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The Handyguys take two fan questions on very different topics. Eliminating squirrels and carpeting options for a basement.
Eliminating Squirrels
The Handyguys received the following question from Larry, a listener of the show:
Hi, I have squirrels eating away at the lead pipe flashing (roof jack) that surround the PVC vent pipes that extend out of the roof and along some fascia boards. In searching for a solution, one person said they may be missing a mineral in their diet. Another said they chew to keep their teeth from growing to long.
- Any truth to these?
- Any idea why they eat lead pipe flashing (roof jack)?
- How can I stop them permanently from eating the lead pipe flashing (roof jack) and fascia boards?
- How can I repair the lead pipe flashing (roof jack) with buying entirely new pipe flashing and lifting shingles?
Larry – We aren’t completely sure why the squirrels are trying to get into your house. Brian’s guess is they want to come in out of the cold. Regardless, you don’t want the squirrels destroying your house. We suggest you begin an aggressive relocation program. You can get a trap and easily relocate the squirrels. Check out this one from Havahart
As for repair, you should just replace the boot on the pipe vent through your roof. You can use Bondo for the fascia. We discuss some other options in the podcast. Make sure you give it a listen.
Carpet for your basement
The Handyguys then take a question from Eric about carpet for his basement:
First, off just wanted to say great site and great information.
Here is my situation. Carpet and the basement. My wife and I are nearly done with our basement and ready to pick out and put in some nice carpet. But we have no idea how to buy carpet or what sort of padding is best to put under the carpet. Our basement is a solid poured concrete floor and walls. We have no water or any moisture to really mention a small dehumidifier runs occasionally and the basement seems dry.
We have 3 young kids and one big dog and would like a carpet and padding that would be able to hold up.
Thanks
Eric
The Handyguys discuss some different carpet options. Both Brian & Paul are in agreement that a decent pad that is not absorbent is a must. Also, you may want to consider commercial carpet as well.
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| Loop Berber | Commercial |
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| Twist pile | Padding |
What are you doing lately?
We wrap up the show with a discussion about some cabinets that are pulling off the wall because they are overloaded. These are a decent brand of cabinets. Brian was able to add some screws into the soffit to hold them until the cabinets are repaired.
Try the product SquirrelGard for your led jack problem. You can put it on new roof systems, so the squirrels never eat your led jacks or you can put in on after the squirrels have eaten it. Have it on my house.
Jennifer – Thanks for the info.
Even though you don’t see moisture in your basement be sure you put padding down that is especially designed for basements as well as a good carpet that will last for a long time. I found so great help at http://www.smartcarpetoceannj.com and I love my basement carpet.
To those who are putting carpet down in their basements: I would recommend verifying the integrity of the foundation before the new carpet is placed. Any cracks should be investigated and sealed even if there are no apparent moisture problems yet. If cracks do become serious, the new carpet will probably be ruined, so it is best to address this early.
Trapping and relocating any wild animal that is causing problems is not the solution. You have to remove the attraction and/or change their behavior or you will be continuously dealing with the same problems. Many times the reason animals come into a structure is to nest which means there are babies in there and you have trapped the mother and left the babies to slowly die or put the burden on a local wildlife rehabilitator. Also, relocated animals (especially ones that have grown up in the urban area that they are trapped in) that are dumped in the woods, find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings and many times have a lower rate of survival. You need to work with a professional that knows what they are doing with regards to wildlife and understands the different species behavior…. deterrents and exclusions work much better 95% of the time…. NOT trapping.