Termites are tiny little bugs that can cause a whole lot of damage to structures. These miniature monsters tend to hide deep within buildings, silently chewing away at wood cellulose. As they munch through their existence – and a building’s wooden components – termites can cause costly and potentially dangerous structural damage. The first line of defense against these creatures is a routine termite inspection. Property buyers will also find a pre-purchase inspection can spare them from making a costly mistake.
Routine termite inspections are recommended on an annual basis for any property that has wood in its construction. It is important for buyers and current owners to remember that even masonry and brick structures do have wood components. Just because a home doesn’t have a wooden façade, for example, doesn’t mean termites aren’t hiding in the roof trusses, within wall studs or under sub-flooring.
Annual termite inspections performed by reputable companies will generally include two major steps: a visual inspection and a thermal inspection. During the visual inspection, a trained professional will seek out evidence of the presence of these tiny monsters. Such evidence may include weakened door frames, pitted pieces of trim or even sightings of the creatures themselves. Termites are known to swarm occasionally, making them a little easier to spot. The thermal inspections involve the use of special infrared technology that is used to “see” into a building’s structure. This will enable the inspector to uncover hidden nests and damage. Should activity be found, property owners can work with pest control professionals to eradicate infestations.
Setting up a schedule of annual termite inspections is important for all property owners for these reasons and more:
•Inspections can stop damage in its tracks – When annual inspections are performed, it becomes increasingly difficult for termites to truly infest a property. Inspectors can enable property owners to act before the damage becomes extensive or costly to repair.
•Inspections can help safeguard structural integrity – Aside from occasional swarming, termites tend to hide deep within structures. That means if they are not detected through inspections, they can spend months and even years slowly chewing away at support beams, roofing materials and other vital areas of a building. If left unchecked, the damage could create a safety issue for tenants within a home or building.
Whether a home has been owned for years or a purchase is being considered, a termite inspection safeguards the investment. If left unchecked, these tiny monsters can readily eat up an investment while having the potential to render a building structurally unsound.
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