Moisture issues equal termites
Moisture issues around a home can become a serious problem if they are not dealt with. Moisture can be caused by faulty plumbing like old pipes or even downpipes not properly connected.
Where there is moisture there are good chance termites could also be lurking. Subterranean termites need moisture to survive without it they die.
So keeping leaks around a home under control is imperative to help deter these wood-eating horrors. Homeowners around Brisbane are faced with thousands of dollars in damage each year from termites.
We will run through some important areas around a home to keep an eye on to help keep termites away.
There are areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, toilet and laundry in homes that have the potential to become moisture issues. This is because sealants around bench tops etc. can become worn and ineffective.
When silicone sealants start to deteriorate it’s best to have them replaced before a serious moisture issue starts.
Below are is a list of areas we feel are important to check regularly for moisture issues.
Checking Sub-Floor
Moisture Issues In Subfloors
The good old sub-floor this is a place every pest inspector will have to inspect at some point. This is one of the most important areas to be inspected during a visual termite inspection Brisbane service.
This area is very often the starting point for termite activity. Once under the sub-floor all of the plumbing pipes will be visible, and if leaks are found they need to be addressed straightaway.
Any good pest inspector would inform the homeowner about moisture issues found in the sub-floor. These areas need to be inspected every 12-months to be sure they remain termite free.
There are all sorts of pipes in this area and it’s not only the water pipes that need to be checked. The waste pipes also need to be looked at, as these carry water and leaks can occur.
Where a sub-floor is present makes sure your termite inspection company does a thorough inspection there.
Down-pipe drains to the footings
Downpipes
Down-pipes may not seem like they pose much of a problem where termites are concerned. But when they are left to drain close to the footings of a house they can cause moisture issues.
These are easy to check as they are visible without having to go crawling around under a building. The basic rule of thumb here is to have all down-pipes connected to an adequate storm-water drain.
Now we know that some people may not have the luxury of a storm-water system. In this case, it’s recommended to have the down-pipes drain at least a metre away from the external walls.
It’s all about getting stormwater away from the external walls and footings. Down-pipes can even be diverted into water tanks.
When water tanks are in use the overflow on them again needs to be diverted away from the house. Where possible all overflow pipes should be connected to an adequate stormwater drain.
Gutters
Over time gutters can start to present leaks and they need to be fixed as soon as possible.
The gutters overhang the eaves of a house so when leaks start there is the potential to cause moisture close to the footings.
The footings of a house are generally just underneath the surface of the soil. This is another vulnerable area for concealed termite entry.
Let’s not forget termites have the ability to get through a very small crack between bricks and mortar.
Also, keep gutters clean and clear of debris this will help remove rainwater during storms. If gutters are blocked during storms they will overflow causing moisture around the footings.
Checking for termites in a roof void
Roof-voids
It’s important to ensure that the roof of a house is in good condition. When roof screw rubbers become brittle they can start to let small amounts of water into the roof void.
Termites love to make their way into roof voids because they are very often quite humid. Termites thrive in a humid environment as this prevents them from drying out.
Roof voids can also become moist from blocked gutters. When gutters are full rainwater can be blown into the eaves creating a moist environment. So as mentioned earlier keep gutters clear at all time.
If you suspect you have a leaking roof it’s best to contact a licensed plumber to attend to it. The roof can be a very dangerous place for inexperienced homeowners.
Moisture Issues In Bathrooms, Kitchen, Toilet, Laundry
The bathroom, kitchen, laundry and toilet are all classed as wet areas. This is obviously because of the plumbing behind the walls. These areas should be thoroughly checked during a visual termite inspection.
Wet areas can be a potential disaster area when it comes to termites if plumbing issues aren’t fixed.
There are three things to check in these rooms they are pipes, waste pipes and sealants. If sealants around a bathtub or sink become lose it can cause moisture problems.
The moisture usually goes undetected for some time because it’s happening behind fixed items and is not seen.
But one thing everyone can see and maintain is the sealant around surfaces in these wet areas. It’s important to have sealants replaced when they deteriorate.
Also, keep an eye on plumbing pipes and if leaks start it’s best to call a plumber straightaway. Leaking water pipes not only attracts termites they can also flood homes.
Wet areas are often the starting point for termites and can be the start of a lot of damage
Termite Damage
Conclusion
The points mentioned in this article can help any homeowner keep their home free of termites. Don’t leave it until it is too late, so be proactive when it comes to termites.
Owning a home there is always going to be maintenance and the best way to deal with it is to stay on top of it.
Don’t let small issues turn into big ones, because they can end up costing a small fortune.
Always have a regular visual termite inspection Brisbane service carried out by a professional. Don’t leave inspections to cheap and inexperienced pest control companies.
An inspection of a home should be completed at least every 12-months as stated in the Australian Standards. Inspections are the best way to keep your home termite free.
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