Soffit, Vent & Weep Hole Insect Screen in 304 Stainless Steel (AISI 304 (1.4301)) is used for screening attic soffit vents, foundation vents and brick weep holes against insects, rodents and wind-blown embers while keeping ventilation open. The alloy gives good general corrosion resistance in atmosphere and fresh water and is essentially non-magnetic (annealed), with a practical service limit of approx. +450 °C continuous.
Alloy Properties
| Grade designation | AISI 304 (1.4301) |
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| Magnetic response | Essentially non-magnetic (annealed) |
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| Service temperature | approx. +450 °C continuous |
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| Corrosion characteristic | Good general corrosion resistance in atmosphere and fresh water |
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Specifications of Soffit, Vent & Weep Hole Insect Screen Available in 304 Stainless Steel
| Mesh count | Wire diameter (mm) | Aperture (mm) | Micron rating (u00b5m) | Open area (%) | Material |
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| 16-Mesh | 0.280 | 1.308 | 1308 | 67.0 | Aluminum |
| 18-Mesh | 0.280 | 1.131 | 1131 | 64.0 | SS304 |
| 1/8 in ember mesh | 0.500 | 3.175 | 3175 | 74.0 | SS304 (WUI ember-resistant) |
Where 304 Stainless Steel Soffit, Vent & Weep Hole Insect Screen Is Used
- Home builders & roofers: insect screening behind soffit and ridge vents.
- Wildfire-zone construction: 1/8 in noncombustible ember mesh on attic vents.
- Masonry contractors: weep-hole screens that stop insects nesting in cavity walls.
- Pest control: exclusion work on crawlspace and gable vents.
Ordering Soffit, Vent & Weep Hole Insect Screen in 304 Stainless Steel
- Opening: 16–18 mesh for insects; 1/8 in (3.2 mm) for ember resistance per local code.
- Free area: Increase the vent size to compensate for the screen's reduced open area.
- Material: SS304 in coastal or ember zones; aluminum indoors.
Mistakes to Avoid with Soffit, Vent & Weep Hole Insect Screen
- Using fine insect mesh where ember mesh is required.
- Ignoring the airflow loss from the screen.
