Signs of Termite Infestation
-
Subterranean termites are responsible for the vast majority of termite infestations in the United States. In nature, these termites typically form underground colonies that feed on the roots and stumps of dead trees. When forests are cleared for development, there is a danger that the pre-existing subterranean colonies will begin feeding on new construction.
A termite infestation can also begin when swarms of winged termites leave their birthplace to start a new colony. This migratory period involves billions of male and female termites and occurs in the early spring. During this time, homeowners should be on the lookout for these swarms and take steps to prevent termites from breaching their domicile.
In general, the best prevention strategy is to remove any rotting wood from the premise, patch any cracks in the foundation and make sure that there are no places where wood from the house directly touches the soil.
Beyond this, homeowners should look for 5-mm-wide tubes of mud around the foundation, along cracks, on pipes, behind siding and beneath baseboards. These mud tubes are built by colonies to provide extra protection. In the event of an advanced infestation, homeowners will begin to hear "hollow" sounds when they knock along the surface of affected pieces of wood.
Damage
-
While termite colonies begin small, their worker population can rise well into the hundreds within a few years. At five years, many colonies will be able to consume two pounds of material per day.
Termites eat away wood from the inside. By the time a homeowner notices signs of infestation on the surface of a wooden beam, the beam will likely be hollow. Made from 2"x4" wooden beams or "studs," drywall and exterior framing are common targets for termites. Protected from light and difficult to inspect directly, these beams will often be completely destroyed.
Serious, expensive damage occurs when termites attack load-bearing beams like rafters and floor joists. Made from 2"x6", 2"x8", 2"x10" or 2"x12" studs, load-bearing beams are expensive to replace, and their failure could cause major structural collapse.
Finally, although termites prefer wood, their diet also includes wallpaper, books, drywall, cardboard boxes and furniture.
Out-Of-Pocket Costs
-
Serious termite damage occurs over a long period of time, but certified inspectors have the tools to spot an infestation long before this. Therefore, insurance companies argue, extensive termite damage is the result of a homeowner's failure to schedule periodic inspections.
To correct termite damage, a homeowner can expect to pay the cost of an exterminator and the cost of fixing the house, which includes materials and labor. However, should the damage extend to load-bearing structures, the homeowner may also have to pay for an engineer, architect and heavy equipment such as cranes or hydraulic lifts.
Termite Insurance
-
Pest control companies typically offer a 1-year warranty on any termite extermination services. Beyond that, some companies may even sell termite insurance -- essentially an extended warranty to cover future services or certain damages.
Homeowners Insurance Indemnity Coverage
-
Homeowners insurance may also include personal indemnity coverage. If a visitor is injured at your house, sues you in civil court and wins, you can file the amount owed as a claim against your homeowners insurance. Indemnity coverage will pay the visitor up to a certain amount (as specified in your contact). Beyond that amount, you are responsible for the balance.
For example, imagine that a floor joist weakened by termites suddenly collapses, causing a dinner guest to fall into the basement and break his leg. He then sues you for his medical bills and lost wages. Homeowners insurance would cover the amount that the court awarded him. However, you would have to pay exterminator and builder costs out-of-pocket.
No comments:
Post a Comment