Termites are one of the most common causes of structural property damage. These small insects can create huge problems for homeowners in a variety of ways, from major structural damage to health risks and even death. When new construction is too close to the ground, termites can get to the wood in the ground and cause structural damage. Termites do cause some pretty ugly structural damage, such as holes in wood floors, walls, and ceilings. One of the biggest concerns is that many people don’t know they have a termite problem until it’s too late.
How do termites cause structural damage
Termites aren’t interested in the structural integrity of your home; they’re after your wood, or really any cellulose substance. Termites eat wood, and they do so by chewing a network of tunnels in it. These tunnels weaken the wood, making it prone to breakage. As the wood breaks, it causes more damage as it expands and contracts due to changes in humidity.
Termites do more than just cosmetic damage of your home. They chew away at the support beams, floor joists, posts, ceiling joists, and wall studs that make up your house’s foundation. Whether you or your inspector spot termite damage on the surface, there’s a good chance there’s more damage below. If a termite colony affects the structure of your house, it will become uninhabitable until the repair is done.
What should you do if you have a termite problem
When a termite infestation has taken hold in your home, the first step you should take is to remove the infested wood and items that can be reused or salvaged. Contact a local professional to determine what treatment options are available to you, and what methods will work best for your situation. While you can buy a lot of do-it-yourself products that claim to eradicate termites, the truth is that they don’t always work. And if they do, they can sometimes leave behind toxic residue that could be harmful to you or your family.
Repairing structural damage is typically outside the scope of DIY repair procedures, so seeking professional help is highly recommended. The standard technique involves replacing the severely damaged parts. This may involve disconnecting wires or plumbing connections. Internally, the wood is scraped as well. To eliminate any signs of infestation, the surrounding structures may also be refinished. These complicated termite repairs are better handled by skilled termite contractors.
How to protect your property from termites
The best way to prevent your house from succumbing to the ravages of termites is to keep an eye out for telltale signs of infestation. By detecting the presence of this wood-eating pest early, you’ll have an easier time getting rid of them. If you want to know more detail about how to protect your home from termites, you may talk to a local pest controller. After all, these guys not only know the best practices for preventing infestations, they also have access to the products that will help you, and they locate a termite infestation, they can treat it and recommend a good builder for any termite repair work.
