Ventilation holes in T-14

[Shoehorn]

I'm building a T-14 PM house and had a question. Bluebird boxes have ventilation holes in them, but the T-14 plans don't call for any. Any advise from anyone familiar with T-14s as to whether I should drill vent holes in each box. I was thinking about two ¾" holes in the upper back of each separate compartment, maybe covered with screen on the outside to keep everyone safe. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[Lozinger]

I asked Andrew Troyer the same question at the PM Information Session in Philly last month. He said that ventilation is not needed in a T-14 because of the wooden construction, and that his experience has shown no difference with ventilation vs no ventilation. Of course, he also said that some folks would disagree. But who am I to argue w/ Andrew Troyer?!?

[Shoehorn]

Lozinger, thanks so much for the reply. No arguing with the horses mouth!! No vent holes it is. I read somewhere that PMs like dark cavities for nesting so that may be part of it, but they're gonna get kinda warm down here in AL this summer. Really I guess by warm weather they are pretty much off the nest anyway. Thanks again.

[tor]

I wanted vents in the T14. I honestly think it helps lower the temperature and also gives better air circulation in the compartment. These soffit vents are 2 inch aluminum vents w/insects screens. Popped them in, and caulked around them. Perfect!

[wyatt]

I used the same vents as Tor, but put them in the upper back of each compartment, painted them black for a darker compartment, and added screen. I think it helps.

[Shoehorn]

Tor, Wyatt, that looks like a perfect solution. Allows air circulation and yet keeps it dark and covered. I've never seen those before. Are they typically available at home supply stores like Lowe's or Home Depot?

[tor]

http://www.amazon.com/Maurice-Franklin- ... n+louver+2

[ToyinPA]

I got mine here much cheaper:

http://www.ventmyhouse.com/products/2%2 ... -6%29.html

They come in different colors too.


ToyinPA

[rrmartins]

I got mine at my local sheet metal shop. They work great, keeps the rain out and allows airflow. It gets pretty hot here in Tx.

[tor]

I got mine here much cheaper:

http://www.ventmyhouse.com/products/2%2 ... -6%29.html

They come in different colors too.


ToyinPA

Good find, Toy

[wyatt]

I found them at Lowes, but it took a bit of searching.

[tor]

I don't think I would go past 2 inches though.

[JudyA]

I live in Florida and I also used 2 inch vents. Half were white plastic and the other half were white aluminum, because that's what I could find. They all fit nice and tight. I'm very happy with them.

The martins don't seem to mind at all that they let a little light in. My new colony is doing great with the vents. 16 hatched with 4 fledged so far.

- Judy