Termite Damage

Are you planning on buying or renovating an old home?

Before you do, watch this short video where our Director Chris Hunger explains some of the pitfalls to avoid before you start.

What is Termite Damage?

Termites (otherwise known as White Ants) are a highly destructive timber pest, which cause major damage to structural timber in Australian homes.

Termites are also a major economic pest as it is estimated that termites cause over $780 million in damage every year.

Homes that are at the greatest risk of termite invasion are located in built-up areas, especially homes that are in close proximity (less than 100m) of established gum trees. Other factors that promote termite colony infestation include landscaping, automatic irrigation systems and poor building design that enables hidden termite access into the dwelling.

Termites live underground and can eat your house down – they cause more damage to Australian homes than storms, floods and fire combined.

How Can I Prevent Termite Damage?

Termite damage can be prevented by:

• Repairing broken roof tiles to prevent access for termites into your home.
• Ensuring that your roof cavity is dry and dehumidify if dampness is found.
• Ensuring that air conditioning unit moisture release is directed away from the foundations of your home.
• Regularly checking any exposed structural timber (e.g. roof truss beams) and skirting boards by pressing with your thumb to check if it feels spongy.
• Applying termite treatment to exposed timber beams.
• Using plastic storage boxes instead of cardboard boxes in your attic or garage.
• Undertaking regular termite inspections.
• Installing termite barriers when building a new home.
• Keeping damp laundry off the ground and away from walls.
• Keeping wooden furniture away from walls.
• Keeping windows and doors shut during termite swarming season.
• Regularly inspecting drain pipes and repairing leaking pipes.
• Removing old tree stumps from your garden.
• Using non-timber garden mulch products such as such as stone, plastic or rubber.
• Leaving a gap between the foundations for your home and garden mulch.
• Using termite-resistant fencing materials.

 

 

 

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Are you looking for an expert renovation builder?

If you are interested in undertaking a renovation project and are looking for an en expert renovation builder, we’d love to help you.

Call us today on 1800 GENTRIFY or email us at enquiries@gentrify.com.au.