Roof returns
A roof return is the small boxed corner where a lower roof runs into a wall. It's often hollow inside, and it can open straight into the eaves.
Where to look
- Corners where a garage, porch or lower roof meets the wall of the house.
- The underside and back of the boxed return, where the trim stops short of the wall.
- Gaps behind gutters and downspouts at those corners.
- Chewed edges, nesting debris or rub marks at the corner.
The rule of thumb: if a gap is about the width of your finger, a mouse can use it.
Why mice use it, and the common mistake
Why mice use it
Builders often leave the inside of a roof return open, and the trim around it rarely closes the corner fully. To a mouse on the lower roof it's a sheltered doorway straight into the roof space.
Common DIY mistake
Caulk alone over a big gap. Caulk shrinks and cracks over time, and a mouse can gnaw right through it.
The lasting fix
Close it with stainless steel or galvanized hardware cloth, or exterior-grade metal, sealed in with exterior-grade adhesives and sealants.
The lasting fix, step by step
Find every return
Look at every place a lower roof meets a wall. Most houses have more than one, and each one needs checking.
Look inside the corner
With a flashlight, check whether the return is hollow and whether light or a gap shows behind the trim.
Shape metal to close it
Cut exterior-grade metal flashing, or stainless steel or galvanized hardware cloth, to close the whole corner, including the back where it meets the wall.
Fasten to solid material
Fasten the metal to solid framing or trim, not just to the roofing.
Seal every edge
Seal it in with exterior-grade adhesives and sealants, and check that water can still shed off the roof the way it should.
In a townhouse row, roof returns are often where your roof meets your neighbor's wall. Your HOA usually needs to OK outside work.
Materials
- Exterior-grade metal flashing
- Stainless steel or galvanized hardware cloth
- Exterior-grade fasteners
- Exterior-grade adhesives and sealants
- Tin snips, gloves and eye protection
Safety notes
- Roof returns are usually reached from a ladder or a lower roof. Never work on a roof alone, and stay off wet or steep surfaces.
- Don't block flashing or gutters in a way that traps water against the wall.
- Wear gloves and a mask around droppings and nesting material.
Before you seal the last gap
- Make sure nothing is still living inside. If mice are already in, set indoor snap traps along the walls as you seal, never as a substitute for sealing.
- Keep food, pet food and birdseed in sealed containers.
On a real house
Before photos from homes we’ve inspected, with the gap marked in highlighter.
BeforeRoof return: a gnawed opening where the trim meets the shingles. Out of sight from the ground, and wide open. - Before · clip
Clip: the gnawed roof return opening from a few angles.
Want us to look at your house?Send photos from your walk-around and we'll send back a custom plan: each gap marked, what to seal it with, and in what order.
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