Your roof is one of the most difficult parts of your home to access without a ladder or specialized equipment. For your safety, never attempt to climb it without proper precautions. If you’re facing complex roofline issues and no one in your household is able to safely reach the area, it’s best to call a professional, especially if the damage is significant.
Now let’s cut to the chase: while it may seem like a small component, your roof plays a big role in your home’s health. It regulates airflow, prevents moisture buildup, and helps shield your house from both environmental and biological threats.
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: Should attic vents be covered?
The answer is yes. But not in the way you might think.
While attic vents should never be completely blocked, they should be protected with vent covers or screens to keep out pests, weather elements, and debris.
In this article, we’ll explore why attic vent protection is vital, the consequences of neglecting it, and how to safeguard your home the right way.
What is the Purpose of Attic Vents?
Before diving into vent coverings, let us first understand why attic vents exist in the first place.
Attic vents are designed to:
- Circulate air: Proper ventilation helps maintain a balanced temperature in the attic, keeping the temperature regulated and the same as the outside environment.
- Reduce moisture: In winter, warm air from inside your home rises and can create condensation in the attic. Ventilation helps prevent mold, mildew, and wood rot.
- Lower energy costs: In the summer, a ventilated attic helps keep your home cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning.
- Extend roof life: Proper airflow reduces the risk of ice dams in winter and overheating in summer, both of which can damage shingles and roof decking.
The most common types of attic vents include:
- Soffit vents (under the eaves)
- Gable vents (on the exterior wall peaks)
- Ridge vents (along the roof ridge)
- Roof vents or box vents
Each plays a role in a “balanced ventilation system,” but they also leave small openings that are highly vulnerable if left unprotected.
Why Attic Vents Should Not Be Blocked or Covered
The word “cover” can be misleading. It’s critical to understand that attic vents should be covered with screens or barriers, not sealed off. Completely blocking an attic vent defeats its purpose and can lead to heat buildup, moisture problems, and even structural damage.
However, screening attic vents is highly important and here’s why:
1. Preventing Wildlife Intrusion
One of the most common issues we see when dealing with clients at Abra Kadabra Pest & Wildlife involves animals entering homes through attic vents. These openings are often just large enough for:
- Mice
- Squirrels
- Rats
- Birds
- Bats
- Wasps and bees
Once inside, animals can nest in insulation, chew through wires, and create fire hazards or biohazards from droppings and urine.
Case Study: A homeowner in Minnesota called us after hearing scratching sounds in their attic. Upon inspection, we found a mother squirrel and three babies nesting in insulation, accessed through an open gable vent. A simple screen could have saved them from the $3,000 in cleanup and repairs.
Covering attic vents with galvanized steel mesh or wildlife-proof screens creates a barrier while still allowing air to circulate.
2. Blocking Insects and Pests
Tiny openings are all it takes for insects to invade. Bees, wasps, ants, and stink bugs often enter through attic vents, especially during seasonal shifts when they’re looking for shelter.
Insects can:
- Build nests that block airflow
- Damage wood and insulation
- Become aggressive (especially wasps or hornets)
- Move deeper into the home over time
Screening your attic vents is a powerful preventative measure against large-scale infestations. A fine stainless steel mesh, typically 1/8 inch, is ideal for keeping pests out while maintaining proper ventilation.
3. Preventing Debris Buildup
Leaves, twigs, and other outdoor debris can clog attic vents, especially soffit and gable vents that sit lower on the home. Blocked vents restrict airflow and create the perfect environment for:
- Mold growth
- Condensation
- Poor attic temperature regulation
Using covers or screens helps block debris while keeping air flowing. This is particularly helpful in regions with heavy foliage or windy seasons like we see across the Midwest.
4. Protection Against Weather Damage
Unprotected attic vents can also allow rain, snow, or wind-blown moisture into the attic. Over time, this can:
- Rot wood framing
- Rust nails and metal fasteners
- Soak insulation
- Contribute to mold and mildew growth
A mesh vent cover or slanted louvered design provides a barrier that minimizes weather intrusion without reducing airflow.
In winter, especially in cold climates like Minnesota, snow can drift into attic vents and then melt, leading to moisture issues. Ice buildup inside vents is also a risk if cold air hits warm, moist interior air. A well-designed vent cover helps manage this temperature transition more effectively.
5. Discourages Animals From Nesting
Birds, squirrels, and bats often target attic vents for nesting. Not only is this unsanitary, but removing nests from vents can be tricky and costly, especially if protected species are involved (e.g., bats or chimney swifts).
Vent screens:
- Discourage nesting
- Protect the attic and ductwork
- Ensure continuous airflow
Covering your vents proactively saves you from costly remediation later.
What Type of Covers or Screens Work Best?
Not all vent covers are created equal. The best option depends on the vent type and local conditions.
Here are some general guidelines:
Material
- Stainless steel: Rust-resistant and durable
- Galvanized hardware cloth: Common for gable vents and soffits
- Aluminum mesh: Lightweight but can be chewed through by determined animals (not ideal for squirrel-prone areas)
1. Mesh size
- 1/4-inch or 1/8-inch mesh: Small enough to block rodents and insects while maintaining airflow
2. Custom fit
- Custom-cut screens or prefabricated vent covers should fit snugly without impeding ventilation. Gaps or poorly attached screens can still allow pests in.
3. Professional installation
- Proper attachment using screws and weather-resistant caulking ensures screens stay put, even during storms or high winds.
Should You DIY or Call a Pro?
Handy homeowners can install vent covers themselves, especially if vents are easily accessible. However, for hard-to-reach areas, such as roof vents or ridge vents, it’s best to call in professionals.
At Abra Kadabra Pest & Wildlife, we not only install wildlife-proof vent screens, but we also:
- Inspect for existing infestations
- Sanitize and clean the attic
- Seal any other entry points
- Offer attic restoration services if damage has occurred
The Risks of Doing Nothing
If your attic vents are open or poorly covered, you’re risking more than just a minor annoyance. Over time, the consequences can include:
- Fire hazards from chewed wires
- Health risks from mold, droppings, and urine
- Structural damage to insulation, wood, and ductwork
- Recurring pest infestations
- Higher energy bills
All of these are far more expensive than the simple cost of vent screens and installation.
In Conclusion
Your attic is the gateway between your home and the outside world, and attic vents are one of its most vulnerable entry points. Covering them with well-fitted, durable screens is one of the smartest home protection strategies you can adopt.
While it may seem like a small task, vent screening plays a huge role in:
- Keeping your home pest-free
- Reducing long-term maintenance
- Improving energy efficiency
- Protecting your investment
So, should attic vents be covered? Yes, absolutely. But properly, and not completely covered. It should be screened and not sealed; it should be protected, not blocked.
Need help protecting your attic vents? Contact Abra Kadabra Pest & Wildlife to schedule a full attic inspection and learn how our wildlife-proof vent covers can keep your home safe and secure, season after season.
