Noises In The Attic?

Saturday I was called to a home to estimate a roof replacement and fix some fascia board. The prospect also told me she would have a animal control company there to try and remove a raccoon from her attic.

There was no action as the racoon got out of there before the animal control expert could get to it.

I see evidence of animals in attics at least once a week. Raccoons, Squirrels, Birds and Mice love to have a nice rent free warm spot to rest their heads. The one thing all of the homes have in common is the lack of a perimeter drip edge flashing on the roof. The most common entry point for animals is at the eave. They will sit on top of the gutter and chew back the shingles and plywood until a hole is created large enough for them to crawl through.

This is a picture from my prospects home..

Now in South Eastern Virginia Drip Edge is NOT required as part of building code. I think it should for a few reasons. It stops capillary water damage, covers the gap between the decking and they fascia board left by the builder, and animals don't like aluminum's taste!

I was the only roofer to give the client a drip edge option. She had to think about it.......