Termite damage vs water damage are often confused – they look somewhat similar, and both send off those screeching alarm bells. How much is it going to cost to fix? Will the termites wreak havoc on my home? Is it actually termites?
First things first, don’t panic! However, the first step is diagnosing the damage – if you detect the damage sooner rather than later, then you’ll have a good chance of fixing it for good. This blog post will explain the difference between termite damage vs water damage, helping you decide which damage you have, and allowing you to take the appropriate action to get it fixed.
What does water damage look like?
Water damage is common in the home. It can be caused by a burst pipe, a leaking faucet, or a leak in your roof.
This type of leak/damage can appear in numerous ways. You may first notice a dripping noise, your home may smell damp, or you may discover a build-up of mold. These are all telltale signs of water damage.
If you’re looking for a roofing company in Lancaster, Kentucky, then contact the team at Jacob’s Ladder today for a quote.
Request Quote Call (859) 379-9137Flooding, slow leaks, and other water damage can happen more or less anywhere around the home. It’s important to check less used rooms and areas often (basements, lofts, and cellars) to ensure there’s no leaks.
If left unattended, water damage will only become worse, causing a build-up of mold, spores, and other harmful bacteria. It may also ruin furnishings if the water is not attended to.
How do you fix water damage?
Fixing water damage is usually rather easy. To get started, you need to find the source of the leak.
Often, this is a cause of following the noise until you find the problem.
Some leaks may be more difficult to find than others, but following the noise and checking all pipes, faucets, and other areas prone to leaking is a great place to start.
Next, it’s a case of fixing the leak. This could be as simple as tightening a bolt or pipe, or it could be more difficult and require some handy work. Either way, if you can determine the source of the leak, you can either fix the issue yourself or describe the problem you’re having to someone who can fix it.
What does termite damage look like?
Termites are known to leave damp-looking tracks. For this reason, often, termite damage is confused with water damage.
But if you notice damp wooden surfaces but no other signs of water damage (a dripping noise, a physical leak, or a musty smell), then you might have termites.
Termites target wood – they love wood with high moisture content and, once in your home, will begin causing havoc. These wood-munching insects can be difficult to spot, but the sooner you notice them, the better.
It’s a good idea to assess the damp wood, looking for signs of termite damage. Often, it’ll look like a build-up mold – there’ll be dark spots on the wood and damp marks where the termites have been.
How do you get rid of termites and termite damage?
There are numerous ways to kill termites, from insect sprays to bait stations and other handy products.
Ultimately, however, termites love feeding on damp wood with excess moisture. If you have damp wood in your home, this could be a sign of something more serious, such as dry rot. Once you’ve tackled your termite problem, it could be time to assess those wooden structures.
Water damage vs termite damage
Termites vs water damage can often seem confusing – how can you tell which one you have? A good rule of thumb is to check wooden surfaces and structures for signs of moisture, but also check for signs of running water or leaks.
And if you don’t know where to begin, or you need help with either a water or termite problem in Lancaster, Kentucky, then contact the team at Jacob’s Ladder.
FAQs
How long does it take for water to ruin wood?
If water is left unattended, it can begin to damage wood in as little as a few weeks. Although wood is pretty durable and capable of withstanding excess water, it cannot handle extreme flooding or excessive leaks for a long period of time.
How fast can termites destroy a house?
Termites can cause significant damage to your home in as little as a few months. And in a matter of a year or two, they could totally destroy your house.
How long does it take for water damage to show on wood floor?
It often takes upwards of ten days for water damage to show on a wooden floor. Often, the damage appears in the form of rot.
Local Reviews
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Brad - Lancaster, KY 40444
Overall, they were fast, professional, and easy to work with. My patio is leak-free, and I’m really happy with the work! They kept me updated regularly, which was super helpful.
Professional service
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Professional removal and installed new roof repairing rotten places in three places.
Respectful, hardworking, and very meticulous. We highly recommend this company!
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After a horrible storm back on Feb 9, 2023, we like so many others watched pieces of our roof being peeled off like it was raining shingles!I placed a call to Jacob's Ladder. In no time a very knowledgeable lady climbs up on our very steep roof to access the damage. She was very helpful and explained the totally process and what we needed to do and what they would be doing. They patched several huge areas, because of the colder weather the replacement of the entire roof needed a bit warmer temperatures for the shingles to stick well. It took several weeks in order for our job to get scheduled at the right time. It took 4 days to complete because of the size of the job. They were respectful and hardworking. They cleaned up around the property and were very meticulous! The owners were here at all times. We highly recommend this company!
Highly recommend Jacob's Ladder
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On time and quick!
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As usual on time and work was completed quickly!
The roof looks amazing
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Everybody was professional and so helpful throughout the whole process of getting my roof repaired from the multiple wind storms we’ve had recently. And the roof looks amazing!
Leaky roof in heavy rain
Jim - Lancaster, KY 40444
My rubber roof was 10+ years old and started leaking in the heavy rain. I found the gutters on the ground and I needed dry-out assistance. Jacob's Ladder to the rescue!
Missing Shingles
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Noticed we were missing some shingles and found them laying in the yard. I was glad to get Jacob's Ladder out to see if I had a potential claim before we started having issues.
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Sean - Lancaster, KY 40444
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Ryne - Lancaster, KY 40444
Hugh at Jacobs ladder does amazing work and he always find a way to help his customers! He goes above and beyond your average roofer and GETS THE JOB DONE! Highly recommend Jacobs Ladder! Our roof is still holding strong!
