Sealing up gaps?

[duckkilla]

Finally got our floor in. I know this is a crappy pic, but this is looking down at the floor, and you can see that the "ribs" on the metal create a gap where critters can get in (small or not). I'd like to seal these gaps up before framing... what's the best way to do that? I was thinking that maybe some of the expanding foam would work? Is there a better way, or is that what I should use?

Thanks.

Steve

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[7th Kahuna]

Are your critter inclined to chew foam? I think I would consider some grout, mortar, or something similar. Otherwise, foam with some mesh or screen crumpled in it?

 

[toolmiser]

I think there are spray foams available that are "critter resistant". You could add a little steel wool to make sure.

 

[readhead]

To late now but there should have been a base flashing installed before the sheets. You could remove the screws and slip some inside clouser in and replace the screws. They also make clouser blocks that will slip in the hole. I guess you could also install the base flashing now.

 

[duckkilla]

I agree the flashing looks like it should have been put on prior. Any thoughts about the idea of just mixing up a bunch of cement and filling the holes?

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Yup, Lowes or Home Depot has the strips that SHOULD have gone down before the sheets were put down. They come in a foam but also in wood. Because you're concerned about varmints I'd buy the wood strips and cut out the "humps", slide or tap them in. Possibly use some glue.

 

[mark52621]

Most people around here use steel wool. Keeps out critters and snow but still breathes.

 

[spotco2]

The proper way to fix it is to install a base trim at the bottom of the panels. It can be done after the walls are up by removing the bottom row of screws and sliding it up in place. If you are careful and work from the corners towards the center, you can overlap the corners and seal them up. Typically you would also use closure strips (the foam that is cut like the profile of the panels) and put them behind the panels. Since your walls are already in place it might be easier to just use some silicone between the wall panels and the base trim after it is in place.

 

[Highbeam]

That flashing would have really made installing the sheets easier too. Something to set it on.

 

[duckkilla]

I actually went back and looked and my building has the flashing on it. The light that you see in the picture is from the very small amount of light that's able to get through where the side metal meets the flashing. Definitely not enough space for a mouse to get through (maybe 1/16th of an inch) but just enough to see some light coming through. I'm planning on filling the gaps with foam I think, since I don't think any critters other than bugs will be able to get to it.

Thanks!

Steve