Raccoons and Celotex: Weaknesses in Old Sheeting Materials

At Frontline Animal Removal, we frequently encounter raccoons that exploit weaknesses in building materials to gain entry into homes.

One area of concern we’ve seen over the years is the use of older materials like Celotex brand sheeting and, in more recent construction, Styrofoam sheeting.

While Celotex is not used as sheeting anymore (Asbestos issues), it and rigid foam panels are found in many exterior walls here in the Akron, Canton, Kent Ohio area.

Unfortunately for homeowners, these materials often present opportunities for persistent wildlife, particularly raccoons, to make their way into homes.

What is Celotex Sheeting?

Celotex is a type of fiberboard that was commonly used for wall sheeting in homes from the 1940s through the 1980s. It’s made of organic fibers, pressed together into a semi-rigid panel, often with an asphalt-coated surface for moisture resistance.

Celotex was affordable, lightweight, and easy to install, which made it a popular choice for builders. For a time, it was considered a practical solution for insulating homes and acting as a moisture barrier under siding.

However, despite its popularity, Celotex has some significant weaknesses, especially when it comes to wildlife intrusion.

While it may have offered some insulation, its relatively soft and fibrous composition makes it vulnerable to damage, particularly by animals like raccoons. This weakness becomes especially apparent when siding becomes loose or worn, leaving the Celotex sheeting below exposed to the elements and wildlife.

Please watch this recent job as Ryan shows a house where loose siding, a Celotex sheeting, and a raccoon combined to cause a real problem for the homeowner.

Raccoons and Celotex: A Perfect Storm

Raccoons are clever, opportunistic creatures, and they can find and exploit even the smallest vulnerabilities in a home’s exterior.

As the above video showed, once the raccoon found the vulnerability there was no stopping its attic entry. The homeowner had been hearing noises in the attic but wasn’t sure how the raccoon had gotten in. Upon inspection, Ryan found that the raccoon had pushed aside the siding and torn right through the Celotex sheeting underneath.

This is a classic example of the weakness of Celotex when it comes to wildlife. While properly sided, it did its job properly for many years.  But once exposed, the Celotex became susceptible because it was never designed with raccoons in mind. The raccoon was able to easily tear through the sheeting to create a hole large enough to climb through, gaining access to the attic.

Styrofoam Sheeting: Still Used in the Building Industry

While Celotex is no longer commonly used in modern construction, it’s not unusual for us to encounter homes that have been built or repaired with Styrofoam sheeting.

Rigid foam panels are often used as a less-inexpensive, more-insulating material.  But, like Celotex, it offers little in the way of physical protection against wildlife.

Raccoons can easily chew through or tear apart Styrofoam, leaving homes exposed to further damage and infestations.  So it too is very vulnerable to animal intrusion if an animal has an opportunity.

Frontline Animal Removal Provides Wildlife Solution

In our example job this week the raccoon was safely removed from the attic.  Then Ryan made sure to prevent any future intrusions.

After thoroughly inspecting the area, he reinforced the weak spot by installing OSB sheeting where the damaged Celotex was.

OSB, made from compressed wood strands, is much more durable and provides a solid barrier that raccoons cannot easily penetrate. By installing OSB (or plywood) behind the siding, Ryan ensured that this problem area would be significantly more resistant to future wildlife attempts.

Once the OSB was securely in place, Ryan reattached the siding, making sure that all edges were tightly fitted and sealed. This not only restored the home’s exterior but also provided long-term protection against raccoons and other wildlife.

The combination of removing the raccoon and reinforcing the structure with strong, durable materials prevented the problem from happening again.

Conclusion: Strong Repairs for Long-Term Solutions

At Frontline Animal Removal, we understand that preventing wildlife problems is just as important as removing the animals themselves.

When materials like Celotex or Styrofoam are compromised, they provide little defense against determined raccoons.

That’s why, after every removal, we focus on making long-lasting repairs using durable materials to ensure your home stays protected.

If you suspect raccoons or other wildlife have found their way into your home, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you get rid of the animals and make sure they can’t get back in!