For homeowners, wood floors are a worthwhile investment. For those with hardwood floors, be aware that they should be kept clean and when needed, refinished to ensure longevity of their wood floors. For those who take care and pride in their hardwood floor, it can be heart breaking when you discover that your wood floor has become victim to termites. Termites require wood to survive. They nest and feed on damp or dry wood and can do serious damage to wood floors. To prevent a major disaster, Mike’s Custom Flooring will share what signs could indicate your wood floors are being munched on by termites.
Do Termites Eat Solid, Laminate & Engineered Hardwood Floors?
Termites will damage solid wood floors as well as laminate and engineered wood floors. However, hardwood floors most frequently fall victim to termite damage. There are a variety of termite species. Some will nest inside the home and underneath the flooring and inside walls, while others will nest outside but will travel inside homes like ants to feed on decaying, damp or dry wood. Additionally, many termites will enter inside homes through cracks in the home’s foundation. If your wood floor rests on top of the foundation, the termites have just found the jack pot. If termites do invade your home, it is good to know what signs to keep an eye or ear out for, to detect if termites have begun feasting on your floors.
What Does Termite Damage Look Like on Hardwood Floors
Squeaking Hardwood Floors: Yes, most people know that hardwood floors will squeak from time to time, especially during the seasonal changes. During the change of seasons it is normal for wood to expand and contract which causes the squeaking. However, if you are hearing squeaking more often, look to see if the boards are either slightly sagging or slightly lifted up. Board that have begun to have termite damage will appear to sag or even seem lifted, and of course squeak as you walk on it. The board may even be loosened and will easily lift up. If you can lift a board with ease, check to see if there are any termites chewing on the board. Boards should not lift from the off the floor. If you are able, there is a problem regardless if there is a presence of termites or not.
Bubbling Laminate or Engineered Wood Floors: Both laminate and engineered wood floors have a combination of materials, including wood which is what the termites want. When laminate or engineered wood begins to bubble, blister, or you see small piles of saw dust, this is typically due to termite damage. Water can also cause blistering or bubbling. However, if you haven’t had any flooding or know of any source of water exposure to the wood, then you most likely have termites.
Long Term Hardwood Flooring Damages: If early signs of termites goes unnoticed, then long term damage will eventually reveal itself. In the long term, the planks will eventually crumble into pieces and you will see small holes and passageways carved by the termites. Additionally, you may also see little wood tunnels along the floor and walls near the baseboards or even saw dust.
Hardwood Floor Repair: You can contact a professional pest control service to help treat your home for termites. The damaged floor boards usually can be replaced. However, if the entire floor has fallen victim to termites or the majority of the floor has been damaged, the entire wood floor may require to be replaced.
Hardwood Floor Repair & Replacement Services & More in Charles Town & Eastern Panhandle of Berkeley & Jefferson Counties in WV | Winchester & Frederick County | Round Hill & Loudoun County | Berryville & Clarke County | Herndon & Fairfax County VA
If you need help repairing, maintaining, or installing wood flooring in your home, contact Mike’s Custom Flooring today!
