That Gap Between Your Gutter and Overhang? Squirrels Already Found It.
Plywood Gaps Are an Open Invitation for Squirrels
Here's something we see all the time on Staten Island: the plywood sheeting and fascia board along your roofline don't always meet up flush. That leaves a gap — sometimes just an inch or two — right where your gutter meets the overhang. Most homeowners never notice it. But squirrels notice it immediately.
Once a squirrel finds that opening, it goes to work. They'll chew straight through your soffit and fascia to get into your attic or overhang cavity. They're rodents — chewing is literally what they do. And once they're inside, the problems multiply fast. We've been doing this on Staten Island for over 20 years, and this is one of the most common calls we get.
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If You Notice It Fast, It's Usually a Quick Fix
Here's the good news: if you spot squirrel damage to your soffit or fascia early — before they've had time to really set up shop — it's often a very straightforward repair. We're talking a quick patch, some new fascia board, maybe sealing up the entry point. In and out, no drama. The key is acting the moment you notice chew marks, scratching sounds in the overhang, or daylight visible through gaps that weren't there before. Most of the time, early catches like this are affordable and take a fraction of the time compared to what happens when the problem sits.
"Chris did a repair on some ridge shingles for me which sometimes could be more complicated of a job and he works meticulously. The work came out perfect."
See our profileIgnore It and the Damage Gets Expensive
If you don't deal with squirrel entry right away, the situation escalates. The longer they're up there, the more they chew — and they don't stop at the soffit. Squirrels are rodents, just like mice, and they will chew through wiring, insulation, plumbing boots, even structural framing if given enough time. Beyond the physical damage, you're looking at a buildup of fecal matter and urine in your overhang and attic space, which is a legitimate health hazard for your family. What starts as a small gap in the fascia turns into rotted decking, contaminated insulation, and a repair bill that's several times what the original fix would have cost.
We've walked homeowners through attic spaces where the damage was so extensive they needed a full roof replacement just because a gap in the fascia went unaddressed for a season or two. It doesn't have to get there.
"Chris is the only guy I know who can actually install a roof properly, as per manufactures specifications, and carries a manufactures warranty. Everyone on the island is a hack; Chris the real professional."
See our profileWiring, insulation, plumbing boots, structural wood — nothing is off limits. Fecal and urine buildup in your overhang creates a health hazard that only gets worse with time.
If There's a Gap, What Else Did They Cut Corners On?
Here's the thing most people don't think about: if there's a gap between your gutter line and your overhang big enough for a squirrel to work its way in, that's a craftsmanship issue. Plywood sheeting and fascia should be installed tight. If they're not, it means whoever did the original work — or the last roof job — didn't button things up properly. And that should make you wonder: what else is going on under there? Are the drip edges installed right? Is the underlayment lapped correctly? Are the starter strips where they should be? A sloppy fascia detail is often the first visible clue that the workmanship underneath isn't up to standard either.
That's why we always tell homeowners: if you're seeing squirrel damage or gaps along your roofline, don't just patch the hole. Call someone who can actually inspect the full picture and tell you what's really going on. It's the difference between fixing a symptom and fixing the problem.
"Quality craftsmanship and the best prices. Chris and his team will know the best way to repair or replace your roof! So Many years of experience they have the knowledge to explain why and how they are doing everything!"
See our profileWe worked primarily with Anthony but both Chris and Anthony were excellent. My wife and I bought our new home knowing we needed to replace our roof. The process was straightforward and professional. They made my wife and I feel quite at ease as this was our first major home project. We found their prices to be absolute reasonable and fair, and the workmanship they and their team provided was top notch. We will be recommending them to anyone in need in the future!
Squirrel Damage & Soffit/Fascia FAQs
The most common signs are scratching or scurrying sounds coming from above — especially in the morning and late afternoon when squirrels are most active. You might also notice chew marks on your fascia or soffit boards, small pieces of wood or debris on the ground near your gutters, or visible holes along the roofline. If you see any of these, call us right away before the damage spreads.
If the squirrels are still actively living in the space, you'll want a pest control or wildlife removal professional to get them out first. Once the animals are removed, that's when we come in — we repair the damaged soffit and fascia, close up the entry points properly, and inspect the surrounding roofline to make sure nothing else was compromised. We're happy to coordinate timing with your pest control company.
Usually it's a craftsmanship issue from the original build or a previous roof job. The plywood sheeting and fascia board should be installed flush so there's no gap for water — or wildlife — to get through. When they're not, it's often a sign that the crew who did the work didn't take the time to do it right. That's actually one of the things we always address during our roof replacements and repairs.
Yes. Accumulated rodent waste can carry bacteria, parasites, and in some cases fungal spores that become airborne when disturbed. If you have HVAC ducts running through an attic or overhang space where squirrels have been living, contaminated air can circulate through your home. The longer the animals are up there, the worse the contamination gets. It's one more reason to act fast.
It depends entirely on how long the damage has been going on. A fresh entry point with minimal chewing is usually a quick, affordable repair — we're talking a small section of fascia board and sealing the gap. But if the squirrels have been up there for weeks or months, you could be looking at rotted decking, damaged insulation, and potentially compromised framing. That's why we always recommend a free inspection so we can tell you exactly what you're dealing with.
Absolutely. When we repair squirrel damage, we don't just patch the hole — we close up the gap properly so there's no entry point left. That means making sure the fascia meets the plywood sheeting flush, there are no exposed edges for them to chew, and the drip edge is installed correctly. A properly finished roofline doesn't give squirrels anything to work with.
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Cracked or warped siding creates entry points for pests and water. We repair and replace siding to keep your home sealed tight.
Learn MoreGet Your Roofline Inspected for Free
If you've noticed gaps along your gutters, chew marks on your fascia, or scratching sounds from above, call us today. We'll come out, take a look, and tell you exactly what's going on — no cost, no pressure.
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We'll repair the damage, close the entry points, and make sure the job is done to last.