"Good point about location and trees—seen plenty of squirrels causing trouble even with metal roofs."
Yeah, squirrels are surprisingly crafty little critters. Reminds me of a job we did last summer out near the lake. The homeowner had switched to a metal roof specifically to deter wildlife, but within a few months, they were hearing scratching again. Turns out, squirrels had found a tiny gap near the flashing around the chimney and decided it was their new front door. Took us a good half-day to seal everything up properly and make sure there weren't any other hidden entry points.
Metal roofs definitely help cut down on bigger issues like leaks and rot, but they're not foolproof if the installation isn't spot-on. Even the smallest oversight can become an invitation for wildlife or water intrusion. I've noticed that proper flashing and sealing around vents, chimneys, and skylights is just as important as the roofing material itself.
Speaking of which, has anyone else noticed certain roof colors or finishes seem to attract more wildlife attention? On that same lake job, the homeowner had chosen a darker matte finish, and I wondered if maybe it blended in too well with the surrounding trees, making it more inviting for squirrels and birds. Could just be coincidence, but now I'm curious if color or finish plays a role in how animals perceive roofs as potential nesting spots...
Funny you mention roof colors—I swear the squirrels around here have a thing for green roofs. Maybe they think it's just another tree canopy or something? Had a neighbor who switched from dark brown shingles to a mossy green metal roof, and suddenly it was squirrel central. Could be coincidence, but makes you wonder if they're secretly rating our roofs on Yelp or something...
Interesting observation about the squirrels! Makes me wonder if green roofs might actually encourage more wildlife activity overall. I've read that green roofs can help with insulation and stormwater management, but now I'm curious—does anyone know if there's research out there about how different roof colors or materials influence local wildlife behavior? Could be a neat angle to explore if you're considering a roof upgrade...
I get the curiosity about green roofs and wildlife, but from what I’ve seen on inspections, it’s not always a win-win.
Sometimes, critters like squirrels or raccoons see those roofs as a new playground—or worse, a way in. Had a client with a sedum roof who ended up with birds nesting under loose panels. As for color or material, lighter roofs can reflect heat, which some animals avoid, while darker shingles might attract sunbathers like cats. There’s a balance between eco-friendly and pest-prone, and it’s not always straightforward.“Makes me wonder if green roofs might actually encourage more wildlife activity overall.”
MY CAT THINKS THE ROOF IS HIS KINGDOM
I hear you on the wildlife thing, but honestly, I think it depends a lot on where you live and what you plant up there. My neighbor’s got a green roof, and the only “wildlife” he’s seen is my cat, who’s convinced it’s his personal sunbathing lounge. No raccoons yet—though I guess we’re tempting fate.
Had a patch of moss on my own roof once (not intentional, just me being lazy about gutter cleaning), and the only thing it attracted was my cousin’s kid, who thought it was a trampoline. Spoiler: it wasn’t.
I get the concern about critters moving in, but I’ve also seen regular old asphalt roofs get torn up by squirrels looking for a warm spot. At least with a green roof, you get some insulation and a bit of bragging rights at the next BBQ. Guess it’s all about picking your battles... and maybe investing in some decent chicken wire if you’re worried about raccoons.
