Mr. Becker speaks with the authority and calm reasoning.  He knows the
critter threat under discussion.

-jc


On May 20, 2004, at 1:28 PM, Becker, Dan wrote:

> Greetings from the South, where we know termites.
>
> If there is a swarm inside the building's humanly habitable spaces,
> there are a lotta termites inhabiting the building's termite habitation
> places.
>
> Determining how extensive the damage is without just tearing it up and
> finding out is next to impossible. They do have termite-sniffing dogs,
> BTW, because they can smell 'em farting before they poop. But because
> it's a gas, it's hard to pinpoint the precise extent of where it is
> being produced. I believe it's methane. That's one of the termite
> trade's inspection tools: super-sensitive natural gas sniffers.
>
> The building is going to have to be torn it up to repair it anyway, so
> the key to investigation is to engage in forensic tearing-up. The
> termite inspection folks should be able to assess and identify all the
> areas around the foundation where the termite damage originates. Start
> at the bottom where the damage is, and follow it. Keep following it
> until sound wood is encountered. Stop there. I warn you though, you may
> find yourself in the attic, or in rooms well down the wall from where
> you started.
>
> One thing possibly in favor of limited damage is that 1954 houses were
> generally being built of better quality framing lumber than the
> farm-grown studs of today. That means it's denser and more satisfying
> and they don't have to go as far for a meal. So the length of time the
> termites have been in habitation will have a lot to say about how
> extensive it is.
>
> Make a contingent offer dependent upon full termite treatment and
> repair
> of all termite damage. Include language that your own inspector is
> judge
> the results of the forensic investigation to verify that all damage has
> been identified. Include language that the repair work has to meet your
> approval. Include a three year warranty for repair of any termite
> damage
> not found in the initial round of work.
>
> Then it's their decision as to whether they really want to sell the
> house or not. Trust me; you don't want the house under any other
> circumstances than delivery to you at closing free of termites with all
> termite damage identified and repaired to your satisfaction.
>
> Of course, a brief stint of Googling will provide you with all the info
> you need from America's leading providers of termite control products.
> Some of their educational material is pretty good, too.
>
> HTH,
>
> _________________________________________________________
> Dan Becker,  Exec. Dir.,   "Help me, Mr. Wizard!  I don't
> Raleigh Historic                want to be here anymore!"
> Districts Commission                  - Tooter the Turtle
> [log in to unmask]
> 919/807-8480
>
> --
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>

--
To terminate puerile preservation prattling among pals and the
uncoffee-ed, or to change your settings, go to:
<http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/bullamanka-pinheads.html>