Expanding foam all day long
Better yet, anti-rodent expanding foam
Is that an actual thing? I diy’d some of that by shoving a bunch of steel-wool into the foam while it was wet. Seems to have worked.
That should work actually, we already know they don’t like steel wool so you’ve likely achieved the same effect
@SirNuke All of the comments saying spray foam are technically correct - that is the easiest way but it will look like orange crap. Some people mentioned steel wool - avoid that because it rusts and will end up looking like orange crap. Find some “excluder mesh”, which an inexpensive product sold to the pest control industry - it is a nylon mesh with reinforcing fibers…think Brillo pad stiffness. Stuff the gap to fill it then use silicone sealant to finish it off.
I would say the expanding foam would still be preferred. Just don’t go crazy with it. Then before it’s fully cured, cut it back flush. Wait for it to dry then caulk to cover/seal.
That’s a good suggestion, I was looking at stainless steel wool and wasn’t finding a lot of great options.
@SirNuke Another option if you don’t want to source excluder mesh is to get some “backer rod” - a painter’s product sold as “caulk saver” at the home improvement palace. You use it to fill large gaps which you then seal over with caulk or silicone.
My first thought is great stuff but honestly I have only used it in a crafting context and I am sure someone else will have a better idea or be able to explain why my gut reaction is not going to work. Also could look ugly if the foam expands out of the hole though it can be cut off to be even once cured.
Sealant foam was also my thought.
For context, this is leading to my AC unit. While hanging a light above my workbench, I noticed daylight coming in from the wall where there shouldn’t be any. It appears a previous owner had pulled back the insulation and forgot to put it back - shudder to think how much money that’s costed me over the last two years. Would like a hardier seal than insulation to stop water and mice, but not sure what is required.
Really depends on access. Can goy access it from the backside? Quick and easy, but a little messy, expanding foam.
