I recently noticed some significant damage in the window frame of my upstairs room. When I reached in to clear out the broken pieces, I discovered large amounts of severely damaged wood, which I suspect is due to carpenter ants. I'm unsure how extensive the damage really is and if I should start cutting out pieces of drywall to assess the situation myself or if it's better to hire a professional for a proper inspection. I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed and would appreciate any advice. Additionally, I found out that insurance may not cover this type of damage. We bought the house two years ago, and it appears the damage has been ongoing for quite some time.
1 Answer
It sounds like there might be some water damage involved, as carpenter ants usually avoid healthy wood. If you're okay with it, opening up the wall can help you determine how serious the issue is. Most likely, the damage is centered around the window. You might even have to re-frame it and possibly replace some sheeting on the outside. I had a similar experience where the damage was extensive around a bathroom window, and there were ants everywhere! Just be ready for what you might find.
Yeah, I'm planning to start cutting out some drywall and get ready for the worst. Thanks for the advice!