DIY Network

Case of the Unwanted Houseguests Home inspector Tim Hockenberry is on the prowl to seek out and remove unwanted houseguests. From "Finders Fixers" episode DFFX-107

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Building a Screen Wall Behind Deck Boards

Homeowner Lisa Marsden learns how to prevent creatures from burrowing under her deck when home inspector Tim Hockenberry shows her how to utilize a Humane Society-approved plan to keep them away. He helps her dig a trench and bury wire mesh under the deck to prevent critters from burrowing under the deck in the future. To prevent accidentally trapping an animal inside the mesh barrier, they also install a humane exit-only trapdoor.

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Materials:

galvanized hardwire mesh
cage with one-way door
cutting pliers
gloves
shovel
pickax
cordless drill
2" screws
wires

1. Use a shovel to carefully dig up the sod; it will be put back in place when the repair is complete (figure A).

2. With the sod removed, use a pickax to dig a trench around the deck. The trench should be 8" wide and approximately 1' deep (figure B).

3. Remove the first row of boards from the deck. Use a cordless drill to remove the screws and detach the boards; a low slow-drill speed is necessary to avoid stripping the screw heads (figure C).

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

4. To install the screen (figure D), first crease the mesh to give it firm footing underground (figure E).

5. Place the screen in the trench and attach to the deck posts with 2" screws (figure F).

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

6. Reattach the original deck boards over the new screen. Next, backfill the trench and replace the sod (figure G). Do not replace the last board, closest to the house (figure H); a one-way door will be installed in this area (figure I).

Figure G

Figure H

Figure I

7. Cut a hole in the new screen that’s approximately 1" smaller than the opening in the cage (figure J).

8. Use wires to connect the cage to the screen (figure K). Cover the flanges of the cage with soil (figure L).

Figure J

Figure K

Figure L

Rescreening Attic Gable Vent

Materials:

1/2" hardwire mesh
hammer
nails
cutting pliers
gloves
measuring tape

1. Measure the area to be covered with mesh wire. Use cutting pliers and gloves, cut the mesh wire to size; use heavy-duty 1/4" galvanized hardwire mesh for optimum results.

2. Nail the mesh in place, being careful not to knock the attic gable askew.

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