Bird Proofing for the Roofing Industry

As a professional roofer, you've undoubtedly seen the damage that pest birds can do to a roof. Whether it's a wood, tile or asphalt shingle roof, birds can cost property owners hundreds, even thousands of dollars in roof damage. Over time, bird nests, droppings and other debris can severely degrade a roof, causing it to leak and possibly even collapse. All the more reason to add bird proofing to your roofing services. For just a little extra cost, your customers will thank you for protecting their investment, and you will have an opportunity to add an extra source of income to your roofing business.

Roofs are Vulnerable

The average roof is vulnerable to all manner of pest birds. The reason is simple: most roofs offer birds a nice place to nest and roost. They also provide a safe perch from which to look for food, and many roofs conceal a hefty diet of insects to feed on. When birds hunt for insects burrowed in roofs, their beaks peck away at shingles and rafters, which can create ever-widening gaps where water can enter. To make matters worse, many birds build their nests under roofing tiles, which can cause damage and leaks. Pigeons, starlings and sparrows will often build their nests in these areas, causing water to rise and leak under tiles. Without effective bird proofing measures, roofs are at the mercy of these pests.

Pest Birds Can be Costly

Bird droppings can also cause significant damage. The acidic content of bird waste can destroy tar-based roofing materials and damage roof-mounted air conditioning equipment, attic ventilation turbines, skylights, solar panels, and solar water heaters. Your customers probably have a pretty good idea just how expensive these items are to repair or replace. Proper bird proofing can deter pest birds and save your customers from these bird-related expenses.

Pest Birds can be Dangerous

Pest birds have also been known to cause fires. The straw, twigs and dried droppings found in bird nests can be very flammable. Nests built near AC units, solar panels or other rooftop electrical equipment can become a fire hazard. Finally, and this point can't be stressed strongly enough, bird nests have been known to block chimneys and ventilation systems, which can block airflow, resulting in deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

Effective Bird Proofing Methods

Today's effective and humane bird proofing devices and systems are easy to install and virtually maintenance free. They allow you to give your customers the added peace of mind in knowing that their investment has an added layer of protection.

Bird Spikes

The highly regarded Bird Spike has been used throughout the world to bird proof roofs and structures for decades. The spiked strips may appear dangerous, but most spikes are blunted and safe for birds, pets and work crews. The spikes have been scientifically designed to deny birds landing access, so birds just move on. Spikes come in durable stainless steel or stiff, unbreakable polycarbonate.

For properties located near an ocean or lake, there's the Mega Spike, which boasts long 7-inch spikes to deter seagulls and cormorants. To keep pest birds out of rain gutters, there's the Gutter Spike, which typically comes with adjustable clamps at the base that attach easily to the lip of a gutter.

Marine grade stainless steel spikes will last longer. And crush-proof, non-reflective spikes with a metal finish will blend in nicely on most roofs. If your customers are concerned about aesthetics, bird spikes now come in several colors--including crystal clear, brick red, light grey, brown, black and tan. Plastic spikes can be used in areas where electrical conductivity or microwave interference presents a problem (roofs with cell-phone antennas, dish antennas and air traffic control towers). Bird spikes with a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base are recommended in inclement weather.

Bird Slopes

Combining bird proofing with aesthetics, Bird Slopes have been well received by property owners. These angled PVC panels are so smooth that birds simply can't get a solid footing and leave. Bird slopes are ideal for bird-proofing eaves, ledges, and all those nooks and crannies birds love to call home. They're easy to install on almost any flat surface using nails, screws or glue. They also come in several colors to match a property's exterior décor.

Misting Systems

For larger commercial or industrial properties, misting systems offer an ideal bird proofing solution. These spray a fine mist of food-grade methyl anthranilate to deter ever the most stubborn pest birds. The chemical they use is a non-lethal grape extract regulated by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) under FIFRA (the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act). The mist irritates a nerve in a bird's mucus membrane, which won't harm birds, people or pets. The systems are easy to install and the best systems can be programmed to turn on and off at predetermined times.

Bird Gels

Ideal for bird proofing specific areas where pest birds seem to gather, Bird Gels make birds feel very uncomfortable. The gel never really dries (it stays tacky for up to six months) and birds hate to step on the stuff. The gel goes on easy using a basic caulking gun. It's safe for most bird species and ideal for use on ledges, conduit, pipes, and parapet walls.

Electric Tracks

Another preferred bird proofing measure for specific troublesome areas, Electric Tracks convince pest birds to move on or get zapped by a mild electric shock. The electric shock won't harm birds, pets or humans. Electric tracks are ideal for protecting roofs against all species of pest birds. The best electric tracks have a flow-through design to keep water from pooling around them and leaking into rooftop areas.