Attic / Crawlspace Exclusion
Attic and crawlspace exclusion is a structural sealing service involving the installation of physical barriers across exterior openings, designed to help deter wildlife from entering upper and lower building cavities.
6 possible tasks · typical 4-step process
What it is
This service generally involves identifying and mechanically sealing existing and potential animal access points around rooflines, eaves, foundation perimeters, and subfloor access areas. Service providers typically install metal hardware and weather-resistant sealants intended to resist gnawing, scratching, and outdoor exposure. Attic and crawlspace exclusion focuses primarily on barrier installation and structural sealing. It typically does not include chemical pest control treatments, structural framing repairs, or complete insulation replacement, though specific scope can vary by contractor.
What Attic / Crawlspace Exclusion can include
Ridge and Soffit Vent Fortification
Involves reinforcing vulnerable roof ridge openings and soffit intake panels, commonly utilizing galvanized steel mesh or screening fastened to the building framing to resist animal entry.
Foundation Vent and Well Screening
Can include installing metal covers, welded wire mesh, or custom grates across ground-level crawlspace vents, access wells, and subfloor ventilation points.
Roof-to-Fascia Gap Sealing
Typically entails installing custom-fitted metal flashing and polyurethane-based sealants along the roof drip edge and fascia line to close gaps leading into attic cavities.
Gable Louver Reinforcement
Involves securing interior or exterior galvanized hardware cloth or protective screening behind architectural gable vents to deter bats, squirrels, raccoons, or birds.
Plumbing and Utility Penetration Closure
Addresses exterior voids around conduit runs, refrigerant lines, gas pipes, and HVAC line chases, often utilizing materials such as copper mesh, exterior-rated foam, and elastomeric sealants.
One-Way Exclusion Door Deployment
May incorporate the temporary installation of directional exit doors or funnels over primary travel routes, allowing wildlife to leave the space while restricting reentry.
How the work is typically performed
- 1
Structural Vulnerability Inspection
Professionals typically review accessible exterior and interior areas of the building envelope, noting potential entry gaps, rub marks, chewed materials, and structural openings from foundation level to the roof.
- 2
Exclusion Device Installation
Temporary one-way exit devices, such as funnels or hinged doors, may be secured over primary animal pathways to allow resident animals to leave the attic or crawlspace.
- 3
Comprehensive Secondary Point Sealing
Accessible gaps, structural junctions, and unfortified architectural openings are generally sealed using materials such as galvanized hardware cloth, metal flashing, and specialized sealants.
- 4
Device Removal and Permanent Sealing
Following an observation period to determine whether animal activity has ceased, the temporary exclusion devices are removed and the remaining access points are permanently secured.
Common reasons customers look for this service
- Observation of sounds such as scurrying, scratching, or rustling within ceilings, walls, or subfloor spaces
- Visible gnawing, scratching, or physical displacement noted on soffits, fascia boards, or crawlspace access doors
- Presence of animal traces such as droppings, food debris, or disturbed insulation in attic or crawlspace areas
- Damaged, loose, or missing vent grates, louver screens, or foundation vent covers
- Desire to fortify structural gaps following previous wildlife removal or trapping services
About Attic / Crawlspace Exclusion
How does wildlife exclusion typically differ from animal trapping?
Trapping generally focuses on capturing and removing specific animals present within a building. Exclusion services focus on modifying structural openings using durable physical barriers to help deter animals from entering or returning. The two approaches are sometimes combined, depending on the situation and provider.
What materials are commonly used to secure entry points during exclusion?
Service providers typically use materials designed to resist weather and animal gnawing, such as galvanized welded steel wire mesh, heavy-gauge metal flashing, copper mesh, exterior polyurethane foams, and mechanical fasteners. The exact materials selected can depend on the structure and the specific wildlife involved.
How do exclusion methods address wildlife that may already be inside?
In many cases, providers install temporary one-way exclusion valves or funnels over active entry points. These devices are designed to let animals leave the attic or crawlspace while preventing them from reentering through the same point. Once activity has ceased, the devices are typically removed and the opening is sealed, though specific procedures vary by provider.
This page provides general information about Attic / Crawlspace Exclusion for reference only. It is not professional, safety, medical, legal or financial advice, and it does not describe the services of any particular provider. Scope, methods and timing vary by provider and situation. Kuldesac does not perform these services; contact a qualified provider directly to discuss your specific needs.