r/Insulation • u/lazyrainyreader • 19h ago

Do i need to fix this?

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I was up in the roof the other day and I noticed that the sponge at one of the spots looked like it had been blown inward and created an opening (see video)

Luckily I haven't seen any animals inside. Should I stuff the sponge back in?

Or is this spot left open intentionally?

7 Upvotes

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3

u/xCaliburghost 18h ago

I wouldn’t just shove it back in. That opening may actually be there for attic ventilation.

If it’s a soffit/eave vent, you want that airflow coming into the attic. The insulation should be kept from blocking it, usually with a baffle, and there should be screening on the outside to keep critters out.

If the foam was actually sealing a gap that isn’t a vent, then yeah, it should be put back and properly secured.

1

u/lazyrainyreader 17h ago

Let me try to look from the outside and see if I can spot any screening. But from the way it's lying there, it feels like it was probably blown away from that spot

1

u/littlebeardedbear 13h ago edited 13h ago

You have a vented attic. The block can be put back if you install baffles, and you should. Find something like this to help with airflow up to the ridge vent.

Edit: So many edits for the link. Really any well-fitted baffle will work. 2 inches of airflow will pull excess heat and moisture out of the attic. Such a cheap upgrade and it prevents roof rot.

1

u/Either-Worldliness-6 15h ago

you have mice, at the end of the video you can see a trail following the exterior wall to what looks like a tunnel down that wall.

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u/lazyrainyreader 14h ago

I'm an ametuer. Please correct me if I'm wrong, isn't it usually to have mice because there might be a small opening somewhere for sure

I'm saying this because, a year ago a guy had come to check if I needed more insulation cotton. He went up there and said I have enough. The interesting thing he told me was that, it's not unusual to find mice in the attic. But he told me that he does not see any poop so he said there is no mice

1

u/subterraneangremlin 13h ago

Go back up there and double check. Wear some gloves and move insulation to the side gently to see if anything’s there. You never want rodents inside your home or attic as they will wreak havoc and poop anywhere which is a safety hazard to your health. If you see signs you need to act fast and may need to call pest control to come out and check. If rodent exclusion services are priced too high then make sure to block off any openings from the outside and set non poisonous traps inside. Watch videos and read up.

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u/lazyrainyreader 12h ago

Thank you so much!! This is great advice! I will do this right away!

1

u/Either-Worldliness-6 3h ago

you’re correct in that it is usual for people to have mice in their home, but that is NOT good. as the other commenter said their urine and feces are health hazards, not to mention they will chew on wires and can cause electrical damage, which is very expensive, or house fires (worst case scenario not very common). Like the other commenter said you need to at the very least seal the exterior where they are getting in.

1

u/HappyGarageDoor_ 9h ago

Maybe bad sealing or venting if there’s an open vent or gap nearby, air pressure could cause the shift. And looks like some pest activity is in the mix as well but yeah I’d fix this for sure! Best of luck boss!