Considering a New Metal Roof? Don't Forget the Potential Possum Problem
Posted on: 6 June 2018
In terms of durability and aesthetics, it's hard to beat a new metal roof for your home. However, metal roof installation might need to counter any interference from your neighbours, and that doesn't mean the folks who live next door. If the trees on your property are home to possums, you are probably used to the sight of these furry critters scampering from tree to tree, and perhaps sometimes moving across your roof. If you live alongside possums, a metal roof needs additional considerations so that any noise is kept to an absolute minimum, since you don't want the noise of any possum activity to be amplified by your new metal roofing. It's easy enough to prevent by taking the following steps during metal roof installation.
Acoustic Insulation
Your existing ceiling insulation could conceivably left in place when the new metal roofing is installed, but an upgrade can be beneficial. Consider replacing your ceiling insulation with a type that is designed to reduce impact noise (namely the potential sounds of possum activity directly on your rooftop). There are a number of different types of acoustic insulation panels that can be installed at the same time as your new roof. Your roofing company will probably be able to provide and install this insulation, and you should choose one that also provides adequate climatic insulation for the temperatures in your area.
Air Circulation
Will the new roof create gaps in your eaves that were not previously there? This can create an entry point into your ceiling cavity for a curious possum, which can be more problematic than a possum merely moving across the roof (which the acoustic insulation should prevent you being aware of). A minor redesign might be necessary, to ensure that any gaps under the eaves are blocked. If these gaps were decided upon to allow the circulation of air within your ceiling cavity, additional soffit vents could be installed under the overhang of your new roof, allowing those gaps to be safely sealed without compromising air circulation.
Access Points
Once the new roofing has been installed, it can be prudent to remove any points of access for possums. This involves the scaling back of any overhanging foliage, making it difficult for possums to drop onto your roof from these trees and plants. Any garden trellises or comparable means of climbing onto the roof should also perhaps be removed, or at least reduced in height.
A metal roof can give your home a new lease of life, but you might want to take the necessary steps to ensure that this life is not going to be shared with the local possum population.
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