Is Termite Damage Covered by your Home Owners Policy?
For most people, their home is the largest investment they will ever make. That’s why it’s so important to have homeowner’s insurance to cover the cost of repairs if the house is ever damaged by fire, earthquakes or from any other unseen event. In fact, homeowner’s insurance is so important that all banks require it before they will provide a mortgage loan.
But will homeowner’s insurance cover all damage possibilities? As most unfortunate homeowners know, the answer is no. Despite the prevalence of termites in the United States and the high likelihood that most houses will suffer some type of termite damage, most home insurance policies have an outright exclusion for covering termite damage.
Termites cause over $3 billion in destruction each year in the United States alone. That’s a lot of money that homeowners have to pay to wood repair experts like myself out of their own pocket. It’s a true shame that most insurance policies don’t cover it.
There is a small exception to this rule. Insurance companies usually cover any damage caused by a structural collapse, regardless of the cause. This includes collapses that are the result of termite infestations.
In my experience as a termite inspector, I’ve done thousands of termite inspections and have only seen a few detached storage buildings that looked like they were ready to collapse. I’ve never seen or heard of a whole house collapse.
That means that unless your home gets attacked by an especially aggressive termite colony, chances are you will have to cover all the damage yourself.
So, how can homeowners protect their homes from termite damage? Think back to that saying your mother drilled into your head, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. The cheapest and simplest way to deal with termites is to prevent them.
Make sure you have an annual termite inspection to catch infestations quickly.
While homeowner’s insurance is an important way to protect your home from many dangers and disasters, termites are not one of them.
Installing A Ledger For A Patio Cover
Customer Question:
“I’m building a small patio cover for my patio. What’s the best way to install a ledger?”
Answer:
There are many different types, styles, codes and other factors that come into play when installing a patio cover ledger. However, assuming you have the right tools and intermediate – advanced construction knowledge, the process is relatively straightforward.
In this case, you want to make sure the roof lines match up and that the joists are the same pitch as the roof. Once the pitch is set, you will work top down. Manipulate the joist so that it matches the bottom of the existing roof sheathing and then mark it on the wall (stucco).
Attach the ledger to the wall using an impact screw gun. You’ll want to make sure you use high quality bolts called ledgerloks so that the ledger is well secured. The ledgerloks should be staggered about 12 inches apart from each other.
To determine where to start the pattern, find the 2 x 4” studs. Measure two inches from the corner of the building. This is where you’ll put the first corner stud. All normal stud framing is set on 16” center. Measure in to the edge of the ledger and mark the closest point. Then, using a ¼” drill concrete drill bit, drill through the stucco. If you hit wood, mark it. Move over another 16 inches and check for wood again. You now have a stud pattern on the wall for your ledger.
With the ledger up, you’ll be able to complete your patio cover and enjoy your patio with plenty of cooling shade.
For assistance with designing and constructing a new patio, give us a call.
How To Do A Basic Stucco Repair
A well lived in house will inevitable pick up a few scars here and there. Luckily, it is relatively easy to repair minor wall cracks. All it takes is a little stucco and some instruction. If you’re tired of hanging photographs or moving plants to hide cracks, here’s how you can fix them:
Stucco Supplies
- Latex caulk
- Caulking gun
- Concrete bonding agent
- Whitewash brush (using scissors, cut bristles down to two inches)
- Small paintbrush
- Square trowel (margin trowel)
- Stucco patching compound
Once you have all of your supplies, it’s time to start the repair. If the crack is less than a quarter inch wide, fill it in with latex caulk using the trowel and cut off the excess caulk. While the caulk is still wet, apply some of the dry sand. The next day, brush off the excess sand. Ta-da! You have successfully repaired your wall.
If the crack is wider than a quarter inch, you’ll need to do a little more work, but the process is still simple enough for a careful beginner to do. In this case, you’ll need to prepare the cracks by brushing off the loose plaster with a trowel. Paint the crack with bonding agent so that the patching compound will adhere. Next, dampen the crack with water, and fill it in with fast setting stucco patching compound.
Make sure to mix the stucco patching compound fairly stiff. If you use too much water the compound will sag or even run down the wall. After the compound becomes dry to the touch, brush it with the whitewash brush until it blends with its surroundings. To cure the patch, you will need to lightly mist the patch with water. This will help with the curing process. If the area is deeper than an inch, you will need to use the same techniques, but only fill the area about half the depth, let it set for a day, then finish it just like the other repairs.
Sometimes the hardest part of patching a crack is to match the texture and color of the wall so that the patch job is not apparent. You can solve this issue by bringing paint chips from the wall to the paint department of the hardware store and buying a matching stucco paint color.
