and it may need repairing<\/a>. The most common entry route for birds is at the side of the roof where mortar meets tile \u2013 here, the mortar can crack and fall away over time and birds can get in. The problem is that if a hole in your roof is big enough to let birds in, then it\u2019s more than big enough to let water in.<\/p>\nI have a bird nest. What should I do?<\/strong><\/p>\nThe first thing we would say is that most birds are fully protected by law \u2013 by law, you must allow the young to leave the nest before repairing your roof. There are very few exceptions to this so if you are reading this article and you have nesting birds, you must allow the young to leave the nest before you take any action.<\/p>\n
If the nesting season is over and there\u2019s no more chirping coming from your roof, then there\u2019s a good chance that the birds have moved on. If this is the case, then you can call in a roofer to repair your roof \u2013 so long as the roofer can confirm that the nest is inactive.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve discovered a bird\u2019s nest during roofing work. What should I do?<\/strong><\/p>\nSometimes birds\u2019 nests are only discovered during renovation work. If this happens and the roof cannot be left until the young have moved on, you are allowed to make an artificial nest box so long as you install it as close to the original nest as possible. This is a safe way to deal with the young as the mother will continue to look after them. You are then free to perform renovation work on your roof without falling foul of the law.<\/p>\n
Birds have caused a large hole in my roof and it\u2019s letting loads of water in. It\u2019s an emergency \u2013 what can I do?<\/strong><\/p>\nThe law is the law \u2013 birds are fully protected by it. So you can\u2019t remove them by yourself \u2013 unless you can site an artificial nesting box close to the original nest. If that isn\u2019t possible, then what you can do is call your local council for advice as well as the RSPB who\u2019ll help you.<\/p>\n
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