Termite damage
Many different species of insects bore into log homes or standing timber that is then cut for building log structures. These hungry wood-boring insects feed on the starch reserves stored within the wood. Such damaging infestations can be controlled with relatively simple chemical treatments. The insects cannot survive in treated wood. If damage occurs in an untreated log home, repairs are required and preventive measures must be applied to avert a new infestation. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Evaluate the logs, looking for any signs of active termite or carpenter ant infestation. (Long-horned beetles, powder post beetles, carpenter bees and flat-headed wood borers also infest standing timber. They do not attack treated house logs, though previous damage may be evident.) Look for thin trails of fresh sawdust at the base of the log structure foundation. Carefully examine the attic and under the flooring around the foundation.
2. Sweep down the exterior of the logs, removing dust and debris. Wash down the logs with a pressure washer. It is easier to see where insects may be active if the logs are clean. Use colored tape to mark any spots where termite holes are visible. Determine if these are new holes or holes that may have been present in the logs when the home was built.
3. Treat the logs for termite infestation. Call a professional termite-control company, equipped to eliminate termite infestation and one that will guarantee that the home is free from current termite infestation. Although there are do-it-yourself treatments available, it is almost impossible to rid a home of termites without professional help.
4. Chip out small areas of damage with a hammer and chisel. Cut away the damage until sound, undamaged wood is revealed. Fill the area with wood epoxy, following manufacturer's application instructions. Apply log preservative to the area and repair caulking as required.
5. Remove and replace damaged logs. Use a saber saw to cut out the damaged section of log. A saber saw with a metal cutting blade will cut through nails or spikes that may be holding the log in place. Use a pry bar to aid in removing the damaged log section. Employ a chain saw to cut a section of log of the same type and size to fit into the spot where the damaged log was removed. Move the new section in place and secure with wood screws to the adjoining logs. Caulk the seams and seal the log with an oil-based log preservative such as shingle oil.
6. Fill any termite holes with log caulking to disguise the damage.
Tags: termite infestation, damaged section, standing timber, termite holes, with wood
