Wildlife & Your Roof: Squirrels, Raccoons, and Woodpeckers in NC

North Carolina’s mix of lush forests, rolling hills, and mild climate makes it a beautiful place to call home, but it also makes your roof a target for local wildlife. At Summit Roofing of NC, we’ve seen firsthand how common critters like squirrels, raccoons, and even woodpeckers can cause roof damage, leaving homeowners frustrated and dealing with costly repairs. With years of experience serving communities across the state, we provide trusted roofing solutions, including asphalt shingles, metal roofing, flat roofing systems, and emergency roof repairs, to help protect your home from unexpected wildlife damage. For a more detailed look at year-round maintenance for roofing and gutters, check out this blog.

Why NC Wildlife Targets Roofs

North Carolina’s climate is ideal for year-round wildlife activity. Cold winters push animals to find shelter in warm attics, while hot, humid summers and rainy storms can drive them to look for dry nesting spots. Roofs, especially those with easy access points, become prime targets. Squirrels chew through shingles and fascia to get inside, raccoons use their strength to pry open weak spots, and woodpeckers drill directly into wood surfaces searching for insects. Without swift attention, small entry points can quickly lead to big problems like leaks, insulation damage, and even structural issues.

The Most Common Types of Wildlife Damage

Squirrel Roof Damage

Squirrels are notorious chewers. Their sharp teeth can gnaw through asphalt shingles, roof decking, and even aluminum flashing. Once inside, they’ll shred insulation and wiring to make nests. Beyond the obvious holes and missing shingles, squirrels leave behind droppings that can compromise indoor air quality.

Raccoon Damage

Raccoons are strong and persistent. They often tear off shingles, lift vents, or claw their way through soffits to gain access to an attic. Once inside, their weight alone can damage ductwork and ceilings. They’re also known to rip up insulation and leave behind significant contamination.

Woodpecker Damage

Unlike squirrels and raccoons, woodpeckers don’t want to move into your attic. Instead, they drum on wooden eaves, fascia, or cedar shingles, looking for insects or to establish territory. Over time, these small holes compromise the integrity of your roof and can allow water intrusion. Left untreated, what starts as a few pecks can become widespread roof damage.

Choosing Roofing Materials That Resist Wildlife

At Summit Roofing of NC, we know prevention starts with strong materials. Here’s how our roofing systems stack up against wildlife pressure:

• Asphalt Shingles – Affordable and versatile, asphalt shingles are a popular choice in North Carolina. While effective for most weather conditions, squirrels and raccoons can still chew or claw through them if persistent. Reinforcing vulnerable areas with flashing and ridge caps can help.
  
  
• Metal Roofing – One of the best defenses against wildlife. Metal roofing resists gnawing, clawing, and pecking, making it nearly impossible for squirrels or woodpeckers to break through. It also withstands North Carolina’s heavy rain and windstorms.
  
  
• Flat Roofing Systems – Common on certain residential and commercial properties, flat roofing materials like modified bitumen or TPO provide strong protection, but their drainage systems must be well-maintained to prevent wildlife from exploiting weak spots near vents or edges.
  
  

Pairing these materials with expert installation ensures your home has the best chance of resisting wildlife damage.

Wildlife Damage Solutions We Provide

Even the toughest roof can become vulnerable over time. That’s why we offer roof damage solutions tailored to North Carolina homeowners:

• Emergency Roof Repairs – When you discover a hole in your roof or critters inside your attic, you need help fast. Our team provides immediate patching and sealing to stop wildlife in their tracks and prevent further damage.
  
  
• Long-Term Roof Repairs – Beyond temporary fixes, we fully restore damaged sections with new shingles and more.
  
  
• Preventive Reinforcements – We can add also secure roof edges and check for vulnerable spots around vents and chimneys that wildlife might target.
  
  
• Complete Roof Replacements – If damage is extensive, we install durable asphalt shingle or metal roofing systems designed to withstand wildlife and North Carolina’s unpredictable climate.
  
  

Our comprehensive approach ensures your home isn’t just repaired; it’s fortified against future damage.

Protect Your Home with Summit Roofing of NC

Squirrels, raccoons, and woodpeckers may be part of North Carolina’s natural beauty, but they don’t belong in your roof. Left unchecked, their presence can escalate into costly repairs and serious roof damage. At Summit Roofing of NC, we provide reliable wildlife damage solutions that combine quality materials with expert craftsmanship. Whether you need emergency repairs, a durable metal roof, or a full asphalt shingle replacement, our team has the experience to protect your home.

Don’t wait until you hear scratching in your attic or see holes in your shingles. Call Summit Roofing of NC today to schedule an inspection and safeguard your roof from wildlife damage before it’s too late.