I get the appeal of metal cable ties, but honestly, I think they’re more than you need for most attic stuff. I tried them once for a section of ductwork that kept sagging, and while they’re definitely tough, they’re kind of a pain to install if you don’t have the right cutter. Plus, if you ever need to move or adjust anything, you’re stuck with sharp edges unless you’re careful.
What’s worked better for me is using those reusable velcro straps—especially for things like wiring or holding insulation in place. They don’t get brittle, and you can just pop them off and reuse them if you ever change things up. Not as “permanent” as metal, but honestly, I like being able to tweak stuff without breaking out tools every time.
If you’re worried about UV and heat, maybe just double up on the UV-resistant zip ties in the sunniest spots? That’s saved me from having to redo things every couple of years. Just my two cents...
I hear you on the metal ties—tried them once for a heavy section of flex duct and ended up with a couple of nicks on my hands. They’re solid, but unless you’re dealing with something really hefty or exposed to critters, they’re honestly overkill. Velcro straps have been my go-to for wiring too. Only thing I’d add is, in my attic (gets brutally hot in July), some of the cheaper Velcro brands lost their grip after a year or two. The industrial stuff holds up way better if you can swing it. UV zip ties are a decent compromise, but yeah, doubling up is smart since they still get brittle eventually.
- Metal ties definitely have their place, especially if you’re worried about rodents or long-term sagging. I get the “overkill” point, but I’ve seen enough chewed-through plastic and velcro in storm-prone areas that I tend to lean heavy-duty for anything critical.
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— That’s been my experience too, and even the pricier stuff can gum up if there’s attic dust or insulation fibers.“some of the cheaper Velcro brands lost their grip after a year or two”
- One thing I’d throw out: stainless steel worm gear clamps (like for ductwork) aren’t as sharp as metal ties and hold up in heat. Not as quick as zip ties, but they’re reusable and don’t get brittle.
- For wiring, I’ve started using silicone tape in spots where UV and heat are brutal. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t degrade like plastic and doesn’t stick to the wire itself.
- Bottom line, there’s always a tradeoff—depends if you want to set it and forget it, or be up there every couple years redoing ties.
Metal ties are tough, no doubt, but I keep wondering if we’re just treating the symptom and not the cause. Rodents in the attic? That’s a red flag for bigger issues—maybe gaps in the soffits or roof vents. I get wanting to “set it and forget it,” but sometimes a little prevention up front (like better sealing or even green roof layers) saves a ton of hassle. Anyone else tried using natural barriers or plant-based insulation? I’ve had fewer critter problems since switching, plus it helps with temps. Just a thought—sometimes the heavy-duty fix isn’t always the most sustainable.
You’re spot on about rodents being a sign of bigger issues. I see a lot of folks just slap on hardware cloth or metal ties and call it good, but if there’s a gap, they’ll find it eventually. Sealing up soffits and vents is usually the first thing I check when someone mentions critters in the attic. Haven’t tried plant-based insulation myself, but I’ve heard it can help with both pests and temperature swings—just gotta watch for moisture buildup in some climates. Prevention up front really does save headaches down the line.
