Bird stop

A bird stop (bird blocking or eave closure) is a specialized mesh or solid barrier installed at roof openings to prevent birds, rodents, and large insects from entering and nesting in your attic or roof structure. These protective devices are typically installed at the eaves where roof tiles meet the fascia board, under barrel tiles, or at ridge endings, allowing proper ventilation while keeping unwanted wildlife out.

Bird stops are critical components in tile and metal roofing systems, designed to fill the gaps created by the roof profile while maintaining essential airflow for attic ventilation. Made from galvanized steel mesh, plastic, or foam materials, they conform to various roof tile profiles, including S-tile, barrel tile, and flat tile configurations. Professional roofers install bird stops during initial construction or as retrofits, securing them with adhesive, screws, or mortar, depending on the application. This professional installation ensures that your home is protected, giving you peace of mind. The mesh openings are precisely sized (typically 1/4″ to 3/8″) to exclude birds and rodents while allowing approximately 9-16 square inches of net free ventilation area per linear foot, meeting building code requirements for roof ventilation.

For example, You might notice bird stops when looking up at your tile roof from ground level—they appear as dark mesh or strips visible in the gaps where your curved roof tiles meet the roof edge. If you’ve ever heard chirping from your attic or found bird droppings on your patio directly below the roof edge, you likely have missing or damaged bird stops. These gaps can be 2-3 inches high on Spanish or Mediterranean-style homes with barrel tiles, creating perfect nesting spots for sparrows, starlings, and even bats.

Pro Tip from Industry Experts: The biggest mistake homeowners make is using hardware cloth or chicken wire as DIY bird stops—these materials rust within 2-3 years and can trap birds. Professional-grade bird stops cost only $3-8 per linear foot but save thousands in damage. We’ve seen entire tile rows lifted by nesting birds, causing $5,000-10,000 in repairs. Always use profile-specific bird stops that match your tile shape for tile roofs. A common oversight: installers who forget to treat the ridge ends where birds often enter. One $20 bird stop at each ridge end prevents 80% of ridge-related intrusions.
Regional Considerations: When it comes to bird stops, it’s important to consider your region. Stainless steel mesh is essential in coastal areas due to salt corrosion. Desert regions need UV-resistant materials. Northern climates should avoid foam bird stops that can trap moisture and freeze. By understanding these regional considerations, you can make an informed decision about the best bird stops for your home, ensuring that you are prepared for the unique challenges of your area.

Wildlife-Specific Solutions:

• Sparrows/Finches: 1/4″ mesh opening
• Pigeons: 1/2″ mesh or solid barriers
• Bats: 1/4″ mesh with overlap seal
• Rodents: Galvanized steel only (they chew through plastic)

Cost Impact:

• Materials: $3-8 per linear foot
• Professional installation: $5-12 per linear foot
• Full home installation (150 linear feet): $1,200-3,000
• Damage from bird intrusion: $2,000-10,000
• Annual cleaning without bird stops: $300-500

Related Terms: See also: Eave Closure | Ridge Closure | Soffit Vent | Fascia Board | Tile Roof | Attic Ventilation
Learn more about: Preventing Wildlife Intrusion | Tile Roof Maintenance | Proper Roof Ventilation