Common wildlife threats to MK roofs

In and around Milton Keynes – Olney, Hanslope, Sherington, Stoke Goldington, Woburn Sands, Great Brickhill, Aspley Guise, Cranfield and more – roofs offer warmth, shelter and nesting points for wildlife. The most frequent culprits we encounter include:

• Birds: pigeons, jackdaws, starlings and gulls nesting under tiles, around eaves and inside chimney flues
• Squirrels: grey squirrels gnaw soffits, fascia edges, lead and underfelt, quickly turning a small gap into an entry point
• Bats: legally protected; roost in roof voids and beneath tiles, requiring careful, compliant handling
• Wasps and bees: nests in soffits, lofts and cavities that can block vents and stress timbers
• Rodents: mice and rats sometimes enter via broken vents, gaps and lifted tiles, then chew insulation and cables

Unchecked, activity escalates from a nuisance to genuine damage – leaks, damp, blocked gutters, dislodged tiles and even electrical risks.

Need help fast? Call 07311091804 for a friendly chat and a free quote.

How each species damages roofs

Birds – pigeons, jackdaws, starlings and gulls

• Tile displacement: loose ridge or eave gaps are exploited for nesting, lifting tiles and letting in wind-driven rain
• Gutter blockages: twigs, straw and feathers cause overflows that soak fascias and walls
• Acidic fouling: droppings corrode metal flashing, stain tiles and add unnecessary load to gutters
• Chimney hazards: nests in flues restrict ventilation and create a potential fire risk if the appliance is active

Squirrels

• Gnawing damage: soffits, fascia, lead flashings and underfelt are chewed to create and enlarge entry holes
• Timber and cable risk: insulation disturbance, chewed wiring and localised timber damage increase hazards
• Tile lifting: disturbed slates or tiles open direct water paths and reduce wind resistance

Bats – strictly protected

• Roosting: access via small gaps at eaves or ridges; physical impact is usually limited, but legal requirements are strict
• Legal constraints: it is an offence to disturb or block roosts; works require the correct approach and timing
• Moisture and odour: guano can add minor odour and localised moisture if areas are not ventilated correctly

Wasps and bees

• Nests in eaves or lofts: can block vents, reduce airflow and add localised weight
• Material erosion: wasps may chew timber fibres for nesting; honeybee relocation needs specialist care

Rodents

• Ingress via vents or broken soffits: small defects invite mice or rats
• Secondary damage: chewed cabling, contaminated insulation and odour issues

Early warning signs homeowners can spot

• Scratching, scurrying or fluttering in the loft – often at dawn or dusk
• Birds regularly entering eaves, chimney pots or under solar panels
• Feathers, twigs or droppings in gutters and on patios below eaves
• Slipped, missing or rattling tiles and visible gaps at eaves or ridge
• Blocked downpipes, overflowing gutters or damp patches on external walls
• Daylight visible in the loft, damp insulation or a musty smell
• Wasp or bee flight paths around soffits, roof edges or chimney stacks

If you notice any of the above, a quick inspection can prevent a minor defect from becoming a leak or structural issue.

Book a free inspection: 07311091804

Prevention and repair solutions we install

Maxwells Roofing designs practical, durable, regulation-aware solutions that stop wildlife ingress, repair damage and protect your home long term. Owner Luke Maxwell personally oversees workmanship for consistent quality.

Bird proofing and control – always humane

• Eaves comb fillers and continuous eave closures to block tile gaps
• Mechanically fixed ridge and hip systems with integrated bird guards
• Chimney cowls and bird guards for both live and disused flues, safeguarding ventilation
• Soffit vent covers that maintain airflow while preventing ingress
• Solar panel pigeon-proofing using discreet mesh skirts
• Targeted gutter protection with scheduled cleans to keep water moving

Squirrel and rodent exclusion

• Repair or replace gnawed soffits and fascia – including durable uPVC upgrades
• Resecure or replace disturbed tiles and slates, and repair underfelt
• Galvanised mesh at known entry points while maintaining required ventilation
• Leadwork and flashing repairs, plus trimming guidance for overhanging branches

Bat-aware roofing

• Non-invasive inspections to identify potential bat activity
• Pause works and advise on next steps if bats are suspected
• Liaison with ecologists and relevant bodies where required
• Plan and schedule works around roosting and maternity seasons

Roof repairs and upgrades

• Tile or slate replacement, underfelt repairs and re-bedding or re-pointing ridge and hips
• Lead flashing repair or replacement, chimney repointing and pot replacement
• Fascia and soffit renewal, gutter repairs and replacements
• Flat roof fixes – EPDM, felt and GRP – including pooling or blistering remedies

Inspections and reporting

• Visual and drone surveys where appropriate and safe
• Leak tracing and photographic reports for insurers or Building Control
• Maintenance plans that keep wildlife out and water flowing

All installations follow manufacturer guidance and established industry best practice for durability and compliance.

Talk to a roofer today: 07311091804

UK regulations and safe working practices

We work to current UK Building Regulations, relevant wildlife legislation and safe working methods on every job. That means your roof is protected, compliant and built to last.