Not so bad right? Most small and minor cracks can be repaired by the homeowners. Larger areas of damage, however, may require the skills of a stucco repair expert. If you are unsure of how to continue, give my crew a call. We can send somebody out for a free repair assessment.
How to Avoid Mold in your Home
Mold feeds on moisture, and once it gets a foothold in your home, it’s likely to keep growing and eating away at your wooden structures. If not caught early, mold can cause some costly damage. You may even need to call in a wood repair specialist to to fix the mold damage.
The best way to combat mold is to prevent it from ever forming in your home. Below are a tips to keeping mold out!
- Turn on the bathroom exhaust fan for 10 minutes after showering. Routinely clean exhaust fans of dirt and dust accumulation.
- Check sprinkler systems to ensure that the sprays are properly aligned and that the sprinklers are not located too close to the residential walls.
- Perform routine inspections to plumbing fixtures to identify possible water leaks.
- Trims trees and plants to prevent them from abutting your home’s exterior. Plants can transfers moisture to your home’s surface in addition to blocking the necessary sunlight to dry up exterior surfaces.
- Paint acts as a barrier to moisture. Examine outside painted surfaces for cracks and deterioration.
- Position items in rooms so as to prevent overcrowding and cluttering. A cluttered area can prevent proper air ventilation and lead to excessive dust accumulation.
- Use of dehumidifiers can decrease indoor moisture levels and help prevent mold growth.
- Tiles should be properly sealed and caulked to prevent water infiltration.
- Keep gutters free of debris and position gutter downspouts away from building.
- Make sure your dryer is properly ventilated outside. If improperly vented, warm moist air can promote mold growth in your home.
Overall, keep an eye out for moist areas around your home, especially in areas where moisture is prevalent like bathrooms, the kitchen, and cluttered and dank areas like the garage, basement and attic.
Following the tips above and being vigilant for standing moisture will go a long way toward preventing mold and the damage it could cause.
Creating A Great Backyard Ambiance
The Fundamentals of Deck Lighting
If you’ve spent a lot of time, effort and money turning your backyard into a pleasant and relaxing sanctuary, you’ll want to make sure you can enjoy it as much as possible whether the sun is out or not.
Deck lights can give your backyard a beautiful and peaceful ambiance at night and allow you to highlight special features, such as a bonsai or regular garden, fountain or statue. They can also ensure that you, your family and your friends remain safe outdoors after the sun has gone down.
There are many different types of deck lighting to choose from. For most families, however, I recommend low voltage lighting, which costs less than the older, higher voltage fixtures and will go easy on your energy bill.
When it comes to deck lights, you can be as creative as you want in the shape, size and color. Accent lights allow you to outline deck railings, stairs and door frames to help prevent falls at night. They can also be used to highlight a sculpture or flaunt rare plants. They come in a variety of colors, giving you plenty of opportunity to create a unique and dramatic outdoor ambiance.
Recessed lighting is another option, and can be installed in the floor of the deck, creating a soft and unobtrusive glow at night. Finally, traditional fixtures can illuminate a large amount of space for outdoor dinners, staying up late with friends or just enjoying the night with a good book.
If you are a proud member of the DIY club, there are deck light installation kits you can purchase at your local home improvement store. These kits should include everything you need to install the lights yourself. Most deck lighting kits are not complicated; however, it is important to follow the specific directions within the kit.
Ensure that the plan for the layout of the deck lights is sketched and viewed virtually before you begin work. Remember to turn the power off at the breaker box when working, since you will be cutting and joining wires. Install one light at a time and test for functioning before you move on.
Deck lighting will help you create an elegant, sophisticated and very functional outdoor ambiance. Not only will it feel like you’ve just added a whole new room onto your home, it will also increase your home’s value! Deck lighting provides a maximum return with minimum effort and cost!
The Termite Grinch
Termites have a certain Grinchiness to them. They certainly don’t mind sneaking into your house or ruining your Christmas with all the damage they create.
The holidays aren’t an ideal time to get termites, but when is? If you find the little suckers (or maybe I should say “little biters”), sampling the wooden structures in your home, you need to get them taken care of right away.
Not the best holiday present to be sure, but don’t let the spirit of the Grinch win. In fact, business for termite exterminators tends to slow down during the holiday season. This puts them into the bargaining mood. Take advantage and get the best deal possible or see if you can get a warranty thrown into the termite inspection and extermination deal.
The slow season also means that the termite companies will probably take more time to fully inspect your house and make sure that they fully eradicate the termites.
