From a Pittsburgh Roofing Company: 3 Methods for Keeping Birds off Your Roof

Birds are often the first harbinger of spring, and many of us enjoy waking to the sound of chirping in the morning. On the other hand, these animals are technically pests that can wreak havoc on any type of roof, including a metal one. Though metal roofs are more durable than many other types of roofing materials on the market, they too can suffer from bird damage. If you want to extend the life of your Western Pennsylvania roof and prevent bird damage to your investment, observe the following tips:

Why Be Concerned About Birds?

First, it’s important to understand why certain birds native in Pittsburgh present a hazard to the average homeowner in the first place. Bird droppings present perhaps the largest concern, since the content is very acidic and can eat away at roofing materials over time. Aside from this concern, bird droppings can also cause carbon monoxide buildup when it clogs vents and chimneys on your roof.

Additionally, bird excrement on your roof brings health concerns. Birds can carry diseases and parasites, many of which can cause serious illness if they get into your home. Some of them can be potentially fatal to humans. Even dry bird droppings can affect air quality and create respiratory issues for sensitive populations such as the elderly, young children, and pregnant women.

Lastly, bird droppings can be unsightly. They not only can cause health problems, they also detract from the beauty of your home. Fortunately, with a few simple steps you can clean up your existing problem and prevent something similar from happening in the future.

Tips for Bird Droppings

First, deal with the problem at hand. Use a power washer and a solution of trisodium phosphate to clean away any visible bird droppings on your roof. If they prove stubborn to remove, call a professional for cleaning help (Note: never try to go up on the roof and clean the droppings yourself: you’ll need special safety and ventilation equipment to prevent illness and injury). Schedule a cleaning to remove any bird droppings from your vents and chimney spaces.

The installation of chimney caps can effectively solve one problem – you’ll still have plenty of ventilation, but bird droppings will not be able to penetrate the mesh. Keep in mind, however, that you might have to schedule regular cleanings of this, too.

Lastly, you can take steps to deter birds from entering your roof in the first place. Adding spikes to your roof or installing predatory bird statues can effectively deter nesting activity and encourage birds to find a safe haven elsewhere.