Termite Damage Repair in North Charleston, SC

Termites and other pests inflict an estimated $30 billion in damage to crops and man-made structures in the United States each year. A termite-damaged homeowner will pay an average of $3,000 to restore the damage.

Termite damage is not covered by house insurance because termites are classified as insects, and home insurance plans do not cover damage caused by insects. Insurers consider insects to be an avoidable problem, which, of course, shifts the burden back to the homeowner.

Flying ants are the most usually mistaken insects as termites. Carpenter ants are the most frequent type of ants that fly over your house, but they are far from the only ones. Moisture ants, black garden ants, and pavement ants are other potential imposters.

The finding of termites on your home can diminish its value by nearly 20% if the infestation is identified in time to be treated. Treating your property at the first indication of a termite infestation will help you keep your home's worth in the long run.

Unless there is severe and unresolved structural damage to the home caused by termites, termite damage should not be a deal breaker in most circumstances. In both circumstances, you have the option of negotiating with the seller and their realtor utilizing the new facts.

So, certainly, termite damage may be repaired, either by replacing the damaged wood with new wood or by reinforcing the damaged wood with additional support. The manner of restoration is determined by the extent of termite damage to the wood. More serious damage will very certainly require tear out and replacement.

With around 2 million termites swarming in optimal conditions, they may inflict major damage during the first few months. In a year or two, a house can be completely ruined.

Termite damage can take anywhere from 3 to 8 years to appear, depending on the size of the colony.

Termites swarm when their initial colony has achieved a critical mass and is ready to expand. This happens once a year for most colonies. Hundreds, if not thousands, of swarmers known as alates are generated for the sole aim of reproduction and expansion.

Buildings or houses built of wood may be unsuitable to dwell in if termites have already caused significant damage to the foundations, beams, and other structural supports. This is a severe safety hazard since a strong wood structure becomes weak and fragile.

Repairs should not be undertaken until a certified pest professional has determined that termites are no longer present and that the danger of new infestation has been eradicated. The termite inspector will be able to provide services for active infestations as well as prevention measures.

Small pinholes where termites have eaten through the paper coating on drywall and/or wallpaper, paint 'lines' on drywall, a hollow sound when you tap on the wall, bubbling or peeling paint, baseboards that crumble under slight pressure, and jammed doors or windows are all common signs of termite damage to a wall.

Drywall, often known as sheetrock, is a type of wall and ceiling covering used in houses. It is constructed of plaster panels that are surrounded on both sides by thick sheets of paperboard. Termites may easily feed on the paper in drywall and cause damage since it is partially formed of cellulose.

Painting over termite damage is not just inefficient; it may also be illegal in some situations. If you intend to sell your property in the future, an inspector will be able to determine that you just painted over the damage.

While termites prefer to feed on the cellulose in wood, they are quite ready to chew through other cellulose-containing items to satisfy their need. Termites, for example, can and can gnaw through a variety of construction materials, including dirt, sheetrock, and, yes, drywall.

When termite damage extends beyond the surface of the wood, it must be removed. If the colony has infiltrated the structure of your home, it is safer to replace the wood, especially in load-bearing sections. However, for minor damage, wood hardeners can be used to clean and add support.

The most effective approach to tell whether a drywood termite infestation is old or new is to remove or disguise the termite droppings/pellets. The hue of the droppings does not indicate whether the infestation is old or fresh.

The sight of old termite damage in the absence of living termites just indicates that your property was once infested by these wood-destroying parasites. That doesn't mean they're not still around and causing havoc on load-bearing walls, support beams, and other timber.

Because of their ability to gnaw through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper unnoticed, termites are known as "silent destroyers." Subterranean termites are by far the most damaging termite species since they feed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Termite colonies can have up to 2 million workers.

How do you test wood for termite damage?

Termite damage can cause wavy wood or hollowed-out patches in wood. Wet rot may make wood seem darker than surrounding parts and feel mushy and spongy. When touched, dry rot can cause the wood to fracture and crumble. Fungi growth on deteriorating wood may be visible.