You’re spot on about not blocking soffits—seen too many folks try to “seal things up” and end up with a musty attic. I’ve had decent luck with hardware cloth too, though it’s definitely not winning any beauty contests. Out of curiosity, how often are you finding those mesh baffles need cleaning? I’ve noticed in some older homes, the dust buildup can get pretty gnarly, especially if landscaping is close to the vents.
I’ve noticed the same thing with dust and debris—especially in houses with big trees or lots of mulch beds right up against the house. The mesh baffles in my attic seem to get a decent layer of gunk every couple years, but honestly, I don’t bother cleaning them more than once every 3-4 years unless I see obvious airflow issues or signs of moisture. I do a quick check when I’m up there for other stuff like insulation or wiring.
One thing I’ve learned is that the finer the mesh, the more it’ll clog over time. Hardware cloth is a little ugly, yeah, but it does seem to stay open longer than those really tight screens. If someone’s dealing with heavy pollen or dust, maybe it’s worth checking annually—otherwise, it’s probably not a crisis unless you see dampness or mold starting up.
I’m with you on not sealing soffits too tight. Tried that once in my first place and paid for it with a sweaty attic and some nasty insulation. Live and learn...
Interesting point about the mesh—I've seen the same thing during inspections, especially in neighborhoods with mature landscaping or just a lot of airborne debris. Those super-fine screens can look great on paper, but after a season or two, they’re basically a filter for every bit of dust and pollen that floats by. Hardware cloth isn’t exactly pretty, but it’s definitely more forgiving in terms of airflow over time.
One thing I’ve noticed: sometimes people get so worried about critters or bugs getting in that they go way overboard sealing up soffits or using foam blocks. That almost always backfires. I’ve come across attics where insulation was literally damp to the touch, just from lack of ventilation. Even a little moisture up there can turn into a mold farm if the airflow’s choked off.
I usually recommend checking those baffles at least every couple years, but if you’re in a spot with a ton of pollen or construction dust, once a year might be smart. It’s not glamorous work, but catching it early beats dealing with a sweaty attic and ruined insulation.
That’s spot on about the mesh—fine screens just don’t hold up in real-world conditions, especially if you’re anywhere near trees or dusty roads. I’ve seen folks use foam blocks thinking they’re keeping pests out, but then you get condensation and suddenly there’s mold everywhere. Hardware cloth isn’t pretty, but it’s a lot less hassle long-term. I always tell people: airflow first, critters second. If you block too much, you’re trading one problem for another.
I’ve seen a lot of folks underestimate just how much airflow matters, especially after a big storm rolls through and you’re dealing with soaked insulation or warped decking. Hardware cloth isn’t glamorous, but it’s the only thing I’ve found that stands up to both critters and debris without choking off ventilation. Fine mesh just clogs up too fast, especially in areas with pollen or heavy dust. I get why people try foam—seems like an easy fix—but you’re right, it just traps moisture and then you’re fighting mold. If you’re in a spot with lots of wind-driven rain, sometimes even hardware cloth needs a little angle or baffle to keep water out while letting air move. It’s always a balancing act... airflow’s gotta come first or you’ll end up with bigger headaches down the line.
