Panther Inspections

Category: Termite

  • 3 Hard To Fix Conducive Conditions

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    3 Hard to Fix Conducive Conditions

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    In our last 2 articles we talked about the how the best Ways to Reduce Termite Risk involve removing conducive conditions. So, if you haven’t read those articles, first follow the link here for the first article and here for the second to get caught up.

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    In this article we’ll be continuing our discussion by examining 3 tough to fix conducive conditions and how to rectify them, therefore reducing the risk of future infestation from wood destroying insects like termites and increasing the probability of a smooth home buying transaction.

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    These conditions are called tough because for most people and even some skilled DIY-ers, the fixes for these conditions will require more effort or time than they want to spend or fall into the “just hire a pro” category because of the knowledge, and skill required to do them. Some, unfortunately can’t be completely removed and therefore require preventative treatments which require a certified applicator’s licence to perform. That being said, finding, knowing about, and understanding these conditions is a big step towards fixing them. So, let’s dive in.

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    First on our list today is one of the most deceptive conducive conditions. Foundation corner cracks that extend into the soil. Corner cracks don’t usually pose a threat to the performance of the foundation or structure, however, because of the way the homes are built, they can create a clear path straight to the home’s framing when they’re wide enough and extend into the soil. Many termites are only 1 or 2 millimeters tall meaning that they can fit through some very small cracks. So, sealing corner cracks, not just on the outside but all the way through the crack can stop this potential direct access.

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    Poor attic and crawl-space ventilation is a conducive condition many people would consider calling a pro to remedy. Poor ventilation increases moisture in an area by trapping humid air, constantly high humidity will take the moisture content of the wood in an area. Wood destroying insects like termites prefer moist wood over dry wood because it is easier for them to eat and/or bore through. The good thing is that increasing the number or size of the vents in an attic or crawlspace increases ventilation, reduces moisture build up and the likelihood of attracting termites.

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    Slab joints are a less common conducive condition simply because most homes do not have additions. However, when they do have an addition to the first floor this normally means there is a break between the original foundation and the new extension called a slab joint. Similar to deep corner cracks, these joints even when very small, can allow direct access to framing. Current building technology doesn’t yet allow for seamless slab foundation additions meaning these are normally not avoidable during a home expansion or room addition. So, unfortunately, regular preventative treatments are the only way to “clear” this conducive condition.

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    If you, a friend, or client are buying a home and worried that it might have conducive conditions and want to know how to get rid of them Panther Inspections can add a termite inspection to our home inspections so our clients get valuable knowledge on the current condition of the home including information concerning wood destroying insects. They walk away with a next plan of action and contacts for the correct, trusted contractors to call who can help remove conducive conditions quickly for those who can’t or don’t want to do it themselves.

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  • 3 More Ways To Reduce Termite Risk

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    3 More Ways to Reduce Termite Risk

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    In our last article, we talked about the how the Top 3 Ways to Reduce Termite Risk involve removing conducive conditions. So, if you haven’t read that article, first follow the link here to get caught up. 

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    In this article we’ll be continuing our discussion by examining 3 more highly common conducive conditions and how to rectify them, therefore reducing the risk of future infestation from wood destroying insects like termites and increasing the probability of a smooth home buying transaction.

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    Wood piles touching the home are an easily overlooked condition for many homeowners. Keeping firewood for fireplaces and fire pits near the home means it’s easily accessible, however, when that wood is touching the structure it can make a highway for insects to enter the home. Thankfully removing this condition is as simple as removing the wood or getting it as far as possible from the home, preferably on a raised non-wood rack.

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    A less common condition, Wood to ground contact could be considered as anywhere wood connects the structure to the ground. On most WDI inspections it refers specifically to an area where the soil line is so high that it touches the wood siding. This is one of the more serious conditions because many times when we see this and the soil is pulled away, we find an active infestation or evidence of previous activity. The good news is that this condition is as simple to fix as lowering the soil level while maintaining a good slope away from the home. In the case that the wood to ground contact is a wooden structure like stairs. The structure can either be removed or modified so that it no longer makes direct contact with the soil or the building.

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    Low decks are a conducive condition that many people don’t know about. The issue here is that many low decks connect the home to the ground and in many cases, it can’t be seen because no one can physically get under the deck. Of course, this raises some concern. Some fixes for this include raising decks off the ground to a height that someone can easily crawl under to inspect for insects and using concrete and metal post fastening techniques to protect the wood from the ground, therefore, creating the necessary disconnect.

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    Those are our 3 conducive conditions for today. Keep a look out for next week’s post where we continue the subject.

