Honestly, I've been down that mesh-cover rabbit hole myself. If you're worried about critters, maybe try a simple wire cage with wider spacing—keeps the big stuff out without choking airflow. Just peek up there every few months... carefully, of course. Roof climbing isn't exactly my sport either.
Good call on the wire cage—mesh can clog up pretty fast, especially if you've got trees nearby dropping leaves. A few quick tips from experience:
- Stick with galvanized wire; it'll hold up better against rust.
- Keep spacing around ½ to ¾ inch—small enough to keep squirrels and birds out but big enough for decent airflow.
- If heights aren't your thing, grab a telescoping inspection mirror or even snap a quick pic with your phone on a selfie stick to check things out safely.
You're definitely on the right track... plumbing DIY is always an adventure.
Galvanized wire's solid advice, but have you ever had issues with corrosion at the joints or edges over time? I've seen some setups rust out faster than expected, even when galvanized. Wondering if anyone's tried stainless steel mesh instead... pricier, sure, but might save headaches down the line. Also curious—anyone had luck keeping smaller critters out with spacing closer to ½ inch, or does that just clog quicker?
I've seen galvanized setups rust out quicker than you'd think, especially around joints or cut edges. Stainless steel mesh is definitely pricier, but honestly, it holds up way better long-term—especially if moisture's an issue. As for spacing, I've tried the ½ inch mesh before to keep mice and smaller critters out. It works great for pests, but yeah, it does clog faster with debris and hair. Just something to consider if you're not keen on frequent cleaning...
Had galvanized mesh under my sink cabinet once, and yeah, rust showed up annoyingly fast around the edges. Switched to stainless steel—hurt the wallet a bit, but zero regrets so far. Curious though, anyone find a sweet spot between pest control and easy maintenance?
