i am doing a report on termites and i was wondering if you have any
information if you do just send me an email and thank you for your help
Amber Borello
6th grade
Mrs.lamber's class
Repairing Termite Damage
Summary: Repairing termite damage is necessary, but only when termites are eliminated. Some repairs are simple, while others can be difficult. Structural termite damage is a difficult repair because wires and utilities often pass through the joists. Hire a professional if you have doubts.
Repairing Termite Damage
Termites will eat just about anything that contains cellulose. They can start in a post or a joist and then travel to any other wood that is nearby.
Structural wood components in a home are the most difficult to repair. Other wood or non-wood components are often attached to the damaged wood. This makes it very hard to remove and replace.
Stop the Invasion First
The first thing to do if you discover termite damage is to make sure the colony has been eliminated. There is no sense replacing wood if it is just going to be munched on in a few days or weeks. Once a professional has given you the green light, then start your repairs.
Think Demolition
Plumbing pipes and electric wires can interfere with reconstruction. I have seen hundreds of ruined floor joists that are adjacent to plumbing pipes or have wires passing through them. Installing a new floor joist(s) often means you have to disconnect the utilities to gain access. This can be a mind numbing experience...and a costly one if you hire someone to do it.
The Alternative
If you are lucky and there are no utilities near the damaged wood, you may not have to remove the termite infested structural members. You can add a new piece of wood next to the damaged wood. It is an accepted method of repair and the goal is achieved in most instances. Keep in mind that structural lumber does just that - it supports the structure. If your new added piece is shouldering the load, then you have accomplished your mission.
Keep in mind that as you remove lumber you need to temporarily support the structure. If you do not know how to do this, it is time to call a professional. Rookies often cause more damage than the termites!
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Comments:
amber borello 18 Apr 2008, 13:36
nancy pownell 23 Apr 2008, 21:37
Hi,
i am considering buying a mobile home in fl that has a stated previous termite damage and repair. how much damage is too much structurally? or is there such a thing? thanks
walter 28 May 2008, 06:56
after pulling up carpet i noticed a piece of oak flooring with termite
holes in it. Pulled back wood and looks like subfloor has damage, to what
extent i dont know. Should i continue to pull up hardwood floor or what
other options do i have? What type of professional do i look for to fix
sitution?
thanks, walter
Beth 03 Jun 2008, 13:51
I'm trying to DIY my daughter's room & have discovered old termite damage
in the wallboard that has destroyed the paper backing. We've had pest
control out. The wallboard feels firm in this area, but anearby wall needed
repair. Can I just clean it up & mud over the wallboard or do I have to
replace it, too?
Thank you for your help!
Stacy Waechter 08 Jul 2008, 04:47
We have been battling termites for over 5 years now with the same company.
A lot of the damage is visible, how do we find out about the damage we
cannnot see?The exterminator we are contracted with told a third party that
he was responsible, but will not admit it to us. Plus, he is dragging his
feet on our latest swarm. HELP!
trish neil 30 Sep 2008, 17:16
Hello,
I have a man adding on a room to the back wall I have had a few problems but now he said he can not tie the hallway onto the house because of the termite damage. The hous is older abd on a concrete beam I was told he can cut out the wall and then replace the wood (no visible termites now and anchor the 2x4 or 2x6 to the beam for support and replace the 2x4 as needed which are behind the shiplap ....please help I believ ehe is just trying to get out of the original agreement Trish
William Northam 11 Nov 2008, 09:12
We bought our home a little more than 5 years ago. FHA loan requires a
termite letter which was provided by Ortex. About two weeks ago my wife
and son discovered what they thought were winged termites in his bedroom
near a structural corner of the house. I found old termite damage in the
baseboard and called Ortex out to re-inspect and treat the house. They
said that the damage was old and hard to tell how old it was. He also
stated that the bugs were not termites but winged ants. I have pulled some
of the drywall away from the area as it was caved in at the bottom. The
corner supports are eaten up from old damage as well. I don't see any
evidence of the ants there but I replaced the cutter support nails with
cutter screws and found more evidence of them there near the gutters. I
live in Tennessee, so my question is can I hold someone responsible for the
damage not being repaired? If so, who would be responsible?
William Northam 11 Nov 2008, 09:56
I just on a hunch pulled some of the insulation away from the corner and I
think that there is also some water damage. There are black spots all
through the insulation at the bottom of the wall and there was a hole in
the bottom of the wallboard where it had been weakened, my guess by the
water. I have also found termite damage in the bottom support. I am going
under the house to see if I can find more water damage in the flooring. I
know that my insurance will cover water damage but the agent said that they
don't cover termite damage. I need help on this I'm sure. Any ideas?
Jerry 29 Nov 2008, 00:42
I used www.dsirecovery.com to get money for damaged caused by termites when
I was under contract for Termites. They did a pretty good job.
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