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"Customer service could not have been better.  Despite rainy weather and lengthy out of town trips, Benco continued to stay in touch and followed up until the very end!  Thank you for making this a stress-less home repair event.  It may be the first for me.  I look forward to any future meetings. "  
~Michele I., Roswell

Just the FAQ's

Do you have questions about how to protect your home from wood rot, termite damage, and more?  Learn a bit about what you can do to protect your home investment.
Termites cost homeowners in excess of $5 billion dollars in damage each year throughout the United States.  That's more than the cost of damage from floods, fires, and storms.  Be aware.  Get an annual inspection from a professional, reputable termite company.  Keep your termite bond current.
How do I know I may have a termite problem?
Termites swarm in the spring when moisture and temperatures begin to rise.  Check the areas inside your home and watch the areas outside of your home for wings and dead termites.
  • Check the exterior of your home for mud tubes which are how termites safely travel from the ground to your foundational structures.
  • Tap the wood around your home for hollow sounds, particularly window sills, door frames, and wood siding.  
  • Check areas around your home for signs of moisture.  Termites need moisture to survive.
Are there certain types of conditions that are more conducive to termites?
Yes, there are.  
  • Be aware of and correct earth to wood contact at support posts, fencing areas, and other wooden structures surrounding your home.  
  • Keep your crawlspace clear of wood-based products.  
  • Make sure your drainage areas around your home route water and moisture away from your home.
  • Keep leaves and debris away from the foundation of your home.
  • Keep wood for fireplaces at least 30 feet away from the house.
  • Use treated lumber products in landscape and outdoor areas.  Where possible and advisable, use stone, concrete, and brick products.
  • Watch for decaying bushes and trees near the home.
  • Routinely inspects fence posts and other wood products that may be located close to your home.
Do termites only feed on wood products?
Termites can feed on paper, books, insulation, and other types of home products in addition to wood structures.  They also feed on decaying woody plants, trees, and shrubs.
There are essentially two types of wood rot:  dry rot and wet rot.  Timbers and structural woods rot when they are exposed to excessive moisture.   Moisture can come from a flood, a leak, defective gutters, or damp walls that lack proper ventilation.
What is the difference between dry rot and wet rot?
Dry rot is a fungus that feeds on moisture in wood products and destroys the wood.  Dry rot can spread to other areas.  Wet rot is a different type of fungus which tends to stay close in proximity to the source of the excessive moisture and appears wet.  A common example of wet rot is what you find on the exterior of window sills and door frames.
What types of composite materials are available to replace our rotted wood?
There are a wide variety of materials available today that are impervious to water and insects, such as:  PVC, cement fiber board, and wood composite trim products.
Are there  ways to protect against wood rot?
One of the most effective means of protecting your home's exterior from wood rot is to paint the exterior, especially window sills, trims, and door frames every three years.  Be sure to fill any cracks and give the filler time to dry before you paint.  You might also consider these helpful hints:
  • Keep your gutters clean, properly installed and maintained. 
  • Be sure the foundation of your home is properly sealed around all exterior areas.
  • Be sure you have adequate ventilation in basement areas and your areas are dry/free from humidity and dampness.
  • Inspect attic areas for possible roof leaks and damp areas.
  • Keep leaves and debris away from the exterior sides of your home.
  • If your home has wood siding, keep the siding painted every three to five years.
  • Make sure your property is properly graded so that water from rain flows away from the foundation of the house.
  • Make sure gutter downspouts are clear and the water flows at least six feet away from the house foundation in these areas.