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    If you, a friend, or client are buying a home and worried that it might have conducive conditions and want to know how to get rid of them Panther Inspections can add a termite inspection to our home inspections so our clients get valuable knowledge on the current condition of the home including information concerning wood destroying insects. They walk away with a next plan of action and contacts for the correct, trusted contractors to call who can help remove conducive conditions quickly for those who can’t or don’t want to do it themselves.

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  • Top 3 Ways to Reduce Termite Risk

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    Top 3 Ways to Reduce Termite Risk

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    The best way to make a home less likely to have a termite problem is to remove what are called conducive conditions. Basically, conducive conditions attract wood destroying insects to our homes or make it easier for them to enter unnoticed. We outline in greater detail what they are in the article linked here. In addition to attracting termites conducive conditions, can potentially halt a home purchase because many lenders, especially on a veteran assistance loan, won’t approve the loan until most or all of the conducive conditions on a structure are rectified and a clear WDI report is obtained. So, in this article we’ll be talking about how to rectify the top 3 conducive conditions, therefore reducing the risk of future infestation from wood destroying insects like termites and increasing the probability of a smooth home buying transaction.

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    A wooden fence that is in contact with or is attached to the home is probably the most common conducive condition we see in homes today. One of the main reasons is that many years ago it was common to attach the fence directly to the home for support, and therefore we see this on many of the older homes here in the Austin area. The issue here is that the fence posts and pickets usually touch the ground at some point and unless treated with a pesticide these materials create a delicious highway straight onto the home. Even worse this can create a direct hidden path into the home and framing if the siding is a type of wood-based product which is common on older homes. Hold on, don’t go tear down the fence because this is easily rectified. On homes that have the last “post” attached to the home in some way, that can be removed and replaced with a post that sits a few inches away from the home. Even easier is the situation where the last fence post is already sitting away from the home. For this, simply trimming the picket that touches the home away from the structure about an inch is all that’s required to remove the conducive condition. One last note on this is that if a new fence post is put in, it should be anchored with concrete in the post hole or secured to concrete with a galvanized steel post tie to reduce the risk of rot and termite infestation.

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    Speaking of wood rot, it is likely the second most common conducive condition we see in homes. It is caused by microbes slowly decaying the wood making it softer. In general, any wood that is soft and wet is going to be easier for termites to eat and inhabit, therefore making it more preferable and more likely to attract termites. The best way to deter wood rot is to keep the wood sealed and dry as much as possible. Ensure good drainage and slope around the home so that rainwater moves away from the home and doesn’t puddle or flood in areas increasing the risk of wood sidings becoming soaked. This will also ensure that the foundation settles evenly reducing the need for future foundation repairs. If rotten or deteriorating wood is found replace these pieces as soon as possible. Lastly, maintaining paint and caulking on any wood-based product will not only protect from rotting, it will prolong the life of the product.

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    High Soil Line is something we see a good bit on normal home inspections and it affects how the home interacts with termites too. It occurs when the level of the dirt around the home is too high, or in other words, the amount of the foundation concrete that is visible is too low. This increases not only the potential for wood destroying insects to enter without us noticing, it increases high moisture and flood risk for the siding or masonry covering of the home. The fix for this issue is very simple though. Remove enough soil so that there is an appropriate amount of space between the cladding (exterior home covering) and the soil while maintaining a good slope away from the structure. Here we are looking for a minimum of 4 inches of visible concrete for masonry cladding, and 6 inches for wood siding and trims.

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    Be on the look-out for next week’s post where we cover even more ways to reduce termite risk in homes!

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    If you, a friend, or client are buying a home and worried that it might have conducive conditions and want to know how to get rid of them Panther Inspections can add a termite inspection to our home inspections so our clients get valuable knowledge on the current condition of the home including information concerning wood destroying insects. They walk away with a next plan of action and contacts for the correct, trusted contractors to call who can help remove conducive conditions quickly for those who can’t or don’t want to do it themselves.

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  • What Are Conducive Conditions

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    What Are Conducive Conditions?

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    Conducive conditions are things that make it easier for wood destroying insects like termites to get into our homes without us seeing. These are things like having a high soil line, a wood fence touching the house, or having wood piles leaning on the home. Others include wood rot on the home, heavy foliage or trees touching the home, and even wood siding or trim touching the ground. Many of these conditions are easily changed, but there are a couple that aren’t. Conditions like a slab joint from an addition, which is virtually impossible to remove, or a very low deck which would have to be removed to resolve the condition. For these, preventative treatments are recommended to make infestation less likely.

    If you are concerned about conducive conditions on your current home or the one you’re buying we can help. Give us a call to schedule a consultation or a termite inspection today.

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