The family room floor shows visible termite damage to the wood covering
What we found
The inspector observed visible termite damage in the wood floor covering of the family room. The damage was present in the wood surface itself.
Why it happens here
Wood floor covering — the finished boards you walk on — sits above a subfloor and framing members. Termites feed on wood from the inside out, so damage that shows on the surface of the finish floor can mean the material beneath it has also been affected. A pest control evaluation can determine whether any activity is current and how far the damage extends into the layers below.
What it means for you
The damaged floor covering may need repair or replacement. Because finish flooring sits over subfloor and structural framing, a qualified inspector can tell you whether those lower layers were also reached.
What to do
Have a licensed pest control operator — sometimes called a wood-destroying organism inspector — evaluate the damage. If that inspection points to a need for repair work, a qualified contractor can assess the full scope and advise on what needs to be fixed.
How common is this
Termite damage to finish flooring is something inspectors are trained to look for and report. Getting a dedicated pest evaluation after a finding like this is a routine and well-understood next step in the buying process.
A pest control evaluation will give you a clearer picture of what you're working with before you move forward.
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