Termite Resistant Hardwood Flooring
Eastern subterranean termites and their tunnels and.
Termite resistant hardwood flooring. However any of these choices are highly preferred to woods that termites seem to enjoy most. Termites and hardwood floors. Subterranean termites will happily feed on any of the common woods used for structural lumber in homes. They ve also been known to eat materials which don t have any trace of wood in them such as linoleum and laminate flooring.
However if the infestation is untreated for several years the wood may become weak and give way under general use. Chestnut oak lumber is less common but when available it s often sold as mixed white oak other naturally termite resistant wood species include. Termites will eat almost anything that contains wood. Laminate flooring is also known as floating wood tile.
Redwood and alaskan cedar also known as pacific coast yellow cedar are two of the woods that have natural resistance to termites and decay. According to studies termites find southern yellow pine and spruce to be the most appealing woods to eat. Termites love to munch on all kinds of wood but they have to get inside. But it is the most dramatic scenario in very uncared cases and can occur when the houses are already uninhabited for many years but it describes the major principle of house decomposition beginning with the floor caused by termites.
Any wood that s brought inside should be thoroughly checked look out for holes or hollowness that could house the insects. Certain factors make wood even more desirable to termites. White oak and chestnut oak resist termites well. Among these options teak is obviously the top choice for termite resistance.
However if you suspect you have a termite problem you might worry about the structural integrity of your floors. Termites and your hardwood floors hardwood flooring is a timeless feature of any home. The heartwood of some woods is naturally resistant to termites. Learn more about subterranean termites.
It doesn t matter if it is softwood or hardwood pine or oak. Your fear is well founded after all termites have an insatiable appetite for wood. Do hardwood floors make your home a target for termites. Posted on june 25 2013 by admin.
This is a fear that keeps some homeowners from choosing this highly durable and beautiful option for their flooring. White oak is a common choice for flooring thanks in part to its wide availability. Best methods of treatment and diy methods. Termites can cause devastating harm to wood structures including hardwood floors.
If termites find their way into your home you will soon see termite damage on laminate. Alaskan cedar is shown to be a little bit hardier against subterranean termites than redwood in a study performed by the university of hawaii. Hardwood floors may show evidence of termite damage although the damage often is not immediately visible to homeowners. So let s explore the facts.
Signs of their activity.