Termites can cause severe damage to homes and commercial properties, resulting in large repair costs that are not typically covered by standard insurance policies. Let’s look at types of termite damage and how the professionals can repair these issues.
Types Of Termite Damage
Here are a few common indications of termite activity/damage:
- Sudden appearance of water damage.
- Buckling walls or ceilings.
- Mud tunnels in the home’s foundation.
- Maze-like designs located in wooden structures.
- Visible termite swarming.
Typically, all of these signs mean there is some termite activity going on in your home or commercial property. Advanced termite damage can greatly impact your home’s structural integrity. This includes severe cases of ceilings or floors collapsing.
However, if the damage does not affect the structure of the home, you could still be impacted by damaged walls, flooring, furniture, or carpeting. Immediate action should be taken whenever termite damage is noticed, regardless of how small the problem may appear.
Can Termite Damage Be Repaired?
It is rare but possible for select termite species to damage a home beyond repair. This can happen in the event an infestation is left untreated for several years. The Formosan termite is known as the most destructive termite in the U.S. today. A large Formosan colony can cause some significant damage if left untreated for approximately two years.
It can take other termite species several more years to cause the same level of damage as Formosan termites. In fact, some drywood termite colonies may take up to 20 years to cause severe damage to a home.
It is not common for termites to destroy a house before their activity is ever discovered. As a colony grows to maturity, signs of activity can become quite obvious.
How To Fix Termite Damage
There are two common methods used to fix termite damage to wood, including:
- Completely replace the damaged wood sections.
- Add support adjacent to the damaged wood.
In the majority of cases, adding a wood support to the wall will be easier and less expensive, overall. This repair type works for numerous structural and non-structural damages.
Repairs involving replacing structural supports are typically the most complicated type. It is crucial for adequate support to be provided during these repairs.
Who Pays For Termite Damage Repair?
This is typically the seller’s responsibility in Arizona. It is also the case across most states in the country. If any termite damage is detected in an Arizona home, whether past or present activity, the seller will be responsible for pest control services.
The seller will have a few choices in how they can handle termite and pest control expenses. They can either pay upfront costs for the treatment and lower the price of the home, or they could pay through closing costs.
As soon as the home is deemed pest-free and the buyer purchases the home, the buyer will then be the one responsible for pest and termite treatments moving forward. It’s worth noting that homeowner’s insurance does not pay for termite damage repair, so getting your new home inspected before closing on it is crucial.
Termite Damage FAQs
What does termite damage look like?
Termite damage can appear as hollow or damaged wood, small holes, blistered or peeling surfaces, sagging floors or ceilings, stuck doors and windows, or mud tubes along foundations and walls. Some damage can be hidden inside walls or other wooden structures.
How serious is termite damage?
It can be very serious if termites are left untreated. Over time, colonies can weaken structural wood and potentially lead to expensive repairs. The severity depends on how long the infestation has been active and which parts of the property are affected.
How quickly can termites cause damage?
Termite damage typically develops gradually, but an established colony can cause significant damage over time. The rate varies depending on the termite species, colony size, environmental conditions, and availability of wood.
How do I know if I have termites?
Common warning signs include discarded wings, live termites, mud tubes, termite droppings, hollow-sounding wood, and unexplained wood damage. Because termites can remain hidden, an inspection is often the best way to confirm an infestation.
Do termites only damage old homes?
No. Termites can infest both new and older homes. They are attracted to accessible sources of cellulose, moisture, and suitable shelter—not simply the age of a property.
Termite Control Phoenix Metro Area
Poor Boy Termite Control can solve all of you termite issues. We only deal with termites as the name implies. We use thermal imaging, with no drilling or guessing. At Poor Boy Termite Control we detect termites and treat them. If you have a termite infestation, Call Poor Boy Termite Control at (480) 994-4240 and schedule an appointment before the problem gets worse!
