Roof Vents and Squirrel Access
Ventilation is great for roofs. Ask any reputable roofer and they’ll tell you that a properly ventilated attic has many advantages in both the heat of summer and the cold of winter. Roof vents, gable vents, and attic fans are great tools. You would never want to give up proper roof/attic ventilation.
But, since you do put holes in the roof to install vents, there is a risk for animals like squirrels and raccoons to get into the attic through the vents. In fact, in the world of nuisance animal removal, it is inevitable that we will receive calls for animals in the attic gaining access at roof vents.
The keys to squirrel-proof attic vents are adequate screening and proper installation.
Screens usually deter the squirrels, especially if they are a heavy gauge wire. Most well designed attic vents have screens prohibiting animal entry into the vent structure and into the attic space. But…
Squirrels Sometimes Chew Through Vent Covers
As an example, take a look at this recent picture of a squirrel problem.
Here, you can see the cover of an attic fan (round) and a passive vent next to it (box-like). The screening for the fan is under the round cover (more visible in next picture) and the screening of the vent is visible on the sides of the vent. Underneath these covers are holes in the roof decking through which air can move. These holes are openings into the attic. Both seem sound, of a standard design, and have been properly installed. So what’s the problem?
Sometimes, as this picture shows, luck is not on the homeowner’s side. Even though this was a quality vent, a determined squirrel still chewed through the screening. Squirrels are excellent chewers and can chew through wood, vinyl, aluminum, and plastic.
The nest and a screen of chicken wire below the blades are visible in the picture to the right. The chicken wire between the actual attic opening and the fan blades was installed by the homeowner as a second line of defense to keep animals out.*** The squirrels built the nest on this second screen, not in the attic.
***A WORD OF CAUTION***
Having a screen between between the fan and the attic opening is NOT recommended. Why you ask? Especially when it seems it was effective against squirrels in this scenario?
Because having a squirrel nest near the fan blades and motor housing is a fire hazard.
The nesting materials are nice and dry. The motor is a source of heat. Blades obstructed by nesting material might very well cause the motor to overheat and ignite the dry leaves.
Hot Motor Housing + Dry Nest Material = Possible Fire
Believe us on this one: It would be much better to have squirrels in the attic than to have the roof burn off the house.
Tips to Keep Squirrel Out of Attics
- Use well-screened models for roof vents and fans
- Ensure they are appropriately installed. Non-secure flashing and covers cause the most problems.
- Keep squirrels off the roof as much as possible. This is best accomplished by good tree trimming. Squirrels can get on most any roof if they really want to. But, adequate tree trimming makes it less convenient for them.
- Be mindful of high populations and scarce large trees for denning and nesting. They generally only chew their way into buildings if there is easy opportunity or just a lack of good real estate (trees) options.
Squirrel Problem Akron / Canton / Kent Ohio Area?
If you believe one of your attic accesses has been compromised by a squirrel and you live in Summit, Portage, or Stark Counties, give Frontline Animal Removal a call today.
We will be happy to look assess your situation and provide solutions.
For more information, check out our:
