Attic Soffit and Foundation Vent Bug Screens

  
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Copyright ?2003-2009   Screen Technology Group, Inc. 
 
Last modified: March 24, 2009
 
 

Copper Soffit Vent Screens Openings Per Linear Inch
 Soffit Vent Screen Opening
 Stainless Steel Wire Diameter
 Open Area
 
Inches
 M.M.
 Inches
 M.M.
 
4 0.203" 5.516 0.047" 1.194 65.9%
8 0.097" 2.464 0.028" 0.711 60.2%
16 0.051" 1.168 0.011" 0.229 67.9%
 
The 16 Mesh specification is not recommended in applications subject to large pests such as rats, squirrels, bats, birds, raccoons and skunks. 
 
To visit the "Insect Screen" page, click here
 
 

Soffit, Gable and Roof Vent Screening is a common woven wire cloth "exclusion" application.  A well-ventilated attic keeps the building more comfortable in summer and guards against moist, heated air building up in winter.
 
Galvanized Vent Screens
With a proven history of performance, Galvanized Soffit vent screen is a specification group utilized in many light commercial and residential building applications. 
Galvanized vent screens usually last a minimum of ten years, up to a maximum of twenty years depending on the environment which they are exposed to.  The hot dip galvanized wire surface tends to be somewhat rough which causes dirt and grime to adhere and eventually build up to the point where considerable open area is lost, restricting air flow to the ventilated area.  Periodic cleaning with a soft brush will remove the surface buildup.  
 
Galvanized Soffit and Ground Vent Screens Wires Per Linear Inch
 Screen Opening
 Gauge
 Wire Diameter After Galvanizing
 Open Area
 In Stock Roll Widths 
Inches
 M.M.
 #
 Inches
 M.M.
 
4 Mesh
 0.224"
 5.69
 23
 0.0258"
 0.66
 80.4%
 2.5" 2.75" 3"  4" 6" 8"
8 Mesh
 0.108"
 2.74
 27
 0.0173"
 0.44
 74.2%
 - - 3" 4" 6" 8"
 
As you will note in the table above, the standard galvanized soffit vent bug screen  specifications include two aperture choices, 0.224" and 0.108".  Either opening will exclude rodents, birds and squirrels but neither can prevent insect entry.  For smaller insect level exclusion, standard galvanized screen can be applied inside the primary vent screen, however the addition of the second smaller aperture screen will cause a slight reduction of the useable open area. Any reduction of open area should be avoided without the advice of your architect or builder.
 
Stainless Steel Vent Screens
Stainless Steel has some major advantages over Galvanized Steel as the life expectancy is much longer in addition to the benefits of superior strength and surface condition.  When considering only the labor to replace a vent screen, stainless steel can be worth the investment.
 
When larger pests such as rats, squirrels, bats, birds, raccoons and skunks are no threat, a single layer of the standard duty stainless steel specifications listed below will provide insect exclusion down to 0.041". 
 
Standard Duty Stainless Steel Soffit Vent Screens Openings Per Linear Inch
 Soffit Vent Screen Opening
 Stainless Steel Wire Diameter
 Open Area
 
Inches
 M.M.
 Inches
 M.M.
 
14 x 14 0.062" 1.575 0.009" 0.229 76.4%
16 x 16 0.053" 1.358 0.009" 0.229 73.3%
18 x 18 0.046" 1.168 0.009" 0.229 70.2%
18 x 14  0.046" x 0.062" 1.168 x 1.575 0.009" 0.229 73.2%
20 x 20 0.041" 1.041 0.009" 0.229" 67.2%
 
 
Commercial and Industrial applications requiring a higher level of strength and security in addition to a much longer life expectancy should consider the specifications listed in the table below.
 Commercial and Industrial Grade Stainless Steel Soffit and Ground Vent Screens Openings Per Linear Inch
 Soffit and Ground Vent Screen Opening
 Stainless Steel Wire Diameter
 Open Area
 
Inches
 M.M.
 Inches
 M.M.
 
4 x 4 0.215" 5.461 0.035" 0.889 74%
6 x 6 0.138" 3.505 0.028" 0.711 69.2%
8 x 8 0.100" 2.540 0.025" 0.635 64%
 
 
Commercially Pure Copper Vent Screens
Copper vent screens are best suited for ocean front applications subject to salt spray.  Copper is also frequently specified based solely on cosmetic appearance. 

Attic Soffit and Foundation Vent Bug Screens Printable Version