Foundation Vent Repair
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- I have seen hundreds of houses that have wildlife in the crawlspace. and most of them have one thing in common. Bad foundation vents are responsible for so many of the issues that I see.
I am adding a link to an article on this problem on our website.
wildlifecompany...
Unfortunately, the root of the problem is often the vent itself. Vents are generally made out of plastic and thin screen. I guarantee that neither plastic nor thin screen will stop the average rodent that tries to chew through. You cant even go to the home improvement store and find something that works. So I searched around and found these vent covers. So far so good. No callbacks.
Installation is important too. If you put one of these things in make sure that you check all the way around and that there is no crack something can crawl through. This is another common problem with the average vent. There are almost always a gap or two around that are big enough to cause problems.
If you need a retrofit, give us a call.
Only video I've found so far on this subject that makes any sense. Thanks for taking the time.
I'm glad you liked it. I will try to keep more like this coming.
Thanks. I need new vents. I had a snake get all the way into the house following a mouse hole I found in the drywall in a back bedroom. Not good! So now, I am super vigilant and repairing all holes everywhere!! I'm thankful for my cats who alerted me to the black invader. Now, we are all on edge most of the time, thinking a 2nd one might somehow find a way in. Inside the house, steel wool is now in place a lot. Any holes filled and heavily covered. This better not happen again or this house could burn to the ground! Lol
I have customers use the "burn it to the ground" line with me from time to time. I tell them that I am much cheaper than a new house. What if the new house has issues too? Better just to call "The Wildlife Guy" and fix things. So glad to have helped you with your issues. I hope that you have peace of mind.
A+ called and you gave me the name! We super appreciate your video and advice. I told them you sent me.
What kind of steel wool did you use that doesn’t rust, is it stainless steel wool? I like the roll and size seems easy to manage. Where can I get some? Thanks for sharing the video.
I fail to understand why the industry hasn't addressed this problem. My contractor installed some flood vents that just push open. Really dumb. I got some wire mesh, cut it and screwed it over the vent like in this video. If only there were a better solution.
I think that there is very little feed back in the building industry. Most people blame the animal. By the time the home owner finds out the builder is gone over the horizon. In short they keep selling things like this because they can.
I hope to highlight some of these issues so that people understand what is going on
Thanks for the video. It was very helpful and answered my questions about covering my vents.
Glad I could help.
Where do you buy the expanded mesh screens?
What is the name of the stainless steel rolled mesh that you used to fill in the cracks around the vent?
Excluder
Where do you purchase the screens?
Did you ever find out?
HY-C
@@daveharvey8074 thanks, I look it up
my understanding of current debates on maintaining a dry crawlspace suggests closing off those vents entirely, putting plastic down on the dirt floor, and maybe heating the space in cool weather. what you think?
Kenneth Erickson it is definitely a debate.
Even with vents I suggest a vapor barrier.
I’ve seen total encapsulated crawls. That is really the only time I think it’s ok but depends on each home and the region.
Each home should be looked at individually. That’s how I address the debate
Our home inspector in Portland, Oregon says that there are specific climates and home locations that may require encapsulation. As a general rule, though, the current understanding is to leave the crawl space vented year-round to prevent humidity and insulate pipes/ducting for efficiency. 6-mil vapor barrier wall-to-wall is a must.
The new standard is to close off the crawlspace from the outside and conditioned with inside air.
www.buildingscience.com/documents/information-sheets/crawlspace-insulation
I really have not studied encapsulation enough to speak confidentially about it. However, I do recommend that you put screens on your vents if you do. Mice will come through the vents and cut holes in the foam and plastic the encapsulation guys put in.
@wildlifecompany9885 very true
There's a wasp trapped on the inside of the vent 3:24 to 3:30 on the right middle side
How do you open and close the vents for summer/winter?
The vents that were there open and close automatically.
Why is plastic & Fiberglass screen bad (at 0:46), but DAP caulking is ok (5:27)?
Cause rodents dont like to chew through metal,thats why stainless steel whool can be used and that ''grate he is using is metal,and the caulking is just for a bit of a water tight seal
June Jeferson is on the right track. Rats are able to chew through plastic and fiberglass. The caulk is there mostly just to seal up very small holes and act as an adhesive that holds the stainless steel wool in place. The stainless steel wool is really what does all the work.
What is the name of the stainless steel rolled mesh that you used to fill in the cracks around the vent? I can find rolled steel wool but am afraid it will rust as you pointed out in the video. Thank you.
Just use stainless steel scrub pads or you can use that brass scrub stuff too but i think it oxidizes faster they are found in the kitchen supplies isle in the grocie stores🌊
We use steel wool in Montana in all the cracks or crevices to keep mice out of regular homes and log homes too. It works. Mice and rats cannot chew through. I use steel wool in Florida too.
How do you open or close them now?
They have a temperature sensor that opens at 70°F(21°C) and closes at 40°F(4°C) so its automatic.
If they are automatic it takes care of itself. If they are not, I sometimes cut a sheet of heavyweight aluminum sheeting and make a slide plate that goes behind. There are some new foundation vents that I have seen that do both. I think that they may justify a new video.
Yes, you are right. However, the blue tapcon screws that I used can often be removed and replaced a time or two before the hole gets too lose. A lot depends on the quality of the brick and mortar involved. If the holes get too lose you may have to bore new holes in the vent guard and masonry. The caulk that I used works pretty good as an adhesive too. That might help.
Ahhh hah. Gotta get me some of those
I need someone to do this for me. My dog's have torn out all of the vents out of the back of my house.
If you are close, I would be glad to help. You can contact me through my website at wildlifecompanytn.com
Where can I get those screens ?
Give me a call. I usually just pass people on to my supplier. I may start selling them at some point.
@@wildlifecompany9885 where can I find your contact info? I'd like to order some as well
@@wildlifecompany9885 I would like to order those screens.
Were do you buy these vent covers?
Tjernlund 950-8303 UnderAire Steel Crawl Space Vent, Morning Star Pattern, 18" x 10" Screen (Vent Screen Only)
Does anyone know what sealant he used?
steel wool as he said
I'm putting steel leg traps in front of the vents. Try to get in my crawl space your gonna have a broken leg.
Oooh, careful with that. You are likely to catch the neighbors cat/dog. I gave up legholds a long time ago except for certain special circumstances.
I would recommend a different cover. We have one that can be easily removed so the vent can still be accessed but is 100% animal proof.
@Michele i just installed 11 vent screens from Home Depot. 14X6. I used pliers, hammer and screw driver to assist to snuggly put in. Took a little practise, i did it. So can you.
@Michele sound you have more challenges。i still have two broken screens i need to custom make them. i will figure out where to buy material. I am learning HVAC, rodent control, etc. Yeah, if I have strength and know what right tools to use, i can be as good as you.:).
@Michele i do have a dog full of curiosity. i will still make note of it. Someone told me electric box. thanks.
@Michele great idea! 🙏
Who the hell is Michelle
steel wool sucks,.
THE RATS I HAVE CHEWED THRU THE WIRE... I PUT NEW WIRE AND THEY CHEWED THRU IT AGAIN...........
Focus your efforts on keeping the rats out. Check the outside of the building and plug all entrances. Get all foods in check inside the building, and trap, trap, trap. If they show up again recheck the exterior.
We're do I buy the vent cover you installed?
Where can I buy these vent covers in North Carolina
Give me a call.