Termite infestation is a problem many Hawai‘i residents have faced, and whether your home is historic or not, if it is made of wood you should routinely check for termites. Termites cause over $2.5 billion dollars in damage across the United States each year. Preventing infestations and detecting them early is the best way to protect your home.
Tips to prevent and detect termite infestations before they cause irreparable structural damage include:
- Clean clogged gutters and downspouts
- Trim bushes adjacent to the house
- Watch for bubbling paint, crumbling dry wood, and tiny holes in walls
- Seal all cracks in the foundation or utility openings
- Monitor damp areas inside the home
- Fix faulty or leaky plumbing
- Schedule annual inspections
Annual inspections are essential to preventing termite damage. They are relatively inexpensive and can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
The best way to fix termite damage is to stop it early, but if you find that you house has severe termite damage that has gone unnoticed for a long period of time the damage will need to be assessed by a structural engineer who can determine the extent of the damage and if it can be repaired.
For non-structural wood elements, termite damaged wood should be preserved and repaired or, if necessary, replaced with new wood similar in appearance to the existing. Repairs can be made to strength termite damaged wood using epoxies. These should always be tested first in a non-conspicuous area to ensure that they are compatible. A professional should be consulted when making structural repairs to a termite damaged house to determine the best course of action.
