Birds can potentially cause damage to roof shingles in a few different ways. The most common issues caused by birds on rooftops are from pecking, scratching, and their droppings. Certain bird species are more likely to cause issues than others based on their behavior, claws, and beaks. The potential damage from birds depends on the type of roof shingles as well. Softer roofing materials like wood shingles are more prone to damage than harder materials like concrete or clay tiles. Regular inspection and maintenance can help minimize any bird damage to roof shingles.
Can bird pecking damage roof shingles?
Yes, birds pecking at roof shingles can potentially cause damage. Certain bird species like woodpeckers are known to peck and drill into surfaces searching for food or as part of their mating rituals. The repeated pecking over time can chip away at shingles, create holes, and expose underlying materials to water damage. Softer shingles like cedar shakes are more susceptible to pecking damage than harder cement or terracotta tiles. However even these harder shingles can become compromised if the pecking is extensive. The damage may not be immediately visible but can accelerate deterioration and leaking.
What birds commonly peck at roofs?
Some birds that are more likely to peck and potentially damage roof shingles include:
- Woodpeckers – Search for insects and create nesting/roosting holes
- Northern flickers – Forage for ants and insects under shingles
- Northern mockingbirds – Territorial pecking at their reflections
- Wood ducks – Looking for suitable nesting cavities
Woodpeckers such as the red-headed woodpecker and downy woodpecker are most problematic as they actively peck, drill, and excavate into surfaces looking for grubs or creating nests. They can quickly do significant damage to softer wood shingles. The other birds may cause more superficial surface damage from pecking compared to woodpeckers.
Do bird claws damage roof shingles?
Sharp bird claws can also potentially scratch, puncture, and scrape shingles over time as birds walk across the roof. Softer shingles are more prone to this claw damage. Asphalt and fiberglass shingles may show scratching on the surface granules but it typically doesn’t compromise them too severely.
However, wood shakes and shingles are at risk of being punctured and torn by bird claws if the shingles are old or degraded. The punctures can then allow moisture intrusion and decay. Larger birds like herons and raptors that perch on roofs are more likely to cause claw damage compared to smaller songbirds. Prolonged damage in the same areas from repeated bird activity may eventually require shingle replacement.
What birds walk on roofs?
Birds that frequently walk on rooftops and have the highest risk of causing claw damage include:
- Herons – Use roofs as lookout perches to hunt
- Hawks – Also use roofs as hunting perches
- Crows – Walk along ridge caps and shingles looking for food
- Seagulls – Roost on rooftops and walk around
- Turkeys – May walk on rooftops when exploring territories
- Ducks – Look for nesting sites on eaves and roofs
The larger birds like blue herons and raptors that situate themselves on roof edges and ridges for hunting can eventually degrade softer shingles from the repeated contact. Smaller passerines don’t typically cause as much claw damage from occasional activity.
Can bird droppings damage or stain roof shingles?
Yes, excessive bird droppings can potentially discolor, degrade, and damage roof shingles over time. The acidic nature of the feces can eat away at many types of shingles. The droppings also contain uric acid which can accelerate corrosion and fading of shingles.
Built up piles of droppings trap moisture against the roof surface, which can lead to decays and leaks. This deterioration from droppings tends to damage organic shingles like wood or asphalt more so than inorganic tiles like concrete or slate. However, enough bird feces accumulated on any shingle type can become problematic.
Besides damaging the shingles themselves, bird droppings are also unsightly and can be difficult to remove from shingles depending on the material. They may leave permanent stains even after cleaning attempts. Keeping roofs clear of bird roosts helps prevent excessive feces buildup and potential damage.
What birds leave the most droppings on roofs?
