A homeowner is always on their toes, ensuring their home is protected from harsh elements, pests, or other issues. Termites are unwelcome guests that can cause many problems with your roof.
What is Termite Infestation?
A termite infestation can be defined as a colony of termites that have made their way inside wooden structures of the roof. They eat away wood and always stay in large numbers. Once they begin eating away into the wood, the wooden structures begin to deteriorate very quickly. They compromise the structural integrity of the roof and make them vulnerable to damages such as leaks. Therefore, it is crucial that regular checks are performed so termite infestation in any area is detected and fixed immediately.
Signs of Roof Termite Damage
Hollow or Damaged Rafters
Rafters are an important part of the roof that offers stability and strength to the roof system. They offload the weight of the roof to the walls, and they are made from wood. In case of a termite infestation, the wooden rafters will become hollow as the pests feed on the cellulose present in the wood. The rafters should be inspected closely (around the attic space) with the help of a tool by tapping on the wood and listening for hollow sounds.
Sagging or Uneven Roof Lines
Beams or rafters are an important part of the roof’s structure as they help distribute the roof’s weight to the walls equally. They are made from wood and may be infested by termites. When the structural integrity of the rafters is compromised, the roof will appear to be uneven or sagged. You must look for unevenness or sagginess in the roof towards the exterior side of your home.
Water Leaks
Termites cause damage in different ways, and one in particular among them is openings. These openings in the roof are an easy way for the water to seep in and cause leakages, stains, and damage to the attic space and the interior ceiling. You must check for damp areas in the attic or ceiling, discolouration and water stains.
Termite Mud Tubes in Attic
Certain species of termites are known to build mud tubes for self-protection and to retain moisture. These mud tubes are easily visible, and if you find them in the attic area, you must take quick action. You should look for mud tubes in the joints or the corners of the attic.
Visible Termite Swarmers
Termites with wings are adults and reproductive members of a termite colony and are known as swarmers. They can be easily distinguished as they have wings. You must look for shed or discarded wings in the attic.
Wooden Shingles or Siding Damage
Since termites eat into wood, roofs with wooden components are generally prone to termite attacks. Homeowners must perform regular checks and look for signs like hollowed or blistered wood. Along with the wooden components, you must also inspect areas where the wood meets the ground for any signs of termites.
Cracked or Peeling Paint
Where there are termites, there is bound to be moisture, as the termites tend to generate moisture when they are feeding on the wood. The moisture, in turn, will cause the paint to peel or crack – it can be visible on both the exterior and interior surfaces of the roof. Cracked or peeled paint is often a sign of termite infestation.
Some Ways to Handle Termite Infestation Professionally
Termite infestation should not be taken lightly as termites are dangerous and they compromise the integrity of your roof. You must ensure that a professional like us – WABO Roofing, performs an inspection and takes the necessary steps to stop the termite infestation. Some steps that WABO takes for termite damage are as follows:
Inspection
We examine the wooden parts of the roof, such as the sheathing and rafters, as well as any other components of the roof that termites might harm. We look for obvious indicators like hollowed-out wood, frass (termite droppings), or mud tubes. We also work with pest control professionals who perform comprehensive examinations of the property to detect any signs of termite activity, such as inspection of the soil, potential entry points of the termites, etc.
Collaborative Assessment
Together with the pest control professionals, WABO Roofing assesses the overall impact of the termites on the roof. We combine our expertise to make a plan before we take care of the termites and then proceed with the roof repair.
Termites Treatment
WABO Roofing will coordinate with pest control professionals to develop safe treatment methods for the roof. Termite baits, liquid termiticides, and application of insecticides may be used to take care of the termite damage.
Wood Treatments
Applying wood preservatives and coatings helps enhance the life and durability of the wooden components. It helps in keeping the termites at bay.
Preventive Measures
Taking some precautions when constructing your home and the roof of your building can help prevent termite infestation.
- Pest control professionals advise on addressing moisture issues, modifying the landscape, and installing physical barriers to safeguard your home from pest infestations.
- Using pressure-treated wood or construction materials or wood that naturally keeps termites at bay can help stop termites and other pests from damaging the wooden components of the roof.
- Timely inspections must be performed by a professional roofer such as WABO Roofing. Roof inspections must be performed at least twice – annually. However, homeowners should also keep an eye on their roofs for any signs of damage on the roof. This ensures minimum damage and quick resolution to the problem.
Termites are harmful pesticides and can cause immense damage if ignored. Ensure that you stay in touch with professionals’ roofers like us to ensure that the structural integrity of your property is preserved.
