Repairing Termite and Dry Rot Damaged Wood

Articles » Structural Repairs » Repairing Termite and Dry Rot Damaged Wood

One of the biggest inconveniences of wood-destroying organisms like termites and wood rot is the associated cost that comes with resolving their infestations. In the United States, termite infestations alone account for over $5 billion dollars of damage each year. As part of performing dry rot and termite control, we often come across the structural damage that these wood-destroying organisms leave behind. Sometimes, usually when homeowners maintain their property correctly this damage is minimal and only cosmetic which makes it very affordable to resolve. There are other cases however when the damage is so extent that multiple structural members need to be replaced, this are the cases where the cost of the repairs increases sometimes in a dramatic way. Here at GC Termite Control, we have a crew that specializes in structural repairs so you can be assured that we can assist you in replacing any damaged members.

One of the best ways to keep your property in good condition is to regularly inspect common problem areas for any problems that might be occurring.

Exterior Siding and Eaves

One of the most common areas where Dry Rot or Termite Damage can be found is in the exterior siding and eaves, like:

• Rafter Tails
• Fascia Boards
• Rake Boards
• Blocking
• Exposed Beams and Joists
• Roof Sheathing
• Lookouts
• Wood Siding
• Trim Boards
• And Many Other Areas…

They have the perfect environment for wood-destroying organisms to thrive, this is because they are exposed wood members, and with the weather that San Diego County has, they have also the perfect level of moisture that they need in order to thrive not only survive. These wood members are part of the structural support for the exterior part of your roofing, and if the damage is extensive it can create a safety hazard for anyone that is walking on the roof.

Decks and Patio Covers

Another area that Dry Rot or Termite Damage is likely to occur on homes in the San Diego Area is on exterior patios and decks. It occurs in these areas again because of the exposed wood, and the thing about patios and decks is that when it rains or when the owner is watering down the plants sometimes that water gets in between the framing and it stays in there. After a while, this will create the perfect level of moisture for this WDOs to appear and survive. In these areas, there are always people walking on it and if this is a second story patio or deck it might create a major safety issue as the person on it can fall and have some serious injuries.

Some of the most common damaged wood members in decks and patio covers are:

• Posts
• Beams
• Joists
• Rim Joists
• Decking
• Roof Sheathing
• Blocking
• Ledger
• Slats
• Balusters

Repairing termite and dry rot damaged wood member is a very important part of proper wood destroying organisms’ control. Getting rid of the infestations does not only means to treat and exterminate the entire infestation but to restore the property to its original condition before they ever came to the structure.

How Can It Be Prevented?

Wood destroying organisms are a constant problem to all San Diego property owners. While there is no bullet-proof way to get rid of them, there are many things that you can do to give your property better chances of surviving. Here are just a few small things that if properly done will save you thousands of dollars in repairs in the long run.

• Paint Exposed Wood
• Seal Cracks and Corners
• Treat Infestations ASAP
• Resolve Any Moisture Problems
• Inspect and Repair Roof as Necessary
• Repair Stucco Damage
• Maintain your Gutters (Install if not already)
• Break Earth to Wood Contacts

There are many more solutions you can use to protect your house. If you need assistance with a customized plan, please do not hesitate to contact us. We charge a very small fee for this, compared to the exponential cost you could incur if the property is not maintained properly.

What Should I Do Next?

Give us a call to (619) 421 – 2101 or set up an inspection online and a licensed technician will go out to your property, inspect it and let you know what are the recommended steps to follow in order to eradicate and repair all termite and dry rot damage in your San Diego home.