Also, if termites come knocking this holiday season, you’ll have the perfect excuse not to host the family this year! Maybe you can even claim that the termites ate all the wonderful presents you got for your in-laws.
Alright, that may be a stretch, but don’t let termites or the Grinch get you this holiday season. Remember that the holidays are truly about family and friends and togetherness. Even if your home has a big colorful extermination tent over it this Christmas, you can still keep the joy of the holidays alive in your heart.
Is your Deck Ready for the Holidays?
The BBQ season is over, and that deck you’ve used all spring, summer and fall is probably more than ready for a little TLC. Now may be the time for a pressure wash, some sealant and a little maintenance if necessary.
Many home improvement contractors are idle in the winter, which means they are in a bargaining mood. While the rest of the country groans under frost and snow, we San Diegans can work outdoors almost every day of the year, even in the heart of winter.
So, while you’re cleaning up your home to present over the holiday season, give your deck a good assessment. If the wood looks dirty, bleached or cracked, it’s time for some cleanup. While you’re at it, test all the stairs and the handrail to make sure that they’re nice and stable. You may be surprised to find the beginnings of normal wear and tear.
For example, I recently visited a client who only wanted a fresh coat of paint on her deck. As I walked up the deck stairs my boot snagged on a nail. Upon closer inspection, I found that almost all the nails in the deck had worked up a small amount. This is common as a deck ages, but it can lead to instability and even a potential collapse if it is not fixed right away.
Just a few quick strikes with the hammer, and the nails were fitted snugly back in place. Crisis averted for this client, but what about your deck?
I know that you’ve got a lot to think about during the holidays, but since decks are less used in the winter, this is probably the best time to get it assessed and fixed. You wouldn’t want to have to call off a BBQ or family get together in the spring because of an unsafe deck, right?
If a good power washing, paint job or deck sealant is on your Christmas list this holiday season, give Best Rate Repair a call. We’d be glad to provide a full deck assessment to make sure your deck is in perfect shape for the holidays and the spring and summer days beyond.
Protecting Your Deck – Part Two
Lessons From A Repentant Deck Owner
In the last post, I provided tips for prepping and cleaning your deck. Now...
Part Two: Staining and Sealing the Deck
Now you are ready to begin the deck staining or sealing process. Make sure to choose a stain or sealer that repels water, resists mildew and prevents fading in high traffic areas.
Oil-based products tend to retain or hold their color longer, but water-based products are more durable, last longer and only require soap and water to clean up.
There are four categories of stain or sealant to choose from: Clear Water Repellents, Tinted Water Repellants, Semi-Transparent Stains, and Solid Stain. Each category contains an increasing amount of pigment (the stuff that makes color). The more pigment, the less the natural wood grain and texture is going to show through, but the better the protection it provides the wood.
Clear Water Repellents provide basic protection from moisture but not a lot of UV protection, so the wood will begin to gray after only a few months. This can give the wood more of a natural look. Count on using this product season to season.
Toner or Tinted Water Repellants work in a similar manner to the Clear Water Repellents, but pigment is added. The pigment provides a little bit more sun protection, which can help restore a little bit of the original look of the wood if only slight fading has occurred.
Semi-Transparent Stains contain more pigment, and will provide subtle color but still allow the wood grain to show through. These products last longer than water repellants, giving you a couple more seasons of protection. When choosing a stain, remember that colors vary based on the wood itself. If you are applying a stain over an old stain, choose a color that is similar or darker than the original. To allow the new color to absorb into the wood, the old stain should be adequately worn or thoroughly stripped. Do a test patch in a hidden area to ensure color and appearance.
Solid Stains provide the most pigment and the best protection for wood. They also hide the wood grain, allowing just some of the wood texture to show through. This type of stain is best used for heavily weathered wood. Solid color stains last longer than any other type of stain, sometimes as long as 4 to 5 years.
Applying Stain
The key to staining and preserving your deck is to apply a thin, even coat of stain or sealer over the deck using a roller with extension handle. Use a two to three board pattern overlapping slightly to eliminate breaks or “holidays”. Two thin coats of stain are better than one thick coast, which won’t adhere or dry properly.
Do not allow the finish to puddle. Make sure to back roll or brush out puddles, and make sure you allow the deck to dry completely before putting the furniture back and allowing kids and pets to play on it.
So, take it from a guy who had to replace his entire deck – a little TLC can go a long way toward keeping your deck healthy, happy and functional for many extra years. If any of you aren’t doing anything this weekend, I have extra brushes!
