Termite Damage Repairs Coomera

Repairing termite-damaged wall framing

Most of the termite repairs we carry out are in walls. Termites usually enter at ground level and work up through the bottom plate and into the studs, often leaving the outer skin of the timber and the paint on the plasterboard intact.

The usual repair is to remove the lining over the affected length, cut out the damaged plate and stud sections and fix new framing to the sound timber either side. Once the frame is checked for straightness, the wall is re-sheeted and finished.

Structural timber repairs following termite damage

When termites have reached timbers that carry load, such as lintels over openings, beams, posts, bearers or the top plate under the roof, the repair needs more planning. The structure is propped before any timber is removed so loads are carried safely during the work.

Replacement members are sized to suit the job. Where the original timber was undersized or the damage is extensive, an engineer may specify the replacement.

Roof framing and timber replacement

Termites can travel up through wall framing into the roof space and damage top plates, rafters, ceiling joists and battens. This often goes unnoticed until a ceiling sags or a building and pest inspector looks in the roof space.

Rafter and ceiling joist repairs are usually done from inside the roof space by fixing new timber alongside or in place of damaged members. Roof truss repairs follow an engineer's or truss manufacturer's detail.

How termite damage repairs are assessed

We start with what can be seen: soft or hollow timber, mud leads, bubbling paint and any areas marked in a pest report. A moisture meter and probing help show where the damage is likely to run.

From there we quote the repair in stages: the visible work, then a clear rate or allowance for further damage found once linings are removed. Nothing extra is done without your approval.

Why concealed termite damage can affect repair costs

Termites avoid light and air, so they hollow timber from the inside and leave the surface looking sound. It is common for damage to extend further along a wall or into the roof once the lining is off.

That is why a fixed price for hidden work is not always realistic before the area is opened. We price what we can see and explain how further work will be priced so there are no surprises later.

When engineering may be required

Many termite repairs, such as replacing non-structural studs, plates and trims, do not need an engineer. Damage to load-bearing timbers, roof trusses, beams or the subfloor structure may need engineering advice or certification.

Where it is needed, we arrange for an engineer to inspect and provide a repair detail, and the work is carried out to that detail.

Termite treatment comes first

Orange Projects carries out building and timber repair work, not termite extermination or pest treatment. If termites are still active, a suitably licensed pest management professional needs to treat the property before repairs begin.

We are happy to work alongside your pest manager and can start once they confirm the treatment is in place.

Reinstating linings and finishes

Once the framing is repaired we re-sheet the wall or ceiling, set the joins and replace skirting, architraves and trims to match the existing profiles as closely as possible. The area is left ready for painting.