Roofs on homes and commercial buildings are designed to shield and protect the structure from the top down. Most roofs also have protrusions. In most cases roof protrusions are sealed around their base to exclude the elements and wildlife from the property. Over time the seals around the protrusions can begin to fail; in some cases the seals were never put in. Either scenario leaves a roof vulnerable to the elements and wildlife.
Here are common areas of rat entry on roof lines.
- Vent stacks- also known as “stink pipes” these protrusions allow a structures plumbing to breath and function properly. Vent stacks are opened at the top, sometimes without any protection. The base of vent stacks are usually protected with a rubber boot. The rubber can weather and crack over time or rats may chew through the synthetic.
- HVAC units- some roofs (especially flat roofs) will be used to house a properties HVAC units. The lines running from the unit into the house/attic should be inspected to make sure no cavities around the lines exist. Rats are known to travel utility lines and in some cases travel them directly into homes.
- Chimneys- chimneys should be inspected for cavities around their base where the flashing and the roof intersect. Failing brick-work/tuck points can allow rats entry. The chimney flue should also be protected with a proper fitted chimney cap.
- Dormers- dormers should be inspected closely around the roof wall intersection for cavities.
- Exhaust ventilation- heat and water vapor in an attic escapes the home through the roofs exhaust ventilation. Older exhausts include can/mushroom vents. Newer homes are usually equipped with ridge ventilation. The holes below the exhaust ventilation should breath but also be protected against wildlife and elements.
It can be uncomfortable hearing rats scratching and rustling around in a ceiling or wall. The situation can become more uncomfortable when the rats entry points are seemingly non-existent. Bearing in mind that rats can squeeze through impossibly small cavities (as small as a quarter) every nook and cranny needs to be inspected, including protrusions from the roof.
When dealing with rats in a property a roof inspection may shine light on access points not visible from the ground. Any protrusion from the roof line should be inspected for voids/cavities. It’s important to note that repairs (especially around ventilation) should exclude rodents/elements but not interfere with the functionality of the protrusion!
For more information contact the wildlife professionals at Critter Evictors!