We started with one of the main culprits—downspouts with no drainage. Water pooling against the sides of the building created excessive moisture, which weakened the wood and made it an ideal food source for termites. You could even see moss growth along the structure, a clear sign of prolonged dampness.

Another overlooked issue we noticed was weathered shingles. Many people forget that maintaining shingles requires regular stain coats every 1-2 years, depending on sun exposure. Without this upkeep, the wood breaks down, and cracks in the caulking allow water to seep in. Once moisture gets behind the wood, dry rot sets in, further weakening the structure and making it susceptible to termites.

Structural Weakness and Termite Infestation

Decorative beams at the roof peaks added to the problem. These beams extended past the soffits, allowing moisture to collect on top. Without proper flashing, water slowly weakened the tops of the beams, creating an entry point for pests. Sure enough, we located dry wood termite pellets in one section of the property.

Our Solution: Treating and Protecting the Structure

To address the termite issue, we performed a localized treatment based on the owner’s request. Instead of a full fumigation, which is typically recommended for widespread dry wood termite infestations, we treated the wood topically and injected termiticide foam into the galleries. This foam moves through the wood, spreading to active termites as they pass through and interact. Since termites are social insects, this treatment allows the product to spread effectively.

Once the termite problem was treated, we focused on weatherproofing the structure. The lack of caulking and weatherproofing had been allowing water to soften the wood and invite termites in. Here’s what we did:

• Installed new trim on the corners of the structure.
• Caulked all seams to prevent water infiltration.
• Primed all wood cuts to protect them from moisture.
• Prepped the area for painting to seal and finish the repair.