Funny you mention hardware cloth—I tried that DIY route a couple years ago, and birds still found their way in. Sneaky little things... Ended up switching to aluminum mesh guards, nothing fancy but definitely sturdier. About the humidity, I didn't notice musty smells, but the attic did feel kinda damp on colder days. Guess I'll check insulation next; hadn't considered that angle before. Always something new to chase down with home maintenance, right?
Yeah, aluminum mesh was a good call—hardware cloth can be hit or miss depending on the gauge. I've had decent luck with galvanized mesh myself, but those birds are persistent little guys. About the dampness, insulation's definitely worth a look. Had a similar issue last winter; turned out my attic ventilation wasn't quite cutting it. Adjusted the soffit vents and things improved noticeably. Home maintenance really is a never-ending puzzle, isn't it? Hang in there...sounds like you're on the right track.
- Good call on the aluminum mesh, definitely a safer bet. Galvanized can work, but I've seen birds peck right through thinner gauges—persistent is an understatement.
- Totally agree on insulation, but also check your ridge vents if you've got 'em. Sometimes soffit adjustments alone aren't enough if the airflow isn't balanced at the peak.
- Had a client last fall who thought his insulation was the culprit for moisture buildup. Turned out his bathroom exhaust fan was venting straight into the attic...talk about unintended consequences.
- Also worth considering: ice damming prevention methods if you're in a colder climate. Heat cables or improved attic sealing can save you headaches later.
- You're right though, home maintenance is a puzzle with no final piece. Just gotta keep tweaking as you go.
"Had a client last fall who thought his insulation was the culprit for moisture buildup. Turned out his bathroom exhaust fan was venting straight into the attic...talk about unintended consequences."
Ha, reminds me of when we moved into our place—previous owners had done exactly that. Took us forever to figure out why the attic was so damp. Speaking of ice damming, anyone here tried heat cables long-term? I've heard mixed reviews on durability and energy use, wondering if they're really worth the investment.
I've heard mixed reviews on durability and energy use, wondering if they're really worth the investment.
I've seen heat cables used successfully, but they're definitely not a set-it-and-forget-it solution. A neighbor installed them a few winters back and found they worked well initially, but after about three seasons, he noticed some sections weren't heating evenly anymore. Plus, they do bump up your electricity bill noticeably. Proper attic insulation and ventilation usually offer a more sustainable fix long-term, though heat cables can be a decent temporary measure if ice dams are severe.
