Critter Damage to Roofs in Austin, Texas: What Homeowners Need to Know
christine • March 5, 2025
Set Up a Free Site Visit Now
Austin, Texas, is home to a variety of wildlife, including squirrels, raccoons, birds, and rodents. While these critters may seem harmless, they can cause significant damage to your roof if they find a way in. Understanding how these animals impact your home and how to prevent costly repairs is essential for protecting your investment.
Common Critters That Damage Roofs
- Squirrels – These agile climbers often chew through shingles, soffits, and fascia to create entry points into attics.
- Raccoons – Known for their strength and dexterity, raccoons can pry up shingles and tear through roofing materials to gain access to warm attic spaces.
- Birds – Nesting birds can clog gutters with debris, leading to water buildup and potential roof damage.
- Rodents (Mice & Rats) – Small but destructive, rodents can squeeze through tiny openings and gnaw on insulation and wiring once inside.
- Bats – Often found in hidden roof crevices, bats leave behind droppings that can lead to hazardous conditions over time.
Signs of Critter Damage
- Scratching or scurrying noises in the attic
- Holes or gaps in soffits, fascia, or shingles
- Droppings or nesting materials in gutters or attic spaces
- Unusual roof leaks or insulation damage
- Displaced shingles or torn vent covers
How to Prevent Critter Damage
✅ Trim Overhanging Branches – Many animals use tree limbs to access your roof. Keep branches trimmed back to deter easy entry.
✅ Inspect & Seal Entry Points – Regularly check your roof, vents, and soffits for gaps or holes and seal them with durable materials.
✅ Install Critter Guards – Metal mesh or vent covers can prevent wildlife from sneaking in through openings.
✅ Keep Gutters Clean – Remove leaves and debris to prevent nesting areas and water buildup that could attract pests.
✅ Schedule Regular Roof Inspections – A professional roofing inspection can identify weak spots before critters do, helping you avoid costly damage.
What to Do If You Have Critter Damage
If you suspect wildlife has invaded your roof, contact a professional roofing contractor immediately. At Austin Roofing and Construction, we specialize in repairing critter damage and reinforcing your roof against future invasions. Our team will assess the situation, remove any unwanted guests, and restore your roof to peak condition.
Protect Your Home Today!
Don’t wait for critters to wreak havoc on your roof. Take preventive steps now and call Austin Roofing and Construction for expert inspections and repairs.
When it comes to protecting your home from water damage, roof flashing is one of the smallest yet most important parts of your roofing system. While shingles and underlayment do the heavy lifting against rain and wind, flashing is what keeps water from sneaking in through the cracks — especially around roof penetrations and edges.
At Austin Roofing and Construction, our business has grown because of one thing: our amazing clients. Time and time again, our customers recommend us to friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors and that kind of trust is the highest compliment we could ever receive.
Welcome back to our “Anatomy of a Roof” series! Last time, we talked about roof decking — the strong foundation that supports your entire roof system. Today, we’re looking at the next layer up: roof underlayment .
At Austin Roofing and Construction, we believe that understanding your roof helps you protect your home better. That’s why we’re launching a new blog series, “The Anatomy of a Roof,” where we break down each layer and explain its purpose. Today, we’re starting at the very foundation: the roof decking .
Comprehensive Guide to Fixing Roofing Wind Damage Issues
Your home's roof is one of its most important components. It protects the building and everything in it from rain, sleet, snow, wind, and hail. It is also a vital element when it comes to regulating temperatures and creating a comfortable environment. Behind storms, wild animals are one of the most common causes of destruction on roofs. Birds, rodents, termites, bats, bees, and other wild creatures can wreak serious havoc, endangering the integrity of your roof and your home. Below is a comprehensive guide on protecting your roof from animal damage . Keep reading for expert advice on how to identify and address such issues, and keep them from happening again.
Your roof protects your home from the weather, but strong winds can cause serious damage. Whether from a storm, hurricane, or just a powerful gust, wind can loosen shingles, tear off roofing materials, and lead to costly repairs. Knowing what causes wind damage, how to spot it, and how to prevent it can help keep your roof in good shape and extend its lifespan.
The National Centers for Environmental Information reports that Texas experienced 190 confirmed weather disaster events from 1980 to 2024. The damage from these events, including tropical cyclones and severe storms, exceeded $1 billion in each event. With Austin's unpredictable weather, having a strong, reliable roof is more important than ever. You need a roof that can withstand the extremes of Austin's climate. Whether it's intense heat, heavy rain, or high winds, your roof should offer protection from these harsh conditions. That's where professional roof installation in Austin comes into play. It ensures your roof is built to last and capable of handling the challenges of the local climate. Learn about the key steps and materials involved in roof installation in Austin to make the best decision for your home.
Metal roofs have increased in popularity in recent years. While they tend to be more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles, they can last twice as long (or longer!). Many people wonder, "Can you paint a metal roof ?" The short answer is, yes. However, there are many factors to take into consideration. This article covers what those are, along with some metal roof painting tips, instructions, and maintenance advice. Keep reading to learn more.
According to Consumer Affairs, the market size for U.S. roofing contractors is more than $56 billion . The roof of a building is one of its most important components. It provides protection from the elements, safeguarding both your home's infrastructure and everything in it, so durability is imperative. For this reason, more people are considering a metal roof for their home or business. How long does a metal roof last? Some versions can hold up and perform well for a lifetime--100 years or more. This article explains the factors that contribute to metal roof longevity. Keep reading to understand how and why they work, so you can determine if it is the right option for you.