That’s wild how determined squirrels can be. I’ve seen them chew through stuff I’d never expect—PVC, thin aluminum, even some of the cheaper soffit panels. Hardware cloth is usually my go-to for vents and small gaps, but you’re right, they seem to treat it like an obstacle course. Concrete board is a bit overkill for most spots, but if you’ve got a repeat offender area, it might be worth the hassle.
One thing I’ve noticed on newer builds (like early 2000s) is that settling can pull trim away from the framing just enough to make those tiny entry points. Sometimes it’s not even visible until you shine a light at just the right angle. If you haven’t already, check where rooflines meet walls or around dormers—those transitions are notorious for shifting and opening up over time.
I’ve started using expanding foam in combo with mesh for awkward gaps. It’s not perfect, but it slows them down. Still, nothing really stops a squirrel with enough motivation... except maybe a neighbor’s bird feeder that’s easier to raid.
I had a similar issue after we put in our green roof. The inspector actually thought our place was built in the 80s, not 2006, just because a couple of squirrels managed to chew through the fascia and left some pretty ugly marks. Turns out, the combo of settling and the extra moisture from the roof plants made a few trim boards pull away, just enough for critters to squeeze in. We ended up using a mix of stainless mesh and mineral wool, which held up better than foam for us. It’s wild how a tiny gap can change the whole look of a house—or at least how old it seems.
That’s a classic case of “small gap, big headache.” I’ve seen inspectors get tripped up by stuff like that more than once—especially when critters get involved. Squirrels are relentless, and once they find an entry point, it’s game over for trim boards. Stainless mesh is a solid choice, way more durable than foam in the long run, especially with all that extra moisture from a green roof. Did you notice any issues with condensation or mold behind the mineral wool? That’s one thing I’ve had to watch for with similar setups, especially if the airflow isn’t great.
It’s wild how quickly exterior details can age a place, even if the bones are new. I’ve had newer properties get flagged for “age” just because of weathered fascia or a couple of warped boards. Sometimes I wonder if inspectors lean too much on first impressions instead of looking at the actual structure. Either way, sounds like you caught it before it turned into a bigger problem.
Yeah, inspectors can be brutal about curb appeal stuff. I had one call out “premature aging” on a three-year-old place just because the paint on the soffit peeled a bit after a wet winter. Drives me nuts. As for condensation, I’ve only had issues when the venting was blocked—usually by, you guessed it, squirrel nests. Stainless mesh is my go-to now. Foam just turns into critter chow around here.
- Inspectors nitpick the weirdest stuff sometimes. Had one flag a “weathered” fence that was only two years old—turns out it just needed a power wash.
- Peeling paint after one wet season is pretty normal here. I’ve stopped using anything but marine-grade on soffits, honestly.
- Stainless mesh is smart. I used foam once and the raccoons shredded it in a week... never again.
- Curious—has anyone actually had luck with those ultrasonic pest repellents in attic vents? Or is that just another gimmick?
