How Do You Fix Termite Damage?

Being faced with the amount of destruction caused by a termite infestation can be shocking for any homeowner. The amount of repairs required to fix termite damage varies from case to case depending on the severity of the infestation. In minor instances, damage may be able to be fixed by the homeowner. However, it is always best to consult a professional to assist with the repairs, especially because termite damage is notoriously hidden deep within a structure.

Fixing Termite Damage Yourself

Before trying to repair any damage caused by termites, it’s important to enlist the help of a professional who can inspect your property and diagnose the amount of destruction present. There are several easy repairs homeowners may attempt, but only when damage is minimal. Any structural issues should always be addressed by an expert. Several types of repairs that can sometimes be made by homeowners include:

• Wood hardeners: If the damage is minimal, wood hardeners can be used to fill in gaps or holes to strengthen the damaged wood.
• Wood sealants: After filling in gaps, wood sealants can help cut off the air supply to any remaining termites.
• Wood fillers: Similar to wood putty, this is an even more efficient way of filling in gaps and cracks in damaged wood.

When it comes to anything beyond filling in minor damage, such as wood replacement, you must hire contractors who can do so properly and effectively. Structural damage can lead to bigger problems down the road, and it’s important to keep you and your family safe!

Cosmetic Fixes After Termites

If the infestation is caught in its early stages, a lot