soffit vent mesh...

[jbuild]

Hi, I need to fix about four fine mesh wire soffit vents. They are roughly about 15x7cm. Either they have rusted or have been pecked by birds. So far have kept birds out with some duct tape but need to fix vents so they can do their job!!

Problem is that the very fine mesh is sold in huge 30m lengths which is a bit much for what I need.

plastic = £16 (not bad price I guess)
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=53657&ts=72737

steel = £39
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=76498&ts=73004

a sheet of 0.5mm mesh from wickes is £5 but I am afraid it would make a nice home for wasps.

so from your experiences

1) plastic or steel?

2) anybody seen lengths less than 30m ???

If anybody has some fine mesh spare will happily buy it off them

thanks, Joe

 

[masona]

Can you do a photo so we can help you further with the correct advice?

 

[jbuild]

I am away from the house today but will get a pic asap. I also need to get the exact measurements of the hole that the vent fits into (apologies for posting without these exact details)

However, the soffit essentially looks like the rectangular one below except it is made of a rectangle of fine wire mesh and was probably pre-attached to the soffit board.

 

[masona]

Okay, you can get a replacement similar to the one you've got or fit an oversize mesh vent over it.(cheaper this way) how many vent do you have? The more the merrier

Screwfix do the Crcular Soffit Vent White or Brown and drill cutter to fix them

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=68936&ts=84088

If you're thinking of repairing the old vent, you can buy stainless steel fine mesh from most good diy superstores

 

[Deluks]

Get some metal mesh frying pan splatter screens from poundland You get 3 for...a pound! I used them on the air vents in the shed, cut to size they do the job.

 

[jbuild]

Deluks, that is a cracking idea. Hard to get fine mesh needed from DIY store. The splatter should be stainless steel as well so should last too.