When the floor starts talking: a home renovation mystery

That’s wild - squirrels are relentless once they find a cozy spot. I’ve seen similar surprises in older properties, and honestly, it’s why I always say you can’t just chalk up every noise to “old house charm.” Sometimes it’s just the house settling, but sometimes it’s a whole ecosystem under your feet. Ever had to deal with critters coming back after you thought you’d sealed everything up? That’s the part that drives me nuts...

Ever had to deal with critters coming back after you thought you’d sealed everything up? That’s the part that drives me nuts...

- 100% agree, sealing up isn’t always a one-and-done deal.
- I’ve had raccoons rip right through “critter-proof” mesh - twice. They’re stubborn.
- Key is checking every inch, especially spots you think are too small for anything to squeeze through.
- Sometimes it’s not even the same animal coming back, just new ones finding the old path.
- Old houses = endless surprises. Not always the good kind.

- Totally get it - critters are relentless. I’ve had squirrels chew through foam sealant like it was nothing.
- Sometimes I wonder if the “critter-proof” stuff is just a suggestion to them.
- Ever tried using metal flashing instead of mesh? Curious if anyone’s had better luck with that, especially in older homes with weird gaps.

Metal flashing actually worked better for me than mesh, especially around odd-shaped gaps near the foundation. Mesh was just an invitation for raccoons to test their teeth, I swear. The only catch is that cutting and bending flashing for those weird corners takes some patience (and a few band-aids). Foam sealant felt like wishful thinking after watching mice tunnel right through it... If your house is older, you’ll probably find gaps you didn’t even know existed. It’s a process, but metal definitely slowed them down more than anything else I tried.

Metal flashing is a lifesaver, but man, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve sliced my knuckles on those sharp edges. I get what you mean about mesh - raccoons treat it like a challenge, and once they get started, it’s game over. I’ve had more luck with hardware cloth in some spots, but even then, if there’s any give, the critters just keep at it until they’re in.

Foam sealant is basically mouse food in older properties. I learned that the hard way on a duplex I picked up last year - sealed what looked like a tiny gap under the back porch, only to find shredded foam and mouse droppings a week later. Ended up pulling out all the foam and going with overlapping flashing, anchored tight with Tapcon screws. Not pretty, but it works.

One thing I’ll add: don’t sleep on concrete patch for weird gaps near the foundation. It’s not as flexible as metal for odd shapes, but if you can wedge some backer rod in first and then pack it tight with hydraulic cement, you can close off some of those “mystery” holes that seem to appear out of nowhere in these old houses.

And yeah, patience is key - especially when you’re crawling around under a porch or in a crawlspace with a headlamp and everything smells like dirt and regret. But after dealing with one too many “talking” floors (usually squirrels or mice), I’d rather take the time upfront than spend another winter listening to critters throwing parties between the joists.

If you ever find something that actually deters raccoons for good, let me know... I’m convinced they’re evolving faster than my renovation skills.

Metal flashing is great until you’re on your third band-aid and still not done. I’ve started wearing those cheap mechanic gloves just to save my hands - makes a difference, even if they get shredded by the end. Hardware cloth is my go-to for anything persistent, but yeah, raccoons are basically furry burglars with PhDs in breaking and entering. I swear, one of them once figured out how to pry open a vent cover I thought was bombproof.

Totally agree about foam sealant being mouse candy. I tried that expanding stuff in a crawlspace last year, and it was like ringing the dinner bell. Pulled it all out and did exactly what you described - overlapping metal, Tapcons, and a lot of cursing.

Concrete patch is underrated. I use backer rod too, but sometimes I’ll shove in some steel wool before the cement just to make it extra annoying for anything trying to chew through. Not sure if it helps, but it makes me feel better.

If anyone ever cracks the raccoon code, they deserve a medal... or maybe just a quiet night’s sleep.

I’ve always wondered if raccoons have a secret union or something - mine seem to coordinate shifts. I hear you on the gloves; I’ve gone through so many pairs, I should buy stock. Ever tried using recycled rubber mats as a barrier? Not perfect, but they’re less brutal on the hands than metal. I’m still not convinced about steel wool, though. Doesn’t it rust out after a while and just make a mess? Or maybe that’s just my luck.

Raccoons really do seem to have a sixth sense for timing, don’t they? I’ve watched them on my security cam - one leaves, another waddles in like it’s clockwork. I tried the recycled rubber mats too, and you’re right, way easier on the hands than wrestling with sharp metal. As for steel wool, I had the same issue - rust city after a wet season. Switched to copper mesh last year and it’s holding up better so far, though it’s pricier. Still, less mess to clean up later.

Copper mesh is a solid upgrade - I've noticed the same thing with steel wool just turning into a rusty mess after a few months. Did you find the copper mesh easy to work with, though? I tried it once and it was a bit fiddly, but maybe I was overthinking it. The price tag stings, but I guess if it keeps the raccoons out and doesn’t fall apart, it’s worth it in the long run.

Funny thing, I once tried using expanding foam as a quick fix, thinking it’d be enough to block a gap under my porch. Raccoons just tore right through it like it was nothing. Lesson learned - sometimes the “easy” solution just creates more work later. Have you noticed any difference in how the copper holds up in wet weather compared to the steel? I’m in a pretty damp area, so longevity is a big deal for me.

