’ll need to go up there and look for their entry point. Vent screens are a popular place, and an easy fix. Damaged or missing soffit boards are another. Basically, these spots are likely not too difficult to find and are usually the result of materials that are rotting or in disrepair. That’s not to say that squirrels and their cousins won’t chew their way in if they can.

Potential Problems

The problems are self-evident, especially if you’re already hearing the squirrels dance at night. Animals are an obvious problem. They keep you awake, they’ll start a family up there, and they leave quite a mess.

Another problem is the leaky roof, which can lead to a leaky ceiling, which can lead to a major renovation. Again, keeping a good eye on your roof is a good idea. Look for hanging shingles, raised shingles, and sags or weak spots in the roof. To add insult to injury, weak spots caused by water damage are also the best places for animals to chew their way into your attic. (more…)

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In an informative article about trends in recycled roofing, Heidi J. Ellsworth writes, “Energy Star®, recycling, green roofs — all buzzwords in an industry that is making a transition to the world of sustainable building products. The roofing industry is on the environmental fast track. From shingle wraps that read ‘please recycle’ to asphalt roofing recycling centers to a commitment with the new Energy Star program, roofing manufacturers and contractors are offering several different forms of earth friendly products and services.”

As you explore roofing materials with your roofing contractor, having some information about the trend in recycled roofing materials can be useful. Here are 7 companies that offer recycled roofing products: (more…)

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Wooden shakes were one of the original roofing materials, but with the invention of more advanced materials, they have become less common. When selecting your roofing material, is wood even an option anymore?

Wooden shingles are typically made from cedar trees. Very few new homes even consider using wooden shakes, but many homeowners with historical homes want to use them to maintain originality. Wood shakes tend to be high in maintenance, being prone to deterioration, insect infiltration, rot, and mildew. Additionally, over time, the sun dries them and causes them to be very flammable. (more…)

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