Bat Proofing Quality
In theory, bat proofing isn’t too difficult…Just find all the spots bats can get in and seal them. Right?
But, as we all know, putting theory into action is usually better accomplished by the experienced and proficient.
In practice, all bat proofing is not equal.
In the Akron, Canton, Kent, OH area (and probably everywhere) there are those who take jobs promising bat proofing and then actually provide a pretty crumby product. The sad thing is, at first, most homeowners don’t even realize the service they’ve purchased is substandard.
In saying this, we’re not here to call out any specific service provider or toot our own horn. But, we’ve recently done bat jobs where we’ve been called after previous attempts by other providers has proven to be substandard.
Therefore, we offer this blog for those who may have bat problems and are looking to hire someone to take care of the problems.
We offer a couple of provider screening tips and give some video examples of sub-par work so you, the homeowner, are better prepared to ask good questions in your screening process.
Which Bat Proofer to Choose?
Our first and best advice is ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS.
Any potential bat proofers should be able to tell you about:
- the results expected
- warranties they provide
- the ethics of the timing and methodologies used
- the materials being used for the bat proofing
- how the finished product will look
This information should be provided by the contractor, but please don’t hesitate to ask.
It’s sometimes daunting to question contractors when you don’t really know much about a subject but this just bat proofing-bats are out, they can’t get back in, it looks good, it will last.
In the conversation, the contractor should express to you that he or she has considered ethics, aesthetics, and durability in devising the bat proofing action plan.
Our second piece of advice is to ask these two questions:
- Do you use that spray foam type of sealant/gap filler?
- Do you guys own a siding brake? (A tool for custom bending/shaping siding, flashing, trim coil, etc.)
If the answer to the spray foam sealant/gap filler questions is, “Sure, we use that stuff all the time. Its great” be very suspicious.
Sure, it is pet peeve that this “wonder product” gets used so often, but it is often not the best material. Exposed to the elements or animals, its durability is suspect.
Gap filling and sealing should be accomplished with high-quality caulking and backing material of the right size.
If the bat proofing company doesn’t have a siding brake, you may want to cautious as well. While this is not as critical as the spray foam sealant question, ownership of a piece of equipment like this speaks of both an ability and desire for better looking repairs.
We haven’t always owned a brake and it isn’t used on a lot of bat jobs per se. But, an animal removal company which regularly and skillfully uses a brake is often serious about quality repairs.
With that said, here is a recent job where Ryan found another Spray Foam Fail.
Not convinced? Here are a couple of older examples.
In all of these examples, the bat issue may have been addressed in the short term but durability was an issue.
Bat Proofing for Akron / Canton / Kent OH Area
Hopefully, you can use this advice if you have bat problems and are looking for a bat proofing contractor.
For all of your bat proofing needs in Summit, Stark, and Portage Counties, please give us a call.
