Are bird nests on roofs a problem?
Whether it’s a leaking chimney, blocked guttering or other roofing concern, lots can go wrong with our properties. In the UK, we have many bird species across the nation, and while they’re an essential part of our ecosystem, they can become a nuisance if nesting on our roofs.
Think you have nests on your roof? Here’s what you need to know.
Issues with bird nests and roofing
Roofs can sometimes provide the ideal place for a bird’s nest, especially if they’re looking for a warmer spot to lay down foundations.
However, you may start to encounter issues if this happens, including noise problems, dislodged tiles and concerns with your chimney. You even could find yourself dealing with blocked gutters, thanks to nesting matter falling into the pipes. Their acidic droppings are also bad for your roof tiles, attacking surface materials and speeding up their deterioration while looking unsightly.
So, what can you do about bird nests on your roof?
The law about removing bird nests
A decline in natural nest sites has led to many birds finding sanctuary in and around our properties for shelter, security and warmth.
While removing bird nests from your roof seems like the obvious option, it’s actually a little more complex than this. There are strict rules that everyone must abide by, especially if the nests are in use. In fact, it’s against the law to intentionally disturb any active bird nest.
Before nests can be removed and disposed of, the bird species must be identified. Inactive nests can only be taken away if it’s outside breeding season. Typical birds that nest in roofing spaces include sparrows, swallows, pigeons, house martins and many others.
How to prevent birds from nesting on your roof
Prevention is better than cure when it comes to bird nests on roofs. Most solutions involve deterring birds from settling on your roofing in the first place, so careful consideration should be given to each option. It may also be helpful to identify where nesting issues have occurred in the past, such as along your roofline or eaves.
Popular deterrents include eave guards and protectors, bird spikes, decoy birds and high-pitched sound devices. You may also want to arrange a roof inspection to see if any repairs are required. For example, perhaps there’s a small gap in your roofing (e.g., a missing roof tile) where pests are getting into your attic space, or your chimney capping is missing.
Many property owners schedule this work during the winter when birds don’t tend to nest. This is a great time to complete repairs and make your roofing as bird-proof as possible.
Contact South Thames Roofing for a roof inspection
If you’ve spotted a roofing issue or want to ensure everything is in order with your roofing, get in touch with our team. We offer professional roofing services in South London and Surrey, including Chelsea, Clapham and Claygate.
To arrange a new roof inspection, get in touch now.
