What Do I Do About Birds Eating My Foam Roof?
If you suspect that birds have been eating your foam roof, then you have a problem. If you don't take action, your foam roof is likely to fail. This can lead to leaks, water damage and a whole slew of problems. But before you go blaming the birds, you should know that it is not the birds that caused the problem. They are simply taking advantage of the situation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Causes
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Birds do not actually eat foam roofs. That's a myth. They do peck at it. The birds may take portions of it back to use as nest material. After all, it is lightweight and a good insulator. Another cause of birds tearing up foam roofing is that they feel vibrations on the foam roof and think that it is caused by insects living in the foam. Birds are also attracted to small puddles of water that form when the roof dimples.
Understanding Foam Roofs
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Foam roofs are made from polyurethane. The foam provides a seamless layer of protection on the roof. It is applied in a spray so the roof fits perfectly over the structure. The foam is then covered with a protective coating that protects the foam from the elements. Coatings may be made of polyuria, silicone, urethanes or acrylic. If the foam is not coated, it becomes a giant sponge that would allow water to seep in and promote mildew and mold growth.
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Prevention
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Birds rarely do enough damage to cause leaks. If the damage is widespread, then your roof is likely due to be recoated. Foam roofs are always covered with some type of coating that protects the foam. This coating eventually breaks down. When it gets too thin, birds are able to peck through it and gain access to the foam. Once the roof has been recoated, the birds will leave it alone.
Inspecting
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If you have seen damage or suspect birds have damaged your roof, your first step is to inspect it. If you notice major damage to the roof, call a contractor about patching and resealing the roof. Usually the damage will be small areas measuring about 1 to 2 inches wide. These can be filled in with polyurethane caulk. The caulk will seal the hole and prevent the birds from doing any more damage.
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