Termites are the number one threat to the structure and integrity of your home – more than fire, flood or wind. Termites are found in nearly every state in the United States, and are found all over the world. Serious damage that has been undetected and untreated for many years can lead to dangerous conditions in the home such as roof collapse and collapse of entire floors of the structure. The cost of regular termite treatment, inspection and prevention efforts is well worth the price compared to the cost of repairing termite damage.
Signs of Termite Damage
There are signs of termite damage that homeowners can keep watch for, however, by the time many of these signs are noticeable, the extent of the damage is generally significant and repair will be costly. The best way to protect and guard against termites is regular treatment and inspection from your termite control provider! A few of the more common signs of termite damage include:
* Damaged wood that crumbles easily,
* Slats of hardwood flooring that pop up repeatedly,
* Flooring that buckles or sags,
* Pinpoint holes in drywall,
* Wood that produces a hollow sound when tapped.
Repairing Termite Damage
Repairing termite damage is a costly proposition. Depending on the extent of the termite damage in the home and where the damage is located, the cost of repair can vary from around $3,000 in more easily addressed repair cases to $10,000 and up in more complex cases of damage. There are two ways to repair termite damage: removal and replacement of the damaged wood, or attaching new wood to damaged wood to provide support and secure the integrity of the structure. Both of these repairs require that the infestation has been addressed properly first. Replacing damaged wood is more costly but may be worth the cost for beams and studs that provide structural support for the roof or other floors below or above. Replacing the damaged wood may also be a necessity if the damage is too extensive to allow for the attachment of supporting beams and wood. Attaching new wood to reinforce support where wood has been damaged is a more cost-efficient repair option, however, in cases where damage is extensive or the damaged wood is so compromised that attaching supporting beams isn’t possible, homeowners may have to accept the cost of completely replacing the wood to ensure stability and safety of the home – the most important consideration!
Termite damage is one area where the common adage of “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” holds true. The risk termites pose to the safety and structural integrity of your home cannot be overstated. Preventing termite damage with regular inspections and treatments from your pest control experts at The Pest Force is far more cost-effective long-term than the costs of repairing the often dangerous damage termites cause.