Roof trusses help support your roof, and if you opt for decorative trusses and an open ceiling, they also add beauty to your home. Because they are so functional and beautiful, you probably want to protect your trusses from termite infestation. To prevent this part of your home from becoming a termite snack, there are a few things you can do.
1. Store Trusses Carefully Before Use
If you are still building your home, you need to store the roof trusses carefully so they don't get attacked by termites. If possible, keep them inside in a termite-free, climate-controlled area. If that's not possible, place a few pallets on the ground and put a piece of tin over the pallets. Then, loosely cover the trusses with a tarp. Even if termites get onto the pallets, they won't be able to get through the metal to get to your trusses.
2. Use Treated Wood
To be on the safe side, you should use treated wood when you build your roof trusses. If your trusses have already been purchased or installed, you may want to treat them retroactively. Pest control specialists have sprays that you can use for the trusses.
3. Eliminate Termite Highways Leading to Your Roof
Termites often travel to homes via plants or trees. To protect your roof trusses, you should eliminate termite highways. For example, if a tree branch is resting on your roof, you should trim it. Similarly, if you have vines or ivy on the sides of your home, you may want to make sure those plants don't go all the way up to the roof and that they don't get into roof vents.
4. Repair Damaged Tiles
If you have damaged roof tiles, that can create an opening for termites to enter your attic and munch on your roof trusses. Additionally, damaged tiles can let water leak into your attic, and that moisture creates a hospitable environment for termites. To cut down on both of these issues, you need to repair and replace broken roofing tiles.
In that same vein, you should take steps to remove other water sources from your attic. For example, you may want to add a dehumidifier to your attic if needed.
5. Check for Damage
Occasionally, you may want to check your roof trusses for damage. Simply press against the wood with a thumb. If your thumb goes into the wood, it likely has termite damage. If there is damage, contact an exterminator. Then, talk with a roof truss specialist about replacing the trusses.
Yo! My name is Jay. When you think about the subject of roofing, you may not think that it is very interesting. However, once you get into this subject, you will soon discover that it is very fascinating. I used to think that roofing a boring subject. However, all of that changed when I moved into a new property in Perth. The roof needed replacing so I called in a contractor. The contractor explained the many different options I had for replacing the roof and I started to do a bit of research. I was amazed at the choice on offer. I am very happy with my new roof. I wanted to start a blog to share my newfound passion.