As spring arrives, your attic becomes the perfect hideaway for many tiny animals that love to fly and climb. While it might sound cute, their presence can lead to damage and health hazards for you and your family. Here are several proactive steps you can take to prevent attic animal infiltration and keep your home secure.

The Typical Animals You'll See In Your Attic

Before diving into prevention methods, it's essential to know which animals commonly infiltrate attics during the spring months. Among the most frequent culprits are:

• Squirrels: Agile and resourceful, squirrels are notorious for finding their way into attics through small openings in roofs or walls.
• Raccoons: With their dexterous paws and problem-solving skills, raccoons can easily tear through weak spots in your home's exterior to access the attic.
• Birds: Especially during nesting season, birds may seek out attic spaces to build their nests, posing both a noise and hygiene nuisance.
• Rodents: Mice and rats are attracted to the warmth and shelter an attic provides, and they can quickly multiply if left unchecked.

How to Prevent Attic Infiltration This Spring

Now that you're aware of the potential intruders, here are some steps you can take to fortify your attic and prevent unwanted guests:

• Seal Entry Points: Conduct a thorough inspection of your home's exterior, paying close attention to gaps, cracks, and openings that could serve as entry points for animals. Seal these off with sturdy materials like steel wool, hardware cloth, or caulk.
• Trim Overhanging Branches: Tree branches that extend too close to your roof provide easy access for agile creatures like squirrels and raccoons. Trim back branches to create a barrier between your home and the surrounding trees.
• Install Chimney Caps and Vent Covers: Chimneys and roof vents are prime entry points for animals. Install mesh chimney caps and secure vent covers to prevent critters from squeezing through.
• Secure Garbage Bins: Keep outdoor garbage bins tightly sealed to deter raccoons and other scavengers from lingering around your property.
• Remove Attractants: Avoid leaving pet food or birdseed outdoors, as these can attract rodents and other pests. Additionally, clean up fallen fruits and secure compost bins to minimize food sources for wildlife.
• Consider Ultrasonic Repellents: Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to animals, serving as a deterrent without harming them or other pets.

Preventing attic animal infiltration isn't a one-time task; it requires ongoing vigilance and maintenance. Schedule regular inspections of your home's exterior, especially after storms or severe weather that could create new entry points. Additionally, keep an eye out for signs of animal activity such as scratching noises, droppings, or chewed wires, and address any issues promptly.

As spring rolls around, so does the potential for thunderstorms. Wherever cool and hot winds and temperatures collide, strong storms are always present – even during the pristine and relaxing season of spring. To make sure your roof is ready for heavy rain, always do the following

1. Regular Inspections

Regular roof inspections are crucial for identifying and addressing any issues before they become major problems. For instance, you might discover that your roof has cracked or split asphalt shingles – these can easily give out during the strongest rains. With an expert checking and repairing your roof for signs of damage, you can be sure it's ready for anything.

2. Repair Damage Promptly

If you notice any damage during your roof inspection, it's important to repair it promptly. Replace missing or damaged shingles, repair any leaks, and reinforce weak areas to ensure your roof can withstand the elements. If there's an area of your roof you're unsure about the performance, consider repairing or replacing that section with the help of a professional.

3. Clean Your Gutters

Leaves, twigs, debris, and other objects can clog your gutters and downspouts, regardless of how well designed it is or the durability and reliability of its materials. Clean your gutters regularly to ensure they are free of debris and allow water to flow freely. Thunderstorms are known to clog and cause overflow on your roofs, effectively shortening its lifespan and performance.

4. Trim Trees Near Your Roof

Trim back any branches that hang over your roof to reduce the risk of damage. Don't do this by yourself – ask a tree-trimming professional to do this for you. Overhanging branches can also collapse during the strongest of storms and cause damage to your asphalt shingles and roof structure. 

5. Reinforce Your Roof

If you live in an area prone to severe weather, consider reinforcing your roof to improve its resilience by installing impact-resistant shingles, adding roof straps or clips to secure the roof to the structure. Also consider improving your attic insulation and ventilation to reduce any risk of wind damage during windy thunderstorms.

All that's left to improve your roof for spring thunderstorms is a reliable roofing contractor who'll be with you every step of the way. You can always count on us at SJ Winn Construction, your highly dependable GAF-certified roofing company in Torrington, CT. Call us today or visit our social media page to know more about what we can do for you.