Problematic birds that contribute the most feces buildup on roofs include:
- Pigeons – Large flocks produce copious droppings
- Seagulls – Nest on rooftops and leave droppings everywhere
- Crows – Roost in groups and decorate areas beneath their perches
- Vultures – Roosting clusters create concentrated buildup
- Starlings – Large migrating flocks result in lots of droppings
Pigeons and seagull colonies in particular can rapidly cause substantial feces buildup that can damage roof surfaces. Even a seasonal influx of migratory birds like starlings can leave enough droppings to create problems. Deterring birds from roosting helps reduce damage risks.
How can I prevent bird damage to my roof shingles?
Here are some tips to help prevent or minimize bird damage to roof shingles:
- Use bird deterrents like wire spike strips, predator decoys or water sprayers on problem areas
- Cover roof vents and open eaves with bird netting to block access
- Trim back tree branches touching the roof to remove bird perches
- Use noisemakers, flashing lights or reflective deterrents to scare birds away
- Apply non-stick bird gel repellent on edges, ridges and peaks
- Install newer architectural shingles designed to deter birds
- Scare or chase away problem birds as soon as activity is noticed
Being proactive and vigilant about bird activity can go a long way in preventing excessive damage. Periodic roof inspections and cleaning up droppings also helps minimize deterioration. If significant damage already exists, shingle replacement or patching may be required.
How can I identify potential bird damage on my roof?
Signs that may indicate bird damage on roof shingles includes:
- Visible pecking, drilling, holes or edges chewed away
- Cracked, torn, scratched or punctured shingles
- Discoloration or staining of shingles
- Excessive bird droppings accumulating
- Nests or roosting birds present
- Feathers, eggshells or other debris on the roof
- Leaking, sagging or decaying areas on interior ceilings
Concentrated damage in one area usually indicates an active bird problem. Smaller scattered signs like surface scratches may just be from normal wear. Older roofs also show more effects from birds versus newer shingles. Comparing the roof to the interior ceilings helps pinpoint any unseen areas of moisture intrusion from bird damage.
Should I repair or replace roof shingles damaged by birds?
Minor surface damage may be able to be repaired by replacing individual damaged shingles. More extensive damage will require fully replacing affected roofing areas. Factors that determine whether to spot repair versus fully replace shingles include:
- Amount of damaged shingles – Is it just a few or a large percentage?
- Severity of damage – Are shingles just scratched or visibly broken?
- Age of roof – Older roofs near replacement time are better candidates for full replacement
- Roof size and accessibility – Easier to repair small low slope sections
- Matching shingle availability – Can damaged shingles still be matched?
- Cost comparison – Weigh replacement costs vs. continued repair costs
For wood shake roofs, damaged shingles typically have to be replaced in full sections and blended back in for appearance. Evaluating the situation with a professional roofer helps determine the most practical and cost-effective solution for bird damaged roofing.
Are certain types of roof shingles more resistant to bird damage?
Yes, roof shingles made from harder, denser materials are generally more resistant to damage from bird pecking, scratching and droppings. Shingle materials that typically hold up better include:
- Natural slate or synthetic polymer slate
- Metal shingles like steel, copper, zinc, aluminum
- Clay or concrete tile shingles
- Impact-resistant composite asphalt/fiberglass architectural shingles
- Rubber or plastic polymer shingles
Softer shingle types like standard asphalt, untreated cedar shakes, and wood shingles are more prone to bird damage. Within material types, thicker gauge shingles also resist damage better. Anti-pecking compounds added to newer architectural shingles help deter woodpeckers. Professional roofers can recommend optimal bird-resistant shingle options if replacing roofing in high bird traffic areas.
Conclusion
Birds can potentially damage roof shingles through pecking, scratching, and their acidic droppings over time. Softer organic shingles tend to show more deterioration issues from birds versus harder synthetic shingles. Deterring problematic bird activity right away minimizes damage risks. Periodic roof maintenance and using damage-resistant shingle materials also helps prevent costly issues with birds. Addressing damage promptly with spot repairs or shingle replacement restores roof integrity and appearance. With proper preventative measures and vigilance, bird damage can be avoided or controlled on any roofing surface.