Roofs that Prevent Bat Infestations

Imagine crawling into bed, closing your eyes for the night, and hearing the crickets chirping outside. But then another noise begins to rise above the rest, a scratching noise. It’s coming from only a few feet above you. Your roof has become filled with bats.

There are many means to getting rid of bats once they have taken up home in your already occupied space. But why worry about getting rid of them if you could prevent the creatures from entering your home in the beginning?

In the spring, bats begin to wake from hibernation, the same as many other animals. They also give birth to young pups after finding a home to call their own. Unfortunately, once a bat has turned a house into a nursery, they are challenging to get rid of because at least one adult often stays behind with the young while the other goes to hunt for dinner (eating over 600 insects a night!).

What attracts bats to roofs?

Bats seek quiet and darkness with plenty of space to hang upside down and sleep during the day. Therefore, attics are incredibly enticing to bats. The most attractive type of roofing to bats are cedar shake shingles and tile roofing. Thankfully, New Look Roofing does not provide either of these options. The spacing between cedar shake shingles and tile roofing are large enough to allow bats easy access into the attic. However, it is easy for these critters to take up root in your home because they can fit through gaps as small as ½” or 12mm. If you already have a home with gapping or holes larger than ½” bat prevention can be made by covering the holes with bird netting or even filling them with foam. Be careful, though, not to trap the bats inside, preventing them from leaving and hunting, resulting in them dying in your attic.

What bat prevention steps does New Look Roofing take?

As mentioned above, New Look does not offer the types of roofing most attractive to bats, but we do offer three primary options. Our asphalt options come in two forms. The first is laminated, which is layered thick and with depth that prevents gapping. The second is Three Tab which is a single lay, no gap roof. With neither of the asphalt options leaving space for any gaps, bats won’t be a problem. We also offer flat roofing options which have no gaps as well. The only way a bat can enter a home after New Look has transformed the roof is if an owner chooses a metal roofing option. These do allow for gaps large enough for bats to squeeze between, but if discussed with the constructor before laying the metal down, preventions can be made to help prevent creatures in the future. Some of these preventions include installing the metal roof directly onto plywood, not strapping it down.

Give us a call at (502)341-4415 for a free roof inspection to look for any damage, small holes that could lead to bats entering the home, or storm damage. You can also reach out and ask any questions on our website at newlookroofs.com or by emailing jwest@newlookroofs.com.