If you’re here reading this, chances are you were awoken by the tap-tap of a pesky little bird who is using your house like a drum set. Don’t worry; there are many like you who need help tackling the woodpecker who won’t stop no matter what! These birds can seriously damage the siding and insulation of your house.
Now, you may ask, how expensive is repairing woodpecker holes in Calgary? Well, that kind of depends on the extent of the damage, as well as the material used. DIY-ing it or getting a pro to help you also makes a difference. Let’s discuss how these holes can be fixed and how much it would cost you.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Repairing Woodpecker Holes
1. Size and Severity of the Damage
Every woodpecker hole is different. Others are full-fledged craters that reveal insulation and erode your home’s structure, while others are little pecks that hardly touch the surface.
- Small holes (less than 1 inch): These may typically be fixed with outside caulking or wood filler, costing $50 to $150 if done yourself.
- Medium-sized holes (1-3 inches): These may require repair with a wood patch and repainting, costing between $150 and $400.
- Large holes: If the damage is extensive, a professional repair might cost anywhere from $500 to $2,500.
Your repair costs can increase substantially if the same area has experienced structural damage from woodpecker attacks. Exposed insulation, wood rot, and moisture damage may necessitate more extensive repairs that could reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
2. Type of Siding on Your Home
Repair costs vary depending on the type of siding used.
Wood Siding
Wood siding often has to be replaced when the woodpecker leaves its mark on it. Replacing and repainting hardwood panels could cost anywhere between half to one grand.
Stucco or Brick
Although these materials are less likely to get damaged, repairs may become more difficult if they do. Brick repairs vary in severity, while stucco repairs may cost $500 or more.
Vinyl or Aluminum Siding
Aluminum can be more expensive due to material expenses, while vinyl is less expensive to replace, costing $300 to $800 per section.
3. DIY vs. Professional Repairs
Are you considering doing it yourself? Small repairs can be completed for less than $100 if you know how to use a caulking gun and some outside paint. However, employing an expert is typically the safer option for extensive work.
In Calgary, the typical hourly rate for professional repair services ranges from $50 to $100, not including the cost of materials. If you’re dealing with substantial woodpecker damage, it’s wise to set aside a budget of $500 to $2,500 for the repairs.
4. Additional Costs to Consider
Homeowners should take into account other costs in addition to the direct cost of repairs:
- Painting or Staining: After repairing the holes, you might need to repaint or stain the affected area to achieve a smooth finish. Exterior touch-ups could cost you half a grand.
- Pest Control Treatments: If woodpecker damage is linked to a pest issue (like termites or carpenter ants), these treatments could add an extra hundred to three hundred bucks to your expenses.
- Preventative measures are a wise long-term investment to prevent further damage, even though deterrents such as bird netting and woodpecker repellent coatings can cost between $50 and $500.
Feeling lazy and want someone to do all this for you? Check out Alberta Par Ging’s woodpecker damage repair services for expert solutions.
How to Prevent Woodpecker Damage (and Save Money!)
Make minor changes to prevent woodpeckers from attacking your home. Here are a few practical suggestions:
1. Install Visual Deterrents
- To frighten them away, hang reflective tape or shiny items (like CDs, remember those?).
- To get woodpeckers to think twice, use decoy owls or bird fright balloons.
2. Sound-Based Repellents
Using ultrasonic bird repellents or playing distress sounds can deter woodpeckers, who detest loud noises.
3. Protective Barriers
- Cover susceptible surfaces with hardware cloth or metal flashing.
- Take into account using fibre cement or composite materials in place of wood siding.
4. Offer an Alternative
Install a suet bird feeder far away from your house if the birds are pecking for food. Adding nesting boxes can occasionally encourage them to relocate if they are drumming for territory.
For more woodpecker-proofing tips, check out Alberta Par Ging’s blog!
Conclusion
How much does it cost to fix woodpecker holes in Calgary? The damage, the type of siding, and whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional all affect the price. Larger repairs can cost $500 to $2,500, but minor ones might only cost $50 to $150. How can I save the most money? Use alternative nesting options and deterrents to stop the harm before it starts.
Don’t worry if your woodpecker damage is difficult to fix; assistance is only a click away! Check out Alberta Par Ging’s woodpecker repair services to get your home back in top shape.