- Copper mesh definitely takes a bit of getting used to - it's not as forgiving as steel wool, but I found if you cut it into smaller strips and kind of “pack” it in with a flathead screwdriver, it stays put better. The first time I tried, I just shoved a big wad in and it kept springing out. Lesson learned.

- Price-wise, yeah, it hurts. But after seeing how steel wool just dissolves in a few months (and stinks up the crawlspace), I’m convinced copper’s worth it. Haven’t had to redo any spots yet, which is a win in my book.

- Wet weather: copper holds up way better for me. I’m in the Pacific Northwest, so everything’s damp all the time. Steel wool turned orange and crumbly fast, but the copper mesh looks almost new after a year. No weird smells, no rust stains.

- Expanding foam... been there. Raccoons are basically demolition experts. I tried foam and they just laughed at me (well, probably). Now I always combine mesh with something solid, like hardware cloth, if it’s a big gap.

- If you’re dealing with persistent critters and moisture, copper mesh plus a little patience seems to be the way to go.

Copper mesh really is a game changer for old houses, especially when you’re dealing with critters that seem to have engineering degrees. I’ve found it works best if you double up the mesh in spots where the gaps are uneven - those old floorboards never line up quite right. Hardware cloth underneath is a solid move too, though I’ll admit, cutting it to fit around pipes is a pain. Still beats crawling under there every spring to redo rusted steel wool.

Ever tried using natural fiber mesh instead of copper? I’ve been curious if it holds up as well, especially in damp crawl spaces. Copper’s great, but I always wonder about the environmental impact long-term. Anyone notice a difference in critter persistence with different materials?

I’ve actually tried natural fiber mesh in my old basement, and I get where you’re coming from. It’s definitely better for the environment, but in really damp spots, it started to break down after a year or so. Critters seemed to find their way back in once it got soft. Copper lasts longer, but yeah, it’s not exactly eco-friendly. If you’re set on natural fibers, maybe try doubling up or adding a vapor barrier? It’s a bit more work, but could help it last longer.

If you’re set on natural fibers, maybe try doubling up or adding a vapor barrier? It’s a bit more work, but could help it last longer.

That’s a good call. I’ve seen folks have some luck with vapor barriers, especially in older basements where moisture is just part of the deal. If you want to stick with natural mesh, you might want to look into jute or hemp - they tend to hold up a little better in damp conditions than some of the lighter stuff like sisal.

One thing I’d caution about doubling up: sometimes it traps moisture between the layers and actually speeds up decay if there isn’t enough airflow. If you go that route, make sure everything’s bone dry before you seal it up. I’ve had clients who used a thin layer of lime plaster over the mesh for extra protection - kind of old school, but it works in the right setting.

Critters are always going to test your defenses, but keeping things dry and sealed tight is half the battle. Copper’s tough to beat for longevity, but yeah... not great for the planet or the wallet. Always trade-offs in this business.

One thing I’d caution about doubling up: sometimes it traps moisture between the layers and actually speeds up decay if there isn’t enough airflow.

That’s a solid point. I learned that lesson the hard way in a 1920s bungalow - thought I was being clever with double layers, but ended up with a musty science experiment under the floorboards. Lime plaster is underrated, honestly. It’s messy, but it does the trick if you’re patient. And yeah, copper’s great until you see the price tag... or try to haul it up a flight of stairs.

Lime plaster’s one of those things I never thought I’d get into, but after patching a wall with it last year, I’m a convert. Way less drama with moisture compared to drywall, that’s for sure. As for copper - yeah, my wallet still hasn’t forgiven me for that plumbing upgrade. Sometimes I wonder if PEX is the way to go, even if it doesn’t have that old-school charm... but hey, it’s light enough to carry without pulling a muscle.

Sometimes I wonder if PEX is the way to go, even if it doesn’t have that old-school charm... but hey, it’s light enough to carry without pulling a muscle.

Honestly, my back votes for PEX every time. Copper looks great, but my wallet and my chiropractor both prefer plastic. Plus, if you mess up a cut, it’s not like you just wasted a small fortune.

I used to be all about copper, mostly because my dad swore by it and I liked the idea of doing things “the right way.” But after wrestling a 10-foot stick up a ladder and nearly dropping it through a window, I was ready to try PEX. The flexibility is a game changer, especially in tight spots under floors where you’re already playing Twister with the joists. Only thing is, I do kind of miss the satisfying clang of copper when you tap it into place... but my knees and my budget are happier with PEX these days.

Only thing is, I do kind of miss the satisfying clang of copper when you tap it into place... but my knees and my budget are happier with PEX these days.

I get the love for PEX - my back thanks me every time I skip the torch and the endless elbow fittings. But honestly, I still swear by copper in spots where it’s exposed. That “clang” you mentioned? It’s like a little victory bell when you get it right. Plus, I’ve had a couple PEX connections drip on me after a year or two... maybe user error, but still makes me nervous under hardwood.

Yeah, I totally get the nerves about PEX under wood floors - I've read a bunch of mixed stories. But I think half the battle is just being careful with the install, right? Honestly, the copper clang sounds satisfying, but dragging pipe around corners... not so much. Still figuring out what makes sense for my place.