September 14, 2012

Squirrels - Cute Creatures or Maniacal Miscreants?

Whether you fancy the four-legged furballs, with their bushy tails and puffy cheeks, or devise ways to keep the devious evil-doers off your property, one thing is certain: squirrels love to chew on lead roof flashings.

One would think the toxicity of the lead would lead to positive death, but alas that doesn't seem to be true for the toothsome terrors. The lead flashings attract squirrels, just like honey attracts flies. The edges of the flashings are perfectly molded and entice the squirrels to chew and chew and chew until your lead flashing deteriorates and resembles a piece of swiss cheese. Once they have gnawed all your lead flashings to nubs and scraps not worthy of recycling, they'll move on to other nefarious acts.

What could be worse than having your roof flashings eaten to non-existence? How about hosting a party in your attic and walls for all the neighborhood pests? How about turning your attic into a pool? Although slight Johnny and Susie may jump for joy at the hope of having a new pet (or hundred) and they would probably love having their very own indoor pool (bragging rights!), you may not be so happy. When the lead flashings are gnawed to nubs and your roof penetrations are left unprotected, you run the risk of causing major damage to your home.

Unprotected flashings allow water to seep into your home. Water damage stinks, literally. When you have a slow leak in your home or attic, it could take weeks or months to consideration any signs of water intrusion. During that time, the water is gently working its way into your attic, insulation, framing, and walls and causing all sorts of destruction. Do you suffer from allergies? Then you categorically won't like the mold, fungus, and bacteria that will multiply and spread rampantly straight through your house. Do you cringe at the notion of inhaling the fumes of a dirty gym sock? Then you will hate the dank aroma that will jab every room of your house.

If you aren't a fan of unexpected water intrusion, then how about playing host to hundreds of pests? That's exactly what will happen if your flashings are damaged and unprotected. Ants, spiders, termites, cockroaches, snakes, mice, rats, squirrels, and other unwelcome houseguests will intrude upon home; turning your personal sanctuary into a bug and rodent infested resort. They'll start out in your attic and swiftly spread out in hopes of seeing food and shelter. When your house-crashers are feeling comfortable, they will start multiplying...like rabbits.

If you are sufficiently creeped out and wondering if your lead flashings are squirrel bait, then continue reading and you'll learn how to safe your home from intrusive water and pests.

Flashings come in two options: lead and neoprene. As you've discovered, squirrels love lead flashings. However, they turn their noses up at neoprene flashings. If you have lead flashings, don't fret. You have a merge of options to deplete your squirrel smorgasbord.

First, you can categorically replace your lead flashings with reasonable neoprene flashings. Neoprene flashings can be found at most home correction shop or roofing provide stores. The only type of lead flashing that cannot be replaced is a power flashing. (Neoprene and electrical lines just don't mix.)

Second, you can retrofit your lead flashings with a plastic cover. There are many options available and they come in a collection of sizes and colors.The covers are reasonable and easy to install. Most roofing provide shop carry a collection of lead flashing covers.

If you are concerned about your lead flashings, you should have them inspected by a licensed roofing contractor. After inspection, the roofing contractor will tell you which options are best fine for your home and will install your preferred choice. Then you can rest assured knowing that your roof is no longer a buffet for squirrels.

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