Squirrel Damage to Roofing Nottingham: What to Do and Who to Call
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Grey squirrels are a growing problem for homeowners across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Once they find a way into your roof or loft, they can cause serious damage very quickly. Chewed cables, shredded insulation, gnawed lead flashing, and blocked gutters are all common results — and the repair bills can be significant.
At Trust Roofing Services, we deal with squirrel damage to roofing across Nottingham regularly. From Hucknall and Arnold to West Bridgford and Beeston, we see this problem in all types of properties — older Victorian terraces and modern semi-detached homes alike.
This guide explains how squirrels get in, what damage they cause, whether your insurance covers it, and what steps to take. We also explain exactly when you need a roofer and what we can do to repair and protect your roof.
If you already know you have a problem, call us now on 0115-647-3275 for a free roof assessment.
Squirrel Damage to Roofing in Nottingham
Contact us now — call 0115-647-3275 to arrange a free drone roof survey and assessment.
Grey squirrels cause thousands of pounds of damage to Nottingham roofs every year, from chewed lead flashing to stripped electrical cables. If you're hearing scratching in the loft, don't wait for it to get worse.
Key Selling Points
- Free CAA-registered drone roof survey before any work is recommended
- 10-year workmanship guarantee on completed repairs, with materials that are BBA approved
- Family-run team based in Hucknall — no subcontractors, no upselling
Call 0115-647-3275. We offer a free, no-obligation drone survey across Nottingham and the surrounding area.
What Are the Signs of Squirrels in Your Roof?
The first thing most Nottingham homeowners notice is noise — scratching, scurrying, or thumping in the loft, usually concentrated in the early morning and late afternoon rather than overnight. That daytime pattern is one of the easiest ways to tell squirrels apart from rats or mice.
- Gnaw marks on fascia boards, soffits, or roof timbers
- Brown smear marks near entry points or gaps
- Displaced or damaged roof tiles near the eaves or ridge
- Shredded insulation, droppings, or nesting material visible in the loft
If you spot any of these signs, act quickly — the damage escalates the longer squirrels are left in place.
How Do Squirrels Get Into Roofs in Nottingham?
Squirrels are strong climbers and only need a very small gap to get inside. They use nearby trees as a launch point, jumping directly onto rooflines — so properties close to parkland, woodland edges, or gardens with mature trees are especially at risk.
- Fascia boards and soffit panels — gnawed through to create openings
- Lead flashing — worn down at ridge tiles and edges, exposing gaps
- Roof vents and air bricks — plastic vent covers are easily chewed through
- Chimney gaps and pipe entry points — any small opening is an opportunity
Squirrels are most active from October through to March as they look for warm nesting sites, with another busy period in spring when females seek sheltered spots to raise young.
What Damage Can Squirrels Do to a Roof and Loft?
Squirrels have teeth that never stop growing, so they gnaw constantly to keep them in check — and your roof gives them plenty of material to work with. Lead flashing damage is one of the most common issues we repair in Nottingham: squirrels wear down lead at ridge lines and around tile edges, leaving the underlying timber and felt exposed to rain.
Fascia and soffit damage is usually how squirrels gain entry in the first place, and we've seen properties in Arnold and Hucknall where boards were chewed back to bare timber over just a few months. Sustained gnawing on roof timbers and joists weakens the structure over time, and gutters packed with nesting material cause water to back up and overflow, leading to damp on walls and around the roofline.
Are Squirrels in the Roof a Fire Risk?
Yes — and it's the part most homeowners underestimate. Squirrels gnaw on electrical cables in lofts as a matter of habit, and once the protective insulation is stripped from a cable, the exposed wire becomes a genuine fire hazard. We've visited Nottingham properties where squirrels had been present for only a few weeks and already caused visible cable damage.
If you suspect squirrels have been in your loft, have a qualified electrician check your cabling before any roof repairs begin. Don't assume the wiring is fine just because nothing has gone wrong yet — an exposed cable in a loft full of insulation is a serious risk.
How to Stop Squirrels Getting Back Into Your Roof
Removing squirrels is only half the job — if entry points aren't properly sealed, grey squirrels will return to the same nesting sites year after year. Cutting back branches to at least 3 metres from your roofline removes the launch point they use to access your roof.
