When Squirrels Move In: Repairing Hidden Damage in Historic Homes
At New Leaf Restorations, we specialize in restoring and preserving the character of historic homes — and one of the most unexpected (but common) threats to these beautiful properties? Squirrels. 🐿️
These agile little invaders may seem harmless, but in our experience across Minneapolis and St. Paul, they can cause serious damage that often goes unnoticed until it's too late. If you live in a turn-of-the-century home, here’s what you need to know — and how we can help.
🐿️ The Hidden Hazards of Squirrel Damage
Historic homes are full of charming details — wide soffits, ornate fascia, and natural wood — which unfortunately also create ideal entry points for squirrels. Over time, they can:
Chew through soffits and fascia boards
Create entry points into attics or wall cavities
Tear insulation and wiring, increasing fire risk
Leave behind droppings and nesting debris
Damage paint and finishes with persistent gnawing
We’ve even seen squirrels nest under rooflines, burrow into decorative trim, and use unsealed vents to access interior spaces.
🛠️ How New Leaf Restorations Repairs Squirrel Damage
Our approach to squirrel-related restoration is both proactive and preservation-minded. We don’t just patch — we restore with purpose. Here's how:
1. Thorough Assessment
We start by identifying all signs of squirrel entry and damage, including chewed wood, staining, and structural wear. On historic homes, we pay special attention to soffits, eaves, and roofline transitions — areas most vulnerable to intrusion.
2. Custom Carpentry Repairs
Our team crafts replacements that match your home’s original profile — whether that means hand-milled fascia, tongue-and-groove soffits, or ornamental brackets. We use rot-resistant materials and period-appropriate methods to ensure the repair looks seamless.
3. Smart Prevention
We reinforce vulnerable areas with metal flashing, squirrel-proof vent covers, and sealant while preserving aesthetic integrity. We’ll even collaborate with licensed wildlife control partners if eviction is still needed.
4. Protective Finishes
Finally, we repaint or restain surfaces with high-quality, exterior-grade finishes to protect from weather and curious critters.
✅ Tip from the Field: Prevention is Protection
Regularly inspect your soffits, eaves, and vents — especially in the fall.
Squirrels seek warmth and shelter as temperatures drop, and your attic could be their next home. Trim back overhanging branches and listen for scratching or rustling in the walls or ceiling. Early detection can save thousands in repairs!
📍 Recent Example: Windom Park Restoration
One of our recent projects in the historic Windom Park neighborhood involved beautiful exterior updates — but hidden in the eaves was extensive squirrel damage. We replaced and restored the soffits, added subtle protective details, and blended everything perfectly with a fresh coat of paint. Now the home is protected — and still picture-perfect.
🏡 Let’s Restore — and Protect — Your Historic Home
Whether you're dealing with visible damage or just want peace of mind, New Leaf Restorations is here to help. We believe in restoring with integrity, using every repair as an opportunity to preserve the beauty and history of your home — and keep the wildlife where it belongs.
Contact us today to schedule an assessment or learn more about how we can help protect your home from unwanted visitors.
