Pests: A potential cause of property damage and water damage that should not be overlooked

3/9/2023 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Carrollton exposes how pests can cause structural damage and water damage in the home.

SERVPRO® of Carrollton provides water removal and water damage restoration services when pests cause structural damage and water damage in the home. A home is often the largest single purchase most people will make in their lifetime. Taking care of this investment is vitally important. Proper maintenance, upgrades to keep the décor current, and replacing worn-out appliances are several ways to protect and even increase the value of this significant financial investment.

Hebron, TX, homeowners need to identify any factors that can compromise, degrade, or damage the home's structural integrity. When uninvited insects or other pests invade the house, the first concern is the health of the people in the home. These uninvited “guests” can also cause significant structural damage to any location in the house with an infestation or an intrusion. A full-blown pest infestation and the occasional pest “visitation” require immediate attention before the home's health and structural integrity are compromised. A call to a trusted pest control company can resolve most issues. If structural damage is inflicted on the house, the cleanup and repairs can cost thousands of dollars. A heightened awareness is the first step to preventing pests and the damage they can do to a home. Listed below are some of the most common areas of the house where pests cause damage.

Foundation damage

The structural integrity of a building rests upon its foundation. Any compromise of the foundation affects the entire structure. Warping, bowing, and shifting in the walls, floors, ceiling, and roof may be symptoms of foundation issues stemming from pest damage. Termites can weaken or destroy structural beams, and burrowing pests can undermine the ability of a piling to sustain the weight of a load-bearing wall. If a pest incursion allows water to flow under the home, portions of the foundation and supporting piers can settle or sink, putting the house under stress. Though the pests do not directly cause damage, their activities result in damage. At least once or twice a year, the homeowner should inspect the perimeter of the home and crawl space for evidence of termites, burrowing, unexplained moisture, settling, and cracks in the foundation. Foundation issues, when diagnosed early, can be remedied quickly. Delays and neglect allow the problem to grow and may impact the willingness of the insurance company to pay for remedies and repairs.

Hardwood floor damage

Any wood products found in the home are susceptible to damage from pests such as termites, carpenter ants, and beetles. Termites and carpenter ants are common culprits. Some of the wood-boring beetles common to Texas are:

• flat-headed borers
• bark beetles
• the old house borer
• wharf borers

Look for small bore holes in hardwood flooring and structural timers. Adult beetles also produce a powdery residue called frass when they bore into wood. Annual inspections and spot inspections when evidence indicates an outbreak will help avoid structural damage from these pests.

Roof damage

Damage to the roof often results in water damage to the home. High winds can damage shingles and underlayment, resulting in a roof leak. If a limb or tree falls on the roof during a severe thunderstorm, the attic can be flooded. Ceilings and walls beneath the damaged area may warp or buckle. If the water intrusion is severe, flooring can be ruined. The water will eventually make its way into the crawl space, where wood rot and mold infestation can occur.

High winds, heavy rainfall, limb and tree damage, and clogged gutters are common causes of water damage in the home. However, something as small as a squirrel, chipmunk, raccoon, skunk, or bird can also damage the roof, allowing for a water intrusion. Mice, bees, and termites, though they are tiny, can cause significant problems when their activities result in a roof leak and water damage. Some rodents will directly chew through water pipes, causing a water leak and water damage. Leaks in the roof can cause mold, mildew, and wood rot. Excessive water and moisture in the attic could cause wiring, outlets, and electrical components to arc and catch fire. Water damage from extinguishing the flames could easily exceed the expense of fire damage in repair costs.

What to do when water damage occurs

When water damage occurs, the team of water damage restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Carrollton responds in about an hour with the latest equipment, cutting-edge moisture-detecting technology, advanced cleaning techniques, and EPA-approved products. The team at SERVPRO of Carrollton can handle the insurance claims process from beginning to end.

For more information about Hebron, TX, water removal services, contact SERVPRO of Carrollton by email at office@SERVPRO10952.com. The office can also be reached by phone at (972) 446-0383.