Executive summary
A prominent apartment tower in North Vancouver struggled with significant sanitation issues caused by seagulls roosting on the roof edge, resulting in mess falling onto tenant patios. DeTurd Bird Control Solutions assessed the structure and installed durable stainless steel bird spikes along the roof’s metal flashing. This intervention eliminated the roosting behavior, restored cleanliness to the upper balconies, and protected the building’s exterior from corrosive damage.
Introduction
North Vancouver offers some of the most spectacular living environments in British Columbia, blending mountain views with coastal charm. For property managers of high-rise residential towers, maintaining the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of these buildings is paramount to tenant retention and asset value.
DeTurd Bird Control Solutions, a trusted provider with over 20 years of experience in commercial and strata building maintenance, specializes in humane and effective wildlife management. Serving the Vancouver area and beyond, the company understands that while birds are a natural part of the coastal ecosystem, their presence on residential structures can quickly turn from charming to destructive. This case study explores how a targeted installation of bird spikes resolved a long-standing issue for a local apartment community.
The Problem
For the management team of a high-rise apartment tower in North Vancouver, the building’s roof edge had become an unintended sanctuary for local seagulls. For years, the birds utilized the overhead roof top edge as a primary roosting spot.
While the presence of seagulls is expected in a coastal city, the location of their perch created a cascading problem for the residents below. The primary issue was not just noise, but sanitation. Droppings from the roosting gulls were consistently falling onto the upper apartment patios.
This created a multi-faceted challenge:
- Tenant Dissatisfaction: Residents paying a premium for upper-level views and outdoor space were unable to enjoy their patios due to the mess.
- Health and Safety: Bird droppings contain pathogens and can be a health hazard in living spaces.
- Structural Risk: As noted in industry standards, bird droppings contain uric acid. Over time, this corrosive substance can damage building exteriors, metal flashing, and waterproofing materials if left unchecked.
The property management needed a solution that was permanent and effective, yet discreet enough not to ruin the architectural lines of the building.
The Solution
DeTurd Bird Control Solutions was brought in to assess the property. After analyzing the birds’ behavior and the building’s architecture, the team recommended the installation of stainless steel bird spikes.
Why Bird Spikes?
According to DeTurd’s methodology, the goal is to keep birds from flocking to the property in the first place. Bird spikes are an ideal deterrent for roof edges because they physically prevent larger birds, like seagulls, from finding a flat surface to land on. They are:
- Humane: They do not harm the birds; they simply make landing uncomfortable or impossible.
- Versatile: They can be fitted to specific architectural features.
- Low Profile: From the ground, they are virtually invisible, maintaining the building’s aesthetic.
The Installation Process
The DeTurd team proceeded with a precision installation. They focused on the roof edge metal flashing—the specific runway the seagulls were using. High-quality stainless steel spikes were selected for their durability against the harsh North Vancouver weather elements, ensuring the solution would last for years without rusting or degrading.
The installation was conducted with strict adherence to safety protocols, ensuring that the spikes were secured firmly to withstand wind and weather, while causing no damage to the underlying roof membrane.
Result
The installation of the bird spikes produced immediate and measurable results for the North Vancouver apartment tower. By modifying the physical characteristics of the roof edge, the building became an inhospitable location for the seagulls, forcing them to relocate their roosting habits elsewhere.
Key outcomes included:
- Elimination of Roosting: The stainless steel spikes successfully deterred seagulls from landing on the roof edge, resolving the source of the infestation.
- Enhanced Tenant Satisfaction: With the source of the debris removed, the upper apartment patios remained clean. Residents were once again able to use their outdoor spaces without the annoyance of falling bird mess.
- Asset Protection: By preventing the accumulation of corrosive droppings, the installation helped preserve the cleanliness and condition of the building’s exterior cladding and flashing.
- Humane Compliance: The solution aligned with ethical considerations, effectively managing the pest problem without causing harm to the wildlife.
Conclusion
This project highlights how a simple, mechanical exclusion device can solve complex property management headaches. By identifying the root cause of the issue—the physical ability of the birds to land—DeTurd Bird Control Solutions utilized bird spikes to create a barrier that was both effective and respectful of the building’s design.
For property managers in the Vancouver area, this case serves as a reminder that tolerating bird-related damage isn’t necessary. With the right intervention, you can protect your property value and your tenants’ quality of life.
Is your building suffering from unwanted guests? Contact DeTurd Bird Control Solutions today to discuss a custom bird control strategy for your property.
3rd Street E North Vancouver apartment bird spikes