• Part A – Structure: Roof repairs and replacements must maintain structural integrity. Heavier coverings may require assessment.
• Part B – Fire Safety: Flues must be clear and correctly protected. Bird nests in chimneys are a serious hazard and must be addressed safely.
• Part C – Resistance to Moisture: Wildlife debris can block water paths. Our detailing and maintenance protect against ingress.
• Part F – Ventilation: We preserve ventilation using compliant vents and closures while preventing bird or rodent entry.
• Part L – Energy Efficiency: If more than 25% of a roof is replaced, insulation upgrades are usually required. We advise and implement as needed.

Building Control: Replacing or refurbishing more than 25% of the roof or altering structure typically requires notification. We guide you through what is needed and coordinate where applicable.

Wildlife law: Bats are strictly protected. It is an offence to disturb or block a roost without the correct approach and, where required, licences. Active bird nests must not be disturbed. We plan around seasons and liaise with appropriate bodies to complete work properly and legally.

Local scenarios from rural MK

• Hanslope farmhouse: Jackdaws under loose ridge tiles caused recurrent leaks. Solution – new mechanically fixed ridge system with integrated bird guards, gutter clean and guard install, slipped slate replacement. Result – watertight ridge and clear gutters.
• Olney cottage: Squirrels gnawed timber soffits and lifted clay tiles. Solution – uPVC fascia and soffit replacement, tile refix, mesh exclusion at entry points, lead flashing repairs. Result – no further ingress and improved roofline ventilation.
• Stoke Goldington barn conversion: Potential bat activity identified. Solution – paused works, arranged ecologist survey, re-roofed out of maternity season with bat-friendly ventilation. Result – compliant works and a dry, well-ventilated roof.
• Woburn Sands semi: Pigeons nesting under solar panels, gutters repeatedly blocked. Solution – discreet solar panel mesh skirts, scheduled gutter maintenance. Result – birds excluded and water flowing correctly.

DIY vs professional – when to call us

Ground-level checks are sensible – you can observe bird activity, note slipped tiles and watch for overflowing gutters. Beyond that, working at height is hazardous and wildlife law is complex.

• Call a professional immediately if you suspect bats or active nests
• Avoid ladders or roof access without the correct training and equipment
• Electrical hazards, leadwork repairs and structural issues should be handled by qualified roofers

We offer safe, prompt inspections and same or next day repairs where possible across Milton Keynes and nearby towns.

Call now: 07311091804

Costs, timelines and what to expect

Every property and roof is unique, and wildlife issues vary in severity. Pricing depends on access, materials, extent of damage and any regulatory considerations such as bat-related timing. Here is how we typically proceed:

• Free inspection and quote: visual or drone survey where suitable, with clear recommendations and photos
• Urgent make-safe: immediate tile or slate replacements and temporary weathering if needed
• Permanent works: bird-proofing, repairs, renewals and setting a maintenance plan
• Compliance: insulation upgrades if required and Building Control coordination where applicable

We aim for efficient, minimally disruptive scheduling, with many minor repairs completed the same or next day.

Why choose Maxwells Roofing

• Local, owner-led expertise: company owner Luke Maxwell oversees each project
• Excellent reputation: 80+ five-star Checkatrade reviews and 5-star only Google reviews
• Fast response: covering Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford, Luton and every nearby village
• Fully insured team: trained professionals using premium materials and proven methods
• Honest advice and clear pricing: friendly service, tidy workmanship and long-lasting results

From repairs and replacements to gutter maintenance, inspections, skylights, chimneys and fascia or soffits, we deliver durable, wildlife-resilient results with courteous service.

Speak to us today: 07311091804

Wildlife and roofing FAQs

Do you remove active bird nests?

Active nests are protected by law. We schedule works outside nesting periods where necessary and install preventative measures such as eave closures, guards and cowls once birds have left.

What if I have bats?

Bats are strictly protected. We pause works, advise on ecologist involvement and plan bat-aware roofing at an appropriate time, with compliant ventilation and detailing.

Can wildlife damage be covered by home insurance?

Policies vary. We provide photographic evidence and detailed reports to support claims. Check your policy and speak to your insurer for exact terms.

How quickly can you attend in MK?

We usually offer same-day or next-day call-outs for urgent repairs across Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.

Will bird-proofing affect my roof ventilation?

No – our systems preserve required airflow while preventing wildlife ingress. We use compatible vents and closures to maintain performance.

When is Building Control needed?

Replacing or refurbishing more than 25% of a roof, structural alterations or certain upgrades can require notification. We advise and coordinate where applicable.

Book your free wildlife-safe roof inspection

Stop leaks, damp and wildlife ingress before they escalate. Maxwells Roofing protects homes across Milton Keynes, Stony Stratford, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Great Linford, Bradwell and every nearby village. We are friendly, punctual and thorough – and we treat every property as if it were our own.

Call 07311091804 for a free quote or email sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk. For related help, explore our services including Roof Inspections, Gutter Maintenance, Chimney Repairs, Facias and Soffits and Emergency Roofing.