“I started thinking about it as an investment rather than just another expense.”
Yeah, I get that now. I tried patching with cheap mesh last winter and ended up with a family of chipmunks in my soffit by spring. One thing I’d add—double-check the fasteners. Even good mesh won’t hold if the screws are junk or spaced too far apart. Learned that the hard way after a windy night...
Cheap mesh is like putting a Band-Aid on a leaky pipe—looks fine until the pressure’s on. I’ve seen folks use the right mesh but skimp on the screws, and next thing you know, you’re hosting wildlife. Stainless steel fasteners make a difference, especially if you’re in a spot that gets a lot of wind or moisture. I’ve pulled out more than a few “mystery” critter nests where someone just used whatever was handy... sometimes even staples. Not worth the hassle down the road.
I’ve seen people try to get away with plastic mesh and a handful of staples, and it’s always a mess a year later. Even galvanized screws can rust out if you’re anywhere damp—stainless is just less hassle long-term. I get why folks want to save a few bucks, but honestly, the time spent cleaning out squirrel nests or reattaching mesh after a storm just isn’t worth it. It’s wild how much difference the right fasteners make, especially on older homes where critters are already looking for weak spots.
That’s interesting—didn’t realize even galvanized screws could rust that fast. I used plastic mesh last fall because it was cheap, but now I’m seeing gaps and some chewed spots. Is stainless really that much better, or is it just overkill for a spot that’s not super exposed?
Plastic mesh is tempting for the price, but in my experience, it’s kind of a short-term fix—especially if you’ve got critters or just persistent weather. Stainless is definitely pricier but it holds up way better, even in spots that aren’t in direct rain. Galvanized can surprise you and rust out if there’s any moisture trapped. I used to think stainless was overkill too, but after patching the same spot twice in one year... I changed my tune.