Protecting Your Deck – Part One
Lessons From A Repentant Deck Owner
One of the first things that I’m going to do this weekend is to clean and seal my deck. Doesn’t sound like that much fun, but it’s better than replacing the deck, which is exactly what I had to do last fall. The old deck finally gave out after years of wear and tear. Constant exposure to UV rays and rain caused it to fade, crack, split and warp.
It was partially my fault. I knew that I should have taken better care of my deck, but I just had too many other things going on in my life. Ultimately, my laziness made me pay the price, not only in labor but in materials to replace the old deck.
So this weekend, I’m not wasting any more time or money. I’m preserving my deck.
Part One: Prepping and Cleaning the Deck
The first step to protecting and preserving your deck is to make sure the wood is ready to accept a stain or sealer. To find out, determine if the wood is “thirsty”. Test absorbency by sprinkling water on the surface; if the water soaks in rapidly, the surface is ready. And no, spilling your lemonade is not a good test, just sticky!
Before you can protect the wood, keep in mind that an ounce of prevention begins with a thorough cleaning. Start the process by removing deck furniture and making sure the kids and pets stay clear of the area throughout the process. Before cleaning, repair any loose boards and sand rough spots with a 100 to 80 grit sandpaper. A pole sander will make the sanding process go faster and save back and knee pain. Sweep off loose debris and clean between cracks using a putty knife or five in one tool.
Wet surrounding plants and shrubs, and then cover them with clear plastic. After the treatment is finished, rinse the plastic and then remove it from the plants.
You’ll want to remove embedded dirt, fungus and stains from your deck as part of the cleaning process. A one step cleaner that can be purchased at all home improvement stores will do the trick. Take a few moments to read the manufacture’s recommendations and follow them to the letter. Some cleaners require the deck’s surface to be damp before applying, while others require the surface to be dry. Make sure to read the label.
Use a paint roller with an extension handle or a garden sprayer to apply the cleaner to the entire deck. Don’t let the cleaner puddle; in fact, you should back roll or spread the cleaner using a roller or a broom to spread any puddles.
Scrub tough spots with a stiff brush or broom. Allow the cleaner to soak into the wood; this will usually take no more than ten minutes. After the cleaner soaks into the wood, rinse the deck thoroughly with a hose.
Allow the surface to dry completely at least two days before moving to the sealing or staining process. Wash all tools with soapy water.
Tune in next week to learn some tips for staining and sealing.
Are Termite Warranties Worth The Price?
So, you’ve got a termite infestation. Ouch. You have my sympathies. As someone who spent many years as a termite inspector, I know first-hand how damaging those little pests can be and how inconvenient it is to have your house tented and gassed.
After getting termites once, your termite exterminator may try to sell you on an extended termite warranty. After going through a termite trauma, you may be tempted to put your house under warranty for eternity. But is an extended termite warranty really worth it? That depends. In this blog post, I will explain what your termite warranty options are and what you should consider before making a choice.
What Is A Termite Warranty?
You had termites. The termite inspectors came in and got rid of them. They now offer you a termite warranty, which means that if the termites come back, the termite inspectors will get rid of them for free.
Termite companies offer a free one-year termite warranty with the price of an extermination. However, they will often try to upsell you on an extended warranty, which could cost you some significant green. An extended termite warranty must include a yearly termite inspection for the length of the warranty with free re-treatment if a termite infestation is discovered.
Factors To Consider
An extended termite warranty may be the right choice for certain homeowners and a poor choice for others. Always consider the price in relation to the length of time your home is covered and how comprehensive that coverage is. It’s also important to consider how long you plan on staying in the home. If you know that you’ll be moving within the next year or so, a termite warranty is most likely not what you want to be spending your money on.
One last factor to think about is the likelihood of a re-infestation. If you’ve lived in your house for a while, you might notice that the termites come a’ calling every couple of years or so. If you know that your home happens to be a termite magnet, then you are much more likely to get some use out of that extended warranty.
Coverage Questions
Just like the extended warranties that sales guys try to push whenever you buy a new computer, television or car, there’s a lot of fine print. Not all extended termite warranties are the same, and the cost will reflect the depth of the coverage. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure you know the answer to these coverage questions:
- Is the entire house covered or just specific parts?
- Will all treatment costs be covered in the event of a termite re-infestation?
- Will structural damage repair be covered by the warranty?
Based on my experience, in order for structural repairs to be covered, a homeowner must first repair all the damage found on the initial termite inspection. It may also turn out that covering the structural damage yourself will be more cost-effective than paying for an enhanced warranty.
My team of wood repair experts can always come out and provide a free repair estimate for any wood damage in your home. This can help you determine what type of termite warranty you would like to purchase, or if it’s even worth purchasing at all.
