Quick fixes like sealing or re-nailing can go a long way. And squirrels...honestly, I’ve had to patch more holes from those guys than from hail.
Funny you mention squirrels—last month I found one had chewed right through a ridge vent on a client’s place. Ended up replacing a section of decking because water got in before they noticed. When you’re looking at those inspection PDFs, I always recommend checking if they specify where the damage is (edges, valleys, penetrations). Did your report mention anything about flashing or just shingle issues? Sometimes the language makes it sound catastrophic, but it’s just a couple of spots that need attention.
Squirrels are like tiny demolition crews, I swear. Last year, one got into the attic through a gap by the gutter, and chewed straight through the corner of my old cedar shakes. Didn’t spot it until a rainstorm turned my bedroom ceiling into a Jackson Pollock. The inspection report I got was full of terms like “compromised underlayment” and “potential interior migration”—sounded like a sci-fi invasion, but it was just two bad spots and a missing vent cap. Sometimes those reports really do make it sound like the roof’s about to take flight.
Those inspection reports really do have a knack for making a couple of chewed shingles sound like the opening scene of an alien invasion movie. I’ve had tenants call me in a panic after reading about “moisture ingress” and “thermal bridging”—like, is my house about to teleport? Honestly, half the time it’s just a missing vent screen or a squirrel-sized gap, but the language makes it sound like you need a hazmat suit. Did you end up patching it yourself or call in the pros? I always wonder if cedar shakes are worth the hassle, especially with critters around.
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— seriously, every time I read “active moisture intrusion” I picture a waterfall in my attic.“the language makes it sound like you need a hazmat suit”
- Did you find cedar shakes actually last longer? I keep hearing they’re high-maintenance but haven’t tried them.
- DIY patching’s tempting, but I always worry about missing something small that turns into $$$ later. Anyone ever regret not calling a pro?
- Critters are relentless here too... squirrels chewed through my soffit last fall. Wonder if metal roofs are less inviting for them?
I get the temptation to DIY, but honestly, I’ve saved a chunk of change patching leaks myself—just gotta be thorough and check back after the next rain. Not saying pros aren’t worth it, but sometimes their “urgent” repairs felt a bit overblown. As for cedar shakes, my neighbor’s look amazing but he’s always up there cleaning or replacing a few. I went with architectural shingles and haven’t regretted it yet. Critters… yeah, squirrels are like tiny demolition crews. Metal might help, but they’ll find a way if they’re determined.
