Property Damage: Signs & Costs, Fixing & Reparing
Termites are wood-destroying insects capable of damaging a home’s structural timbers, including posts, floor supports, ceiling supports, subfloors and wall studs. Termites also can damage non-structural components, including drywall paperboard, paneling, carpet and furniture. The most common species to infest and damage homes in the U.S. are drywood termites. Dampwood termites are less likely to infest homes due to their high
moisture requirements.
Common signs of termite damage include:
- Discolored or sagging sheetrock on the ceiling or walls
- Floors that buckle or sag
- Loose tiles
- Hardwood floor slats that pop up
- Laminate floors that bubble up or sag
- Tiny pinpoint holes in drywall (where termites have damaged the paperboard)
- Bubbling or peeling paint
- Damaged wood that crumbles easily
- Jammed doors or windows
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
Signs of Termite Damage
A house with damage from termites often looks the same as any other house on the surface. Termites can build nests hidden inside walls, causing damage for years before it becomes apparent. Termite control experts are trained to spot signs of termite activity, potentially before the colony has damaged the wood inside a home.
If a termite infestation is unnoticed and untreated for many years, a home can suffer significant damage. In some cases, this damage can be easily mistaken for water damage. Termite inspectors can discern between structural
damage caused by water or wood-destroying insects – including termites, carpenter ants and beetles.
Structural Damage
Damage from termites can range from minor, superficial damage to major structural damage that can cause ceilings or floors to collapse. Early detection of termite infestations is crucial to minimize the risk and cost of
repairing termite damage. Annual inspections by a trained termite professional can help you detect signs of activity, some of which may not be easily visible.
Repairing Termite Damage
Termite colonies typically take at least five years to grow to a size that can damage homes. Extensive termite infestations that have grown over many years and been left untreated can seriously damage homes and even cause floors or roofs to collapse.