Savannah Wildlife and Your Roof: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Savannah, Georgia is known for its beautiful oak trees, moss-draped canopies, and charming historic homes—but it’s also home to a wide variety of wildlife. While many people enjoy the natural scenery, few realize how much damage local animals can do to their roofs.

As a roofer in Savannah GA with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how critters like squirrels, raccoons, birds, and even insects can cause serious—and often expensive—roof issues. If you’re searching for roof repair near meor just want to protect your home, here’s what you need to know about wildlife roof damage in the Lowcountry.

Squirrels: Small Animals, Big Problems

Squirrels may look cute hopping across tree limbs, but they’re notorious for chewing through roofing materials to get into attics. Once inside, they can damage insulation, wiring, and even your HVAC ducts.

If you hear scratching sounds overhead or see shingles that look chewed or lifted, it’s time to schedule a roof inspection Savannah GA homeowners can trust. The longer you wait, the more costly the repairs can become.

Raccoons and Roof Vent Invasions

Raccoons are strong and crafty. They can tear through soffits, lift shingles, and even rip open roof vents to gain access to your attic. Their size and strength make them one of the most destructive animals for roof damage in Savannah GA.

We often respond to calls for emergency roof repair after raccoons have gotten into a home. Once inside, they can destroy insulation, leave behind messes, and even pose a health risk. Preventative maintenance and sturdy vent covers are key to keeping them out.

Birds Nesting in Roof Valleys and Gutters

While birds may not chew through your roof, they do love to nest in areas like gutters, chimneys, and roof valleys. These nests can block proper water flow, leading to standing water, leaks, and rot over time.

Blocked gutters are one of the leading causes of water damage from wildlife on roofs. As part of your regular roof maintenance in Savannah GA, make sure gutters and valleys are clear, especially in the spring when nesting is most active.

Insects and Hidden Roof Damage

Termites, carpenter bees, and ants may not break through your roof like a raccoon, but they can weaken structural wood over time. This is especially true for older homes in historic districts around Savannah where wooden roof structures are common.

Including a pest check in your roof inspection in Savannah GA can help catch these issues early before they compromise the integrity of your entire roof system.

Top Roof Maintenance Tips to Keep Wildlife Out

Here are a few practical tips to protect your roof from wildlife damage:

• Trim tree limbs back at least 6-8 feet from your roofline

• Install heavy-duty vent covers and chimney caps

• Seal gaps or entry points near soffits, fascia, and eaves

• Keep gutters clean and inspect roof valleys regularly

• Schedule regular roof inspections to catch early signs of intrusion

If you’ve been searching for roof repair near me because of strange noises in your attic or visible roof damage, don’t wait—wildlife problems can escalate fast.

Call a Trusted Local Roofer in Savannah, GA

With over two decades of roofing experience in Savannah and the surrounding coastal areas, we know exactly how to handle the unique challenges our local wildlife presents. Whether it’s patching a raccoon hole or replacing shingles after squirrel damage, we’re here to help.

Contact Beau Dossey Roofing today for a free roof inspection and let’s make sure your home stays protected—from the weather and the local wildlife.