Do you guys check your attic after every big wind event, or just seasonally? I’m never sure what’s overkill.
I’d say it depends a lot on your roof’s age and the tree cover around your house. After a major storm, especially with high winds or debris, I’ll usually recommend at least a quick visual inspection—just a flashlight sweep for obvious blockages or water intrusion. Seasonal checks are fine for newer roofs, but older homes with loose soffit screens or gaps seem to attract more “guests.” Ever had birds get in? They can do a surprising amount of damage in a short time. How are folks keeping critters out long-term—hardware cloth, foam, something else?
older homes with loose soffit screens or gaps seem to attract more “guests.” Ever had birds get in? They can do a surprising amount of damage in a short time.
Yeah, I learned that the hard way—came up after a windstorm and found a whole mess of nesting material jammed behind my insulation. Turns out, the old mesh was rusted through in spots. I swapped to hardware cloth last year and haven’t had any issues since, but I’m still not sure about using foam. Does it hold up over time, or just invite chewing? Curious if anyone’s tried those snap-in vent covers—worth it, or just another thing to clean?
Curious if anyone’s tried those snap-in vent covers—worth it, or just another thing to clean?
I tried the snap-in type after a raccoon tore through my soffit screens (never underestimate a determined critter). They were easy to install, but honestly, they collected a ton of debris and I found myself up there every few months clearing them out. Hardware cloth’s been sturdier for me too. As for foam, I had mice chew right through it in one season—wouldn’t trust it long-term.
Snap-in covers seemed like a quick fix, but I ran into the same issue—debris just piled up and airflow dropped fast. I switched to metal mesh and it’s held up way better, especially with all the squirrels around here. Foam’s a non-starter for me too; critters chew right through it. If you’re aiming for long-term roof health, I’d stick with something sturdy and easy to check.
- Metal mesh is what I landed on too—definitely holds up better than any snap-in or foam I tried.
- Cheap plastic covers saved me a few bucks at first, but I was up there every season unclogging them. Not worth it long run.
- Critters are a pain here too (raccoons + mice), so anything soft just becomes nesting material.
- Only thing—metal mesh can rust if you’re in a damp spot. I spray-painted mine with leftover Rust-Oleum...not sure if that’s overkill, but seems to help.
- If you’re on a tight budget like me, worth checking the clearance section at hardware stores for off-size mesh panels. Got mine for half price and just trimmed them down.