Let’s talk about every homeowner’s worst nightmare…termite damage. According to Orkin, termite damage costs American homeowners about $5 billion each year, and it affects as many as 600,000 homes.
Wreaking havoc on homes, crops, and other man-made structures, termites are invasive, hard to detect, and incredibly tough to get rid of. So, what should you do if you’re facing an infestation? Are you doomed?
While termite infestations are incredibly damaging, there are ways to remedy the situation. This blog covers everything you need to know about termite damage and how to manage it.
If you’ve experienced it, then you know that a termite infestation is no walk in the park. Finding a colony of termites in your home usually means you’re facing widespread structural damage, as termites love to feed on your home’s internal structures (walls, beams, wooden posts – you name it).
Termite damage can include anything from weakened flooring to crumbling trim to secondary interior damage. Not only that, but termites are known to damage multiple areas at once, causing damage to become very bad, very quickly.
It probably isn’t a surprise to hear that repairing the damage can cost you quite a bit of money. Research shows that a homeowner who discovers termite damage in their home can expect to pay at least $3,000 in repairs.
Additionally, termite damage severely depletes a property’s value on the real estate market. While a lot of homeowners avoid buying termite-damaged houses altogether, the ones that do sell usually go for much less than their competition.
If you notice signs of termite damage, you will want to act as quickly as possible. As mentioned, termite damage escalates incredibly quickly, so the faster you can eliminate the termites and repair damage the better.
Here is how to repair termite damage quickly:
First things first, you will need to identify the termite damage. Be mindful that different kinds of termites deliver different kinds of damage, and it can resemble anything from the entire consumption of wooden structures to buckling and cracked ceilings. To catch it early on, here are some tell-tale signs of termite damage that all homeowners should look out for:
· Hollow parts in walls or floors
· Termite exit holes on wooden surfaces (aka the end of their tunnels)
· The sound of termites chewing through wood
· Mud termite tunnels on and around your home’s foundations
Note: the most destructive termites in the U.S. are known as Formosan termites, and they can render a home completely irreparable in just two years if left unchecked.
Before embarking on your termite damage repair, it is critical to ensure that your termite situation is properly dealt with. Wood sealants can be used to cut off the termites’ oxygen supply, but for optimal results, we recommend hiring a licensed professional.
Not only are termite professionals able to identify critical areas where termites can enter a home, but they are equipped with heavy-duty tools that help with termite extermination and control.
As we mentioned, termites are an incredibly invasive species. Leaving a trace of them in your home — or letting termite damage go untreated — can (and will!) lead to severe structural damage down the line.
If the termite damage to your wooden structures is minimal, you might not need to undergo an entire replacement. If this is the case, you can use a wood hardener to fill in the gaps and strengthen the wood. Of course, opt for a hardener that matches the type of wood and level of damage that you’re facing.
If the damage has left channels in the wood, you can remedy those with a bit of wood filler. If you’re not already on the bandwagon, wood filler somewhat resembles wood putty and is great for filling in all those gaps left by termites. To apply, pull the wood out until it creates a smooth surface, then apply the filler. Next, sand it down to ensure it stays put.
Note: you’ll have to keep a close eye on the spots where you used wood filler, as moisture can cause cracking during the wetter months.
Sometimes, termite damage can become so irreparable that a full-blown replacement is your only option. The bulk of termite damage consists of chewed-off beams and other wooden pieces, and once such damage occurs, the wood is no longer salvageable. If this is the case for you, your next step will be replacing all the severely damaged sections of wood.
While most homeowners can repair furniture on their own, you should probably enlist the help of contractors to help you replace walls, floors, and other structural damages.
If you’ve dealt with termite damage once, we’re pretty sure you don’t want to go through that process again. Here are some simple ways to prevent termites from wreaking havoc on your property:
· Take preventative measures. Don’t bring home lumber that hasn’t been treated for termites! Also, keep your vents dry so air can circulate and regularly air out your attic and basement. (Termites love moisture.)
· Fill in entry points. To keep the termites out, fill or fix entry points. Also, monitor your fence posts and porches for visible signs of an infestation.
· Remove potential food sources. Termites feed on trees and wood, so keep any dead or rotting trees away from your home. Also, don’t leave old newspapers, cardboard boxes, or other paper products lying around for an extended period.
When repairing termite damage, don't forget to reserve yourself a dumpster rental. A 10 or 15 yard bin can easily hold wood damaged by termites as you remove it. Termites are nothing to scoff at, as you have learned by now. Stay vigilant and be ready to act when the termites come to town!
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