Taking a worldwide inventory of the different kinds of termites, you’ll find that there are around 28-hundred different types that roam the 7-continents.

Termites have survived when there were still dinosaurs. They lived through the massive extinction, floods, climate change and many other catastrophes that have doomed life on Earth for around 100-million years.

People have a tendency to think that these are simply hungry ants. Not so. These critters are more closely related to cockroaches. And cockroaches are predicted to well outlive humans on the planet. We might as well get used to the fact that the termite will likewise rule the Earth along with cockroaches well after Armageddon.

The Basics

Since wood is composed primarily of cellulose, we are well-aware of the havoc that the little troublemakers can wreak upon building civilizations. We already know they live on wood. But some eat other matter like insects and fungi.

Diagnosing a Termite Problem

While they’re not invisible, termites on average aren’t show-offs. Spotting a colony requires you to come across a tube about the size of a ballpoint pen. Occasionally you’ll detect a small, black ball – the dimensions of a BB.

Coming across one-or-more of these objects, the first thing that should enter your mind is that you have a problem. It’s time to ring-up a pro to blast the monsters to termite hell. There are the good, bad and not so bad things about wood clad windows. Just ask the Austin Window Replacement experts.

Wood Clad Windows

When considering wood windows, the wood clad variety is the way to go. They’re surfaced with either fiberglass or aluminum. This makes them less likely to become water logged. And less water means that termites won’t have a vital source to set up a colony. Man and most bugs need H20 to survive and thrive. An exception, the villainous dry rot termites.

Here’s the big reveal when it comes to installing wood clad windows (or a wood-based entry doors in Austin) for your humble abode:

Thumbs-Up

• Using wood is more energy efficient that most other windows.
• On the outside, they’re nearly maintenance-free.
• Inside, the frame retains the temperature on the interior.
• Low environmental impact.
• You’ll have a lot of choices of styles.

Thumbs Down

• Termites are their arch enemies.
• Can be quite costly when compared to other materials like vinyl.
• Once things start to head south, you’ll need to fix it quickly, especially water damage. The moisture attracts termites (except the dry rot monsters).
• Heat will cause them to warp.

Don’t give up just yet. Even if they are termite magnets, they can be treated in such a way that will the lumber-eaters will move on if they encounter toxins.

Word to the wise: Keep an eye on the windowsill. That’s usually where termites begin chomping. Nip it immediately and you’ll be O.K.

Guest Post Courtesy of: Gulf Coast Windows