How Do You Fix Termite Damage?

You may have come across certain DIY solutions for termite damage. While it’s possible to repair minor cases of wood damage on your own, it can be a gamble. Termites do the most harm to the internal structure of your home, and in many cases the scope goes beyond what you can see with the naked eye. Because of that we strongly suggest working with a professional source for repairs. This avoids the dangers of DIY repairs and ensures your home gets the level of treatment it needs.

Structural Versus Cosmetic Damage

What is the difference between structural and cosmetic damage when it comes to termites? Which between the two can be handled on your own, and at what point should you call for professional help?

Structural Damage

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development defines structural defects as physical damage to load-bearing portions of a home. This could include:

Footing and foundation
Beams
Girders
Columns
Load-bearing walls
Roof framing systems

If termites have nested or severely damaged one of these aspects of your home, you cannot fix it alone. You need an exterminator that can assess the damage and get it properly repaired.

Cosmetic Damage

In cases where the damage done is not to one of the key support systems of your home, that defines it as cosmetic damage as opposed to structural. This might involve issues with aspects of your property such as:

Roofing
Drywall and plaster
Exterior siding
Stucco veneer

While you shouldn’t try to repair structural issues on your own, there are cases in which it’s possible to repair minor wood damage yourself.

Fixing Wood Damage from Termites

Termites live to eat through the bountiful cellulose found in the wood of our homes, leaving the wood hollow and fragile. There are ways to fix this if you catch it early enough. You could use:

Wood hardeners that fill in gaps or holes to strengthen damaged wood
Wood sealants that cut out air supply, killing remaining termites
Wood fillers that are similar to wood putty, but even more efficient at filling in gaps and cracks

Can Termites Destroy My Home?

A termite colony at full maturity has the capability to irreversibly damage a home. Luckily for you, termites take up to eight years to reach that stage, which gives you time to act before it’s too late. Don’t wait until those surface-level scuffs grow into a more costly problem – contact Bug Out for service today!

Back to Termite Damage