When Life Gets in the Way of Roofing Work

You know that moment when you’re up on a roof, ready to get the job done, and suddenly you hear it?

Chirp chirp chirp.

Little voices coming from exactly where you need to work.

I get asked about this all the time – what do we do when we find birds nesting in gutters, bats in attics, or squirrels who’ve decided your client’s roof is their forever home? And honestly? It stops a lot of roofers in their tracks.

Here’s the thing – you’re not just a roofer in that moment. You’re suddenly a wildlife mediator, and that little family didn’t get the memo about your work schedule.

First, take a breath. I know there’s pressure to keep the job moving, but rushing this decision usually makes everything more complicated.

The reality is pretty straightforward: most birds and small animals are protected, especially during nesting season (roughly March through August, depending on where you are). That means you can’t just… relocate them. Even if you wanted to.

But here’s what you can do:

If it’s nesting season and you find active nests: Stop work in that area. Document everything with photos. Call your local wildlife authority – most areas have a number you can call for guidance. Yeah, it might delay the job, but it’s way better than the alternative.

If it’s outside nesting season: You’ve got more options. You can often safely relocate inactive nests or encourage animals to find new homes. But still – check local regulations first.

The conversation with your client: This is where it gets tricky, right? Nobody wants to tell a customer their roof repair just got complicated by a family of sparrows.

Try this: “We’ve discovered some wildlife that we need to work around responsibly. Here’s what that means for timing, and here’s how we’re going to handle it.” Most people actually appreciate that you care enough to do things right.

Look, I’ve been in this situation more times than I can count. That moment of panic when you realize the job just got complicated? It’s normal. But handling it thoughtfully – that’s what separates professionals from people just trying to get through the day.

Pro tip: Start building relationships with local wildlife rehabilitators now, before you need them. Having that number in your phone makes these situations so much smoother.

Because at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to take care of our families – some of us just happen to have wings or fur.

What’s your experience been? Have you run into this situation before?