Stainless steel mesh is something I tried after getting tired of replacing rusty steel wool every year or two. I’ll be honest, it’s not cheap, but in my case it was worth it. Here’s how it played out for me:
1. First winter after moving in, I stuffed steel wool around a pipe chase to keep out mice. By spring, the stuff was basically orange mush—totally useless.
2. Switched to copper mesh the next time around. That held up way better, but I noticed it still got a bit green and brittle after a couple years in the dampest spots under the house.
3. Finally bit the bullet and ordered a roll of stainless steel mesh online (the kind used for rodent exclusion). It’s been three years now and honestly, it looks almost new. No rust, no weird smells, nothing breaking down.
If you’re sealing up somewhere that stays dry, copper is probably fine and more eco-friendly since it’s recyclable. But for spots that get wet or are hard to reach (like behind pipes or deep foundation cracks), stainless is just less hassle long-term.
One thing I’d watch out for: some “stainless” mesh on big box store shelves is actually just galvanized steel, which will still rust eventually if there’s enough moisture. Gotta check the label or buy from a pest control supplier.
I get why people hesitate at the price—felt like overkill at first—but after crawling under my house one too many times at 2 AM with a flashlight and a roll of mesh, I’m all for anything that means fewer midnight emergencies.
If you’re patching up after a burst pipe or leak, I’d say go stainless where you can afford it and use copper everywhere else. Just my two cents from too many late-night crawlspace adventures...
That’s a solid breakdown—totally agree on stainless for the long haul, especially in damp crawlspaces. I’ve been burned by that “stainless” label trick before and had to redo everything a year later. One thing I always wonder, though: has anyone tried using expanding foam with mesh for extra rodent-proofing? I’m cautious about trapping moisture, but sometimes you need a tight seal. Curious if that combo’s caused headaches for anyone else...
Expanding foam with mesh—yeah, I’ve seen folks try it for rodent-proofing, especially in those weird little gaps around pipes. It can work, but you’re right to worry about moisture. I’ve opened up crawlspaces where the foam trapped just enough dampness to start rusting out the mesh and even the “stainless” screws (which, like you said, sometimes aren’t so stainless). If you go that route, make sure everything’s bone dry first, and maybe check it every season. Learned that one the hard way after a raccoon found a weak spot and made himself at home...
Learned that one the hard way after a raccoon found a weak spot and made himself at home...
Man, raccoons really know how to pick their moments. I once had a possum squeeze through a gap I thought was sealed up tight with foam and mesh—turns out, he just chewed right through the “rodent-proof” stuff like it was cotton candy. Ended up face-to-face with him at 3am, both of us equally surprised.
I hear you on the moisture issue. That foam loves to hold onto dampness, and then you get that nasty rust smell mixed with whatever else is lurking under there. Makes for a real treat when you’re crawling around in the dark trying to patch things up.
If you ever use mesh, I’d say go for the thickest hardware cloth you can find, and avoid those “stainless” screws from the bargain bin. I swear, some of them start rusting if you even look at ‘em funny. And yeah, nothing like a midnight plumbing disaster to make you question your life choices...
Yeah, those “rodent-proof” foams and meshes are a joke once the critters get determined. I’ve seen squirrels gnaw through stuff that was supposed to be steel-reinforced—guess nobody told them about the marketing claims. And you’re right about the bargain bin screws. I had a batch that started rusting before I even got the job finished. Now I just pay up for the good ones and save myself the headache.
About the moisture—honestly, it’s wild how fast things can go south under a house. One little leak and suddenly you’re dealing with mold, rust, and a smell that just won’t quit. I always tell folks, if you’re crawling around under there, wear gloves and a mask. Not worth risking your lungs for a midnight patch job.
Had a pipe burst on me once in the dead of winter. Water everywhere, tools freezing to my hands, and I’m just praying I don’t run into any “guests” while I’m down there. Good times... or not.