Do You Think You Need Pest Control But Don’t Want To Waste Money On Inspection Fees If You’re Wrong?

Read These 4 Reasons Your Roof Could Be Making Odd Sounds Before Hiring A Pest Control. 

Have you recently moved into a new home or installed a new roof? If so, you may be somewhat disconcerted or even spooked to find that the roof makes unfamiliar sounds at odd times of the day. Fortunately, there’s almost always a simple, rational explanation for roof noise. Here are some possible reasons for odd sounds coming from your roof.

Wildlife & Pests

Roofs commonly suffer from intrusion by larger pests such as squirrels and even raccoons, or tiny, almost unnoticeable roof pests such as termites. If you hear scampering sounds coming from your attic, or scampering sounds on the roof when you’re standing in your attic, there may be larger pests trying to make their home in your roof. If you don’t see any of them in your attic, they could be hiding out in your chimney.

These pests will typically require professional removal, especially raccoons, which typically find their way into your attic or roof space in order to have a litter of raccoon kits. These kits are helpless without their mother and must be removed along with her or they’ll die of starvation and your entire house will smell horrible.

Insect pests typically don’t make such noticeable sounds. If you have a serious infestation of insects such as termites or carpenter ants in your rafters and roof deck, you may hear soft shuffling sounds from inside the wood if you listen closely and put your ear near the wood’s surface. But these smaller sounds are unlikely to disturb you when you’re on the lower levels of the house unless the infestation is present throughout your entire home.

Whether it’s insects, mammals, or birds, though, your best bet with critter-related sounds is to hire an experienced pest control or wildlife removal company. They’ll be able to not only safely remove the roof pests but help you develop and execute a plan to keep it from happening again.

Structural Problems 

Although it’s less common, you may hear sounds coming from your roof because of strain or even damage to the roof system. Sometimes this will be relatively minor damage such as gutters and fascia board ripping away from the eaves because of a heavy snow load.

However, a heavy snow load can also be a danger to your roof deck and rafters, especially if the roof is already damaged (such as from condensation and mould) or already overloaded by multiple layers of shingles. So if you hear groaning sounds when there are several inches of snow on your roof, and the sounds don’t seem to be caused by gutter problems, your best bet is to have a roof repair professional come take a look, just to be on the safe side. Your roof could require additional bracing.

Wind 

Wind can cause a wide range of sounds to emanate from your roof, attic, gutters, and chimney. For example, you’re probably familiar with the howling sound of a strong wind whistling down the chimney and whipping around the edges of your roof.

However, there are other sounds you may not realize can be attributed to wind. If you have a tile roof, a loose tile can rattle and shake in the wind, causing a vibrating, clattering, or clanking sound. And any tree branches near the house can rub against the roof in a stiff wind as well.

If you suspect wind is the cause of the sounds, you might want to have a contractor come out and check for rubbing tree branches (which can damage your home if left untrimmed) or chattering roof tiles. 

Thermal Expansion

This is actually one of the more common reasons for a roof to make odd sounds. Changes in temperature cause your roofing material to expand in warmer temperatures or contract when cooling down. These adjustments can create sounds that run the gamut from popping and crackling to knocking and banging sounds.

Typically, sounds from thermal expansion aren’t considered to be a problem. If your roof was installed correctly, it should be able to handle normal temperature changes without damage, even if it does sound stressed. If the noise is bothering you, you can ask your contractor about possibly installing more insulation to dampen the sounds coming down from your attic.

Of course, these aren’t the only things that can cause roof noise. If you can’t figure out what’s making the noise or suspect it could be damaging your roof, don’t be shy about calling out your roof repair professional. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially with something as important as your home’s roof.

---

 

3 Simple Ways to Boost the Lifespan of Your Asphalt Roof

An asphalt shingle roof is one of the biggest investments for your home. Keeping your asphalt roof well-maintained maximizes the value of your entire property while also protecting you from the outside elements. On the other hand, a bad roof can result in significant water leaks while also decreasing the curb appeal of your house. Looking at different ways to increase the lifespan of your roof will save you a lot of cash, and it’s always well worth the additional effort.

Here are a few simple methods to follow to extend the lifespan of your asphalt roof. 

1) Schedule Bi-Annual Inspections

One of the best ways to remain proactive is to contact a roofing company to inspect your roof twice a year. Typically, it’s recommended to schedule these inspections during the spring and fall months. A professional roofer will look for any signs of damage that may result in a water leak. A roofing company can also make any needed repairs, which will also help to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

2) Always Check Your Roof After a Storm

A major storm can cause a lot of problems for your roof. Hail storms or strong winds can even create enough damages that will require you to invest in a brand new roof. Contacting a local roofing company is always a good idea after a major storm, as they can identify any issues to determine if you need a few repairs or if a roof replacement is a better investment.

3) Check the Ventilation for Your Attic

Keeping an eye on your attic’s ventilation is essential to maintaining your roof. The attic vents on your home can eventually become blocked over time, which results in significant moisture damage to your roof. Squirrels and birds can also build nests in your attic and lead to a big mess. Contacting a pest control company is always the safest option if you don’t want to remove the nests on your own.

Final Thoughts

Many homeowners don’t take the extra time to maintain their roofs. However, a lack of maintenance can dramatically decrease the lifespan of your roof and cost you a lot more money over the long term. You are also more likely to need expensive repair work due to minimal maintenance. Following these proactive tips can help you avoid many of these issues while giving you additional peace of mind to know that your roof is always in excellent condition.