Preserving Your Property: Reasons to Consult a Structural Engineer in The Face of Termite Damage
Termite damage is often hidden from plain sight, making it a challenge to detect until it becomes severe.
Yes, these are first-hand images, gathered by our team, of termite damage after it had been exposed by a contractor. Termites, and other pests alike, have the potential to cause extensive structural damage to houses, therefore it’s essential to understand the most cost-effective rectification methods once such issues have been identified.
The Impact of Termites 🐛
Termites primarily target timber elements, such as beams, joists and frames. Over time, their feeding and nesting activities can weaken these core parts of a house’s structure, often compromising its structural integrity and causing several other unwanted problems including:
- Structural Instability: As termites consume and damage load-bearing elements, the house’s structural stability is compromised enabling the possibility of collapse and structural failure.
Compromised Safety: Weakened beams or columns may not be able to support the intended loads, which can lead to a range of hazards that may not be safe for the occupants due to the increased risk of injury. - Secondary Damage: Termite damage can trigger secondary issues. For example, as termites penetrate through walls and roofs, they create entry points for moisture. This moisture intrusion can lead to rotting of timber, exacerbating the structural damage.
Decreased Property Value: Termite damage can significantly reduce the value of a property, and cause costly repairs.
Bringing in the Experts 👷♂️
To gain a deeper understanding of a property’s condition, it’s wise to enlist the help of specialised inspectors. Structural engineers possess the knowledge and skills to assess the structural integrity of a building. With 40+ years of combined experience, our current team of building inspectors write hundreds of structural engineering reports each year, which include providing recommendations for remediation of issues caused by termite damage experienced by houses and other building types.
Whilst prevention is better than cure, our office has been called to assist in numerous investigations into located termite damage. The most common rectification methods that have been recommended to our clients consist of:
- Replacing Structural Components: It may be necessary to replace entire structural components, such as walls, framing or floors. Structural engineers will provide design documentation and inspect the works during construction to ensure they are structurally sound.
- Moisture Control: Address moisture issues in the building to reduce the appeal of the structure to termites. This includes fixing leaks, improving ventilation and ensuring proper drainage.
- Termite Barriers: Install physical or chemical termite barriers around the property, as they create a protective zone that termites cannot easily breach, reducing the risk of future infestations.
Save Your Home 🏡
Termite damage is a serious concern for homeowners in Queensland and other parts of Australia. Getting the right advice after you have found termite damage is crucial for protecting your home.
Therefore, it is of our strongest recommendation that you engage a structural engineer to assess the extent of the damage and recommend the most appropriate remedies for your pest situation. Booth Engineers & Associates is here to assist.
Talk to an Engineer Today
For more information, or to get a quote , please contact our team.