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Expert: - 3/28/2010


Question

what is this called
Hi Nazim, I don't know if this is your expertise or maybe you can refer me to a different expert. I posted a picture of the item. It is located in the exterior of the house close to the roof top. I would like to know what is this called and what is the purpose for it. I noticed that birds like to nest in there and due to that some insects have been crawling inside the house. Who is the proper person to hire to get rid of the bird's nests without harming them, and maybe adding a mesh to prevent any future animals from crawling back in there.

Answer
Hi Elsa,

Typically these sort of vents are found on spanish style, or spanish eclectic style homes. They may have a name (sorry, don't know what it is), but typically this style has vents and they are stucco or tile decorative gable vents.

To keep birds out you will really need something to keep them from getting in at all, which probably means some sort of screen toward the outside end of the vent.  I actually haven't seen what you need so it may be something you need a metal worker to make (perhaps a metal round frame with wire mesh, and some tabs that you can use clear silicone to adhere to the tile).  There may be a product made, but I'm not aware of it.  Sometimes a trip to the hardware store will yield something that will work if you just look through the isles to repurpose something else.  If you want a down and dirty (but not-too-pretty) way, you could take fiberglass window screen mesh and wrap it around the opening and then purchase large zip ties and zip tie it around the outside of the tile.

As for getting rid of the birds, my sister-in-law is with a program that takes in wild animals and nurses them to health before releasing them. Typically you can call your local animal control and ask for someone like this who may be able to help.

Good luck!

Nazim Nice
Principal / Architect
http://www.motion-space.com
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    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you Nazim for your advice. I was going insane with all those insects crawling through the wall.I hope once I get the mesh I won't see them again.


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Nazim Nice

Expertise

I am a Seattle Architect and can answer architecture and design related questions. Ask me about material suggestions or usage. Ask me about design options - what is good design and what is bad. Ask me about choosing exterior house colors and furniture layout options. Ask me about detailing and assembling houses or components in the home. Ask me about green design or materials. Ask me about choosing an architect, the architectural services, basement remodels, second story additions, and whole house remodels. Ask me about garage design, bathroom remodels, laundry and mudroom design, family room additions, and roof deck additions.

Experience

Over 12 years of practice in the Architectural field including three years of internship plus 5 years of school. I have taught at the Knowlton School of Architecture at the Ohio State University and lectured at Carnegie Mellon University. I currently own and run the Seattle Architecture Firm, Motionspace Architecture + Design PLLC.

Organizations
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB, Seattle Architects | Motionspace Architecture + Design. More information at our blog the (un)common house. Lumen ID Custom Engraved Switch Plates with Labels.

Education/Credentials
BArch from Carnegie Mellon University & Andrew Carnegie Scholar

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