I’ve actually installed a few of those plastic vent baffles with the built-in screens, mostly on newer builds where the budget was tight. They’re quick to put in, but honestly, I’ve seen them get brittle and crack after a couple of seasons—especially in spots that get a lot of sun. The airflow’s decent at first, but once debris starts collecting, cleaning them is a pain since they flex and sometimes pop loose. I still lean toward metal with layered mesh for anything long-term, even though it’s more work upfront. Funny thing is, I’ve opened up some old attics with nothing but open vents and barely any critter damage... maybe luck, maybe just fewer squirrels back then?
I’ve run into the same issue with those plastic baffles—they’re cheap and easy, but UV just eats them up around here. Metal’s more work, but I figure one solid install beats having to crawl up there every couple of years. Curious if you’ve ever tried painting the plastic ones for UV protection, or is that just delaying the inevitable?
Curious if you’ve ever tried painting the plastic ones for UV protection, or is that just delaying the inevitable?
Tried painting them once—looked decent for a season, but honestly, it’s like putting sunscreen on a marshmallow. Sun just finds a way. I get the appeal of metal, but I’ve seen some folks run into rust issues if they cheap out or skip the primer. For me, I stick with plastic and just budget for swapping them every few years. Less hassle than dragging sheet metal up there and slicing up my knuckles... but maybe I’m just lazy.
Honestly, I get the appeal of sticking with plastic for the convenience, but I’ve seen too many roofs with warped or brittle vents after a few hot summers. Even the “UV-resistant” plastics don’t hold up long-term here in the southeast—hail just shreds them. Metal’s not perfect, but if you use a decent primer and seal the fasteners, rust isn’t much of a problem. I’d rather deal with a little extra install effort than risk water intrusion from cracked plastic down the line. Just my two cents...
I hear you on the plastic vents—seen plenty of those go brittle or crack after a couple years, especially on steep south-facing roofs. Metal’s definitely more durable, but I’ve run into issues with condensation under the flange if the sealant fails or the install’s rushed. Curious if you’ve noticed any difference in attic temps or airflow efficiency between metal and plastic vents? Sometimes I wonder if the material actually impacts performance, or if it’s just about longevity.