If you are planning on buying or selling a property, it is important to schedule a professional termite inspection to find out if you have any damage. Even though termites are small, they can do an estimated $5 billion in property damage in the United States each year. Unfortunately, because they live underground, many people don’t realize they have termites until they have done substantial damage. Let the entire ProTech Home and Property Inspections team set your mind at ease with a termite inspection so you don’t have to worry about any unwanted surprises down the road.
How Termites Damage a Home
Termites are known as “silent destroyers” because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper. Termite colonies can range from a few thousand to several million depending on the species, and because of this, they can literally eat your home from the inside out. The areas of a home that are the most vulnerable to termite damage are slab foundations, areas where wood touches dirt, and inaccessible crawlspaces.
Termite Inspections
Depending on how much damage has been done, the repairs can cost thousands of dollars. This is why it is so important to get a termite inspection before you finalize and close on a contract for a new home. A termite inspection assesses the condition of the physical structure of the home from the roof all the way to the foundation. During the inspection, a professional will look for buckling wood, swollen floors and ceilings, areas that appear to be suffering from slight water damage, and visible mazes within the walls or furniture.
How to Prevent Termites
Once you’re sure your home doesn’t have termites, you should take steps to ensure they don’t move in on you. Keep your home dry by repairing any leaks, and make sure your basement or crawlspace is well ventilated and free from excess moisture. Store wood properly: at least 20 feet away from your home and at least 5 inches off of the ground. Finally, monitor all exterior wood areas of your home for any noticeable changes.
Find Out More
A termite inspection can help protect you and your family from financial burdens down the road. Your best bet is to schedule an inspection before you sign a contract on a new home. The cost of the inspection will be worth the peace of mind moving forward. To find out more about termite inspections or about our team at ProTech, contact us today at (770) 277-5655.
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