What can't rats chew through? - briefly
Rats cannot gnaw through solid metal or reinforced concrete; these materials are too hard for their incisors to penetrate.
What can't rats chew through? - in detail
Rats possess continuously growing incisors that enable them to gnaw through most soft and moderately hard substances. Certain materials, however, present sufficient resistance to prevent penetration under normal conditions.
- Stainless steel and hardened alloys – high tensile strength and hardness make these metals virtually impenetrable unless exposed to prolonged, forceful chewing combined with corrosion.
- Concrete and reinforced cement – dense matrix and steel reinforcement create a barrier that rodents cannot breach through bite alone.
- Brick and stone masonry – hardness and brittleness prevent rats from creating openings; they may attempt to gnaw at mortar, but the surrounding blocks remain intact.
- Tempered or laminated glass – shatter resistance and thickness stop teeth from puncturing; only extreme force or impact can cause breakage.
- Ceramic tiles and porcelain – high compressive strength and smooth surface deter gnawing; edges may be vulnerable if not sealed.
- High‑density polymers such as PTFE (Teflon), HDPE, and polycarbonate – low abrasiveness and high melt points resist chewing; thin sheets may be chewed through, but thick panels remain secure.
- Metal mesh with small apertures – woven steel or aluminum with openings under 2 mm blocks entry while allowing ventilation.
Effectiveness depends on thickness, installation quality, and exposure time. Seamless joints, welded connections, and proper sealing eliminate weak points that rats could exploit. No material guarantees absolute immunity; prolonged infestation and aggressive gnawing can eventually compromise even the toughest barriers. Selecting a combination of the listed substances, applied with meticulous construction practices, offers the highest level of protection against rodent damage.