- Heavy-gauge metal mesh with openings no larger than 25mm over vents, eaves gaps and other entry points — plastic covers and chicken wire won't hold
- Fascia and soffit replacement where boards are damaged or compromised
- Lead flashing repair or replacement to close the gaps squirrels use
- Regular inspections, ideally in early autumn before squirrels begin seeking winter nesting sites
Pest Controller, General Roofer, or a Squirrel Damage Specialist?
Squirrel damage repair genuinely needs both a pest controller and a roofer — and it matters which one does what. Here's how the options compare:
| Who does the work | Removes squirrels legally | Seals entry points properly | Repairs fascia, lead, tiles & timber | Guarantee offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed pest controller only | Yes | No — not their trade | No | No |
| General local roofer (no wildlife experience) | No | Sometimes — often with standard vent covers or chicken wire squirrels can still chew through | Yes, general repairs | Varies by firm |
| Trust Roofing Services | Coordinates with a licensed pest controller before work starts | Yes — heavy-gauge metal mesh with openings no larger than 25mm | Yes — fascia, soffits, lead flashing, tiles, timber and gutters | 10-year workmanship guarantee |
Frequently Asked Questions — Squirrel Damage to Roofing
How do I know if squirrels have damaged my roof?
The most common signs are scratching or scurrying noises in the loft during the day, visible gnaw marks on fascia boards or soffits, damaged or displaced tiles near the eaves, and shredded insulation or droppings in the loft space. If you are unsure, call us for a free drone roof survey — we will show you exactly what is on your roof.
Can squirrels get through roof tiles?
Squirrels rarely lift or break tiles directly. They tend to exploit existing gaps — around ridge tiles, at the eaves where the roofline meets the fascia, through vent covers, or at any point where mortar has cracked or failed. Once inside, they can displace tiles from below. A free drone survey will identify any vulnerable areas before they become entry points.
Do I need to remove the squirrels before getting my roof repaired?
Yes. You should always have a licensed pest controller clear the property before sealing entry points or carrying out repairs. Sealing a roof with squirrels still inside creates further problems and is not a solution. Once you have confirmation the property is clear, call us and we will proceed with the survey and repair.
Can squirrels chew through lead flashing?
Grey squirrels wear down lead rather than bite through it cleanly. Their teeth file the lead at ridge lines and around tile edges, gradually thinning it until gaps appear. This is a common issue on older Nottinghamshire properties where lead flashing has not been inspected in some time. Our team carries out lead flashing repairs and replacements across the area.
Is squirrel roof damage covered by home insurance in the UK?
Most standard buildings insurance policies do not cover gradual pest damage. However, if the damage led to a sudden event — such as a fire from a chewed cable, or a flood from a gnawed pipe — the resulting structural damage may be covered. We can provide a written damage report to support your insurer.
How much does it cost to repair squirrel damage to a roof?
The cost depends on the extent of the damage, the materials affected, and how long the squirrels have been present. Minor repairs to fascia boards or lead flashing can be straightforward. More extensive damage involving roof timbers, full soffit replacement, or structural assessment adds to the scope. We provide written, fixed-price quotes with no hidden costs. Call us on 0115-647-3275 for a free drone survey and honest assessment.
Why choose Trust Roofing Services for squirrel damage repairs in Nottingham?
We are a local, family-run roofing business based in Hucknall, NG15. We have been repairing roofs across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire for over 15 years. We offer a free drone roof survey so you see exactly what needs doing before you commit to anything. Our work is backed by a 10-year workmanship guarantee, and we never use subcontractors.
Ready to Protect Your Roof? Here's Your Next Step.
Don't Wait for Squirrel Damage to Get Worse
The longer squirrels have access to your roof, the more entry points they create and the more expensive the repair tends to become. Book your free drone roof survey and get a clear, written picture of what's happening on your roof, with no obligation to go ahead with any work.
📞 Call us today on 0115-647-3275
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Trust Roofing Services — Hucknall
40 Harrow Rd, Hucknall, Nottingham NG15
📞 0115-647-3275
✉️ [email protected]
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Squirrel Damage Roofing Repairs · Contact Us Now
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