Belk Builders discusses the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to termite damage to your home

It's the dreaded word no homeowner ever wants to hear -- termites. Unfortunately being in the business of exterior home renovations, termites, and the damage they may be causing or have caused, are a topic we often have to discuss with the homeowner(s). During a recent Hardie® Plank siding renovation project we discovered the bad and ugly truth of termite damage. While removing the existing Masonite siding from the home Belk Builders discovered termite damage. The good part is Belk Builders was able to save the day by educating the homeowner and making the necessary structural repairs prior to installation of their new siding. Here is a look at the damage caused by the termites: https://youtu.be/08T6VvqagtQ Homes constructed primarily of wood are not the only structures threatened by termite activity. Homes made from other materials may also host termite infestations, as these insects are capable of traversing through plaster, metal siding and more. As is evident in the above video clip, they can also cause damage to exposed areas of your home's exterior, such as the corner boards on this home which had existing Masonite siding prior to beginning the siding replacement and upgrade to Hardie® Plank. Termites are capable of wreaking havoc on your home’s structural systems. Termites cause damage on approximately 600,000 homes in the U.S. each year and residents spend an estimated $5 billion annually in repairs and termite control. To add insult to injury, many homeowners do not realize there is a problem until substantial and costly termite damage has already occurred. Termites are known as “silent destroyers” because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected.

Termites may be the result of moisture problems in and around your home's exterior  Termites are attracted to areas where moisture accumulates in and around your homes. Problems with rot, compromised barriers, seals, poor maintenance and projects or installations that were poorly executed case lead to termite infestations.  This includes improper foundation venting. It is important that foundation vents open and close properly to ensure proper air flow when underneath your home reaches a certain temperature. When air is warmer it increases the capacity of a structure to hold moisture and creates the perfect place for termites to take up residence. Another variable in reducing the chance of termites is making sure your home has gutters, and that they are in proper working order because the sole purpose of guttering is to help divert rain (moisture) away from your home. Moisture barrier within the crawl space of your home also prevent moisture from rising from the ground into the substructure of your home. All of these are vital elements in keeping the home dry. Keeping your home's exterior maintained is crucial to preventing termites. This includes keeping your bushes and landscape material trimmed and away from your home's foundation, as well as keeping your home's facade maintained. If you have rotten or disintegrating siding or boards on your home, it may indicate damage. Contact Belk Builders today to access the condition of your home's siding or to schedule a free on-site evaluation for siding replacement. If  problems are caught in time and handled promptly, in many cases siding replacement can help you divert disaster and the need for additional repairs. You can call us at (704) 400-4710 or email us at [email protected]. Siding, Window Replacement, Roofing & More!