Ant Man

Have you ever seen the damage that ants can do to properties?

Imagine a soldier the size of an insect, the ultimate secret weapon of destruction. That insect has a large enough appetite to feast on your home, causing the structure to deteriorate and potentially collapse. That destructive force is better known as the carpenter ant and an army of them set up shop on a multi-family complex in Nanaimo, resulting in heaps of damage for homeowners. The Centra team embarked on their mission to replace old aluminum windows for homeowners. As the process began, Centra installers quickly discovered serious damage to the wooden structures of the building, caused by Carpenter ant infestation. 

How do we stop these ants?

Let's take a few steps back to uncover the root of the problem. The corners of the frames on aluminum windows are put together with silicone. Over time, this silicone will break down and decay, causing small gaps in the frame. It's important to note that moisture tends to rest on the aluminum frames and if they are not maintained, the moisture will start to seep through the silicone gaps and get into the walls and wood. 

Here come the ants! They are always hungry for that moisture and once they get in the home, they can start to chew away at the fundamental support within the walls. Now that your new Carpenter friends have settled in, they can severely weaken wooden structures on your home.

PRO TIP: If you press down on an aluminum frame and you notice that they are “soft”, that can be a sign of potential moisture problems.

Carpenter ants are attracted to moisture and as you can see, can cause severe damage. The strata committee was terrified of the potential repair costs but the Centra team upped the ante and saved the day. After a few major repairs that included paint and the sanding of some drywall, the cost savings were up to $10,000. The Centra Nanaimo crew took care of these little soldiers and provided a major boost of relief for everyone involved, especially the homeowner. 

When the ants settle within the walls of your home, professionals need to be called in. It's important to be diligent and regularly check on the moisture that may develop around your aluminum window frames. Preventative maintenance is important because the small tasks of keeping your window sills clean could end up saving you thousands of dollars in the long run. Keep it clean and don’t give carpenter ants a reason to visit for a snack.

We are your certified Window Geeks

Centra Windows is not only the manufacturer but also the installer of its product, which enables us to offer a full warranty, eliminating any confusion between product performance and installation. We view the house as a system and understand how each of the elements must work correctly to maximize the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. Contact our local Employee Owners at 1-888-534-3333 or send us an email at info@centra.ca for more information about this topic and many more. You can also sign up for our biweekly newsletter for all the tips and tricks about the window industry.