That’s a solid method—copper mesh and silicone really do the trick, especially when the weather turns nasty. I tried steel wool once and regretted it after a couple months... just a pile of rust and a new mouse trail. One thing I’d add is to double-check for any sharp edges on the copper before sealing it up. I sliced my finger pretty good last fall, rushing to beat the rain. Gloves are your friend. Anyway, your raccoon story made me laugh—those guys are relentless.
Yeah, steel wool’s a pain for sure—learned that the hard way in my first winter. I’ve also found that if you’re sealing up around pipes, a quick wipe with rubbing alcohol helps the silicone stick better, especially if it’s damp out. Those raccoons can find any weak spot, it’s wild. And yeah, gloves... always.
I get the alcohol trick, but honestly, I’ve had mixed results with silicone in cold weather. Sometimes it just doesn’t cure right, even if you prep the surface. I actually prefer using expanding foam for bigger gaps—less finicky, especially when you’re racing daylight. Raccoons though... yeah, they’ll chew through just about anything if they want in bad enough.
Plumbing Tips That Change With The Seasons
Funny you mention the raccoons—last winter I patched a crawlspace vent with foam, thinking I was clever, and by spring there was a raccoon-sized hole right through it. Guess they wanted in more than I wanted them out. I hear you on silicone in the cold, too. I’ve had it turn into a gummy mess when temps drop, even after hitting the area with a heat gun first. Expanding foam’s been my go-to for quick fixes, but I’ve noticed it can get brittle after a few freeze-thaw cycles. Ever had that happen? I’m always torn between speed and durability when the weather’s working against me. Curious if anyone’s found a sealant that actually holds up well below freezing, or is it just a matter of crossing your fingers and hoping for the best until spring?
Had the same thing happen with expanding foam—looked solid all winter, then crumbled apart once things thawed out. Tried that “cold weather” caulk one year, but it peeled right off by March. Honestly, I’m starting to think duct tape and crossed fingers work about as well as anything until it warms up.