How to Animal-proof a Porch

In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains how to animal-proof a porch.


Steps:

1 Dig 8- to 12-inch-deep trench alongside porch.

2 Cut hardware cloth slightly larger than opening under porch

3 Use 2x4 to bend a 6-inch-wide L-shaped flange into hardware cloth.

4 Cut hole in hardware cloth with aviation snips.

5 Attach one-way door over hole in hardware cloth.

6 Set hardware cloth in trench, with L-shaped flange along the bottom.

7 Staple the hardware cloth to the porch.

8 Backfill the trench with soil.