You can just slap plywood over the openings. But attic areas like ventilation, leave some open to allow humid air to escape, irregardless of the type of HVAC

 

Thanks for responses!

What do you think about luan? Can that be cut with a dremel? Then maybe some glue and staples? She could paint it first to deter termites.

I just saw that HD has galvanized flashing for a reasonable price. Could that also be glued and stapled or screwed in?

Thanks!

 

Would nylon window screening keep them out?

 

It might. I just looked it up and I can get a roll of no see um screen mesh at HD for $30. Thanks!

 

How does a new HVAC system remove the need for attic ventilation?

 

We already have gable vents. The extra vents are from the old gas furnace that was replaced by the rooftop gaspack AC/heater combo.

Thanks!

 

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At 71, I have never seen a water leak (or potential water leak) sealed permanently from the INSIDE.

Yes, movies show submarines and boats pushing cloth and patches agains the bulkheads and hulls from the inside - however, I'm betting they all go to dry-dock and get a permanent repair from the outside.

 

(or potential water leak)

Hi Domo, thanks for the advice. That's a really good point. It's a calculated risk. They (and all other penetrations) were recently re-sealed. Good news is they've never leaked, the roof is in great shape, and we had torrents of rain this summer with no problems. I wish we had thought of it when the roofers were here but at this point I think we'll wait until the re-roof.

 

I still don't see reducing attic ventilation as a good idea even if the vents used to serve another purpose. Especially when they're less than optimal vents like this.

 

Oops! I forgot a very important detail. We also have 2 large turbines on the roof so we're not just relying on the gable vents.

 

My garage turbines were sealed off with squares of (easy-to-cut) styrofoam glued to the decking.

 

Thanks! Great idea.

 

Seems you're in good shape (dry), you just want to cover over holes inside the attic. Plywood, luan, rigid insulation, anything really. I wouldn't be concerned with termites, if they get up there, you have other issues.
I would leave it as is, will be easier to spot any future water leaks.

 

Thanks! Have a great weekend.

ps they're drywood termites so they fly in instead of making mud tunnels. We've already had them in a different part of the house and really don't want to ever go through fumigation again if we can help it.