Ellijay Log Homes VS Insects: What To Look For
One of the first questions people ask about log homes is How Much Termite Damage Do They Get? Well, rest assured: log homes are no more susceptible to termites than a traditional framed house. In some ways, it would be easier to spot possible infestation: in a stick-framed house, you could have an problem for years without even knowing it. The termites would be hidden behind your sheetrock, happily gnawing away at structural members, and would attack your walls from the inside-out. With a log, they would most likely start on the outside and work their way in, leaving an obvious trail of sawdust or mud foraging tubes.
Termites thrive in a damp environment; they dehydrate when exposed to the air for too long. If your logs are kept dry, they won’t be a tempting target for wood-boring insects. On the other hand, if you have a spot where a gutter is leaking onto the logs, or your door frame leaks, watch out! That damp spot is the point of entry for insects and wood rot. Also, keep your air conditioner from dripping near the foundation; this is another potential trouble source.
In new construction, there are some measures you can take to reduce the risk of termite damage. First of all, make sure your Ellijay log home contractor does not bury any wooden construction debris under the topsoil. This is very common on job sites, and the decomposing wood creates a great environment for new termite colonies. Secondly, make sure they install a termite shield below the sill plate; this is a bent piece of metal that creates a barrier between the foundation and the wooden sill. Many townships require this by code.