How to Repair Squirrel Damage?

When squirrels decide to take up residence in your home or attic they can be very destructive. Many times, homeowners living with uninvited squirrel guests fail to act quickly to resolve the issue mistakenly believing that the squirrels will eventually leave on their own. This often results in unnecessary damages and repairs. The longer the problem is allowed to persist the worse the situation will get.

As humans, we have grown very comfortable living amongst squirrels. Most people give very little thought to the squirrels they see running up trees or scampering along the top of a fence. Their small size and fluffy tales hide the fact they are capable of destroying an attic in a very short period of time. It is important to have them removed and excluded from the home quickly to prevent unnecessary damage.

Types of Damage

STRUCTURAL DAMAGE

The longer the problem is allowed to persist the worse the situation will get, and the more costly the repairs will be. With strong teeth and sharp claws squirrels can quickly chew through various materials that support the structure of your attic. Since squirrels’ teeth constantly grow, which means they need to chew things to keep them filed down. With several support beams to choose from, squirrels can weaken the structural integrity of a roof if they are given enough time. If babies are present, they will begin to file back their teeth as they mature. As adult squirrels attempt to get in your home they will chew holes and tear open soffit vents that allow cold air and moisture to seep into your home.

INSULATION DAMAGE

Inside attics, squirrels do tremendous amounts of damage to your insulation. As part of their nesting habits they will trample, push and pile insulation throughout your attic, clearing entire sections down to the vapour barrier. Squirrels will also shred and move insulation into your soffits, cutting off proper air flow to the attic which can cause mold. A thick, even layer of insulation in your attic is critical to maintaining a comfortable temperature inside your home. Ineffective attic insulation will drastically increase the cost to heat and cool your home.

Cleaning up damaged insulation in your attic can be very difficult. It will require going into a hot, dark and dusty attic. Always remember to be safe and take precautions against dust and airborne contaminants as well as heat stress.

DAMAGE FROM CHEWING

Squirrels must continually gnaw on surfaces to wear down their incisors. This behaviour continues inside attics where they will chew wood, electrical wiring and anything else they can get their teeth on. Depending on the severity of the damage, repairs could cost thousands of dollars. The dried leaves, twigs and grass they bring into your attic can act as a fire accelerant. Squirrels have been responsible for numerous house fires as a result of chewed wiring. If squirrels have nested in your attic it is advised to call a licensed electrician to inspect the damage.

HOW TO CLEAN SQUIRREL DAMAGE

If the damage has been confined to only a small space it may be possible to perform a spot clean of the area by hand. Damaged and even shredded insulation is far too thick for a shop-vac to suck up. This means that the insulation must be cleaned by hand placed into heavy-duty garbage bags. Carefully seal the bags and place them into garbage containers for collection. It is important to replace the damaged insulation in the process to maintain proper levels.

In cases where the damage extends throughout the entire attic, a simple spot clean may not be enough. It might be wise to call a professional to remove all of the damaged insulation using a gas powered industrial vacuum. Skedaddle offers full attic restoration services with a lifetime guarantee. As part of the process we will safely remove damaged insulation while avoiding cross-contamination of your home, disinfect the area and blow new insulation back in. Click here to learn more about how reinsulating your attic with cellulose can save you money.

WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE SKEDADDLE TO CLEAN YOUR SQUIRREL MESS

Part of the Skedaddle process involves a thorough cleaning and decontamination of your attic. Our technicians will take photos of any damage and share their findings with you, and share photos of the process along the way, until you see your attic restored back to its original condition. By removing all the harmful materials through the roof our technicians stop the spread of bacteria and protect your home. When an attic is not properly cleaned it can leave behind a variety of diseases that could find their way into the living space of a home, while also leaving the scent of squirrels that may attract others to the area in the future. The best way to prevent damage is to act quickly. Call Skedaddle today at 1.888.592.0387.