Can Termite Damage Be Fixed?
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Termite damage in Birmingham, AL homes
Each year in the U.S. termites cause billions of dollars in damages to residential and commercial structures as well as to books and other items made from paper, insulation, and anything piece made from wood or wood by-products. Unfortunately for property owners in Alabama, where termite infestations are significant, termite damage is a very real threat. For those buying or selling a structure, termite damage can even be a deal breaker. The good news is that, while there are always exceptions, most termite damage is repairable.
What are termites?
We’re going to revisit termite damage in a minute but first, let’s discuss termites. If you’ve lived in the south for any length of time, we’re sure you know what termites are. For those who aren’t as familiar with this insect, here’s what you need to know:
Termites are a wood-destroying insect that feed on rotting, water damaged wood but will move on to feasting on sound wood if convenient.
In Alabama and the Greater Birmingham area specifically, the most common types of termites are subterranean termites and drywood termites.
“Silent destroyers” is the nickname these destructive pests have earned because they are capable of inflicting significant and extensive damage while avoiding detection. In fact, a structure may be infested for years before the owners realize there is a problem.
What kinds of damages can termites cause?
Termite damage, depending on the type of termite infestation and how long the structure has been infested, can range from minor to severe. It may only affect a small portion of the house or building or it can be wider spread. Below is a short and not necessarily exhaustive list of the kinds of damages termites in Alabama can cause.
Maze-like tunnels in wood of structure and furniture
Discoloration of walls
Hollow sounding wood when tapped
Blistering wood or wood damage that looks like water
Uneven or bubbling paint
Swollen floors and ceilings
Collapse of ceilings and floors
Visible damage to wall studs, roof supports, and joists
Can termite damaged wood be repaired?
In most cases, termite damaged wood can be repaired or replaced. At Serve One Construction, we’ve been offering termite damage repair services in Birmingham, Mountain Brook, and communities throughout the area for over 10 years and are well-versed in finding and fixing termite damage. In our experience, repairing termite damage may be as simple as replacing damaged sections of wood and as complex as fixing termite damage that has affected a whole-house or building. From minor cosmetic repairs to termite damage repairs that restore the structural integrity of the home or business, we’ve seen and fixed it all.
How much does it cost to fix termite damage?
To determine the cost to fix termite damage, a trained professional really needs to take a look at the damage. Cosmetic damage in a localized area will cost considerably less than structural termite damage that has snaked through a structure. If you’re worried about termite damage or your pest control company has discovered it while treating your property, give us a call. We’d be happy to stop by for a FREE on-site consultation.
Is termite damage covered by homeowners insurance?
This question naturally follows the one about the cost of termite damage repairs and we wish we could say with certainty yes. Unfortunately, we cannot. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover termite damage repairs because termites are considered a preventable problem. For the most accurate answer, you’ll need to reach out to your insurance company.
Is it worth buying a house with termite damage?
As we mentioned above, the discovery of termite damage in a home that is for sale may cause the buyer to move on from the deal. Typically, when a home is under contract, a termite inspection is performed. If the termite inspection finds evidence of termites and/or termite damage (old or new), it’ll lead to additional conversations. Will the seller fix the damage? Does the buyer want to proceed even if the termite damage is repaired? These are questions that must be answered by the individuals involved. It is worth reiterating though, that most termite damage can be repaired!
Birmingham termite damage repair services
Contact Serve One Construction for professional termite damage repair services in Greater Birmingham. We’re not the cheapest guys in town but when you choose our locally owned and operated company, you’ll have an honest and reliable team working hard to fix the damage caused by these wood-destroying insects.
What other services does Serve One Construction offer?
At Serve One Construction, we are an experienced home improvement company that specializes in a variety of services in addition to termite damage repairs including, but not limited to:
Commercial remodeling
Window replacement
Door replacement
Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you’ve noticed signs of termite damage in your home, contact Serve One Construction to schedule your free on-site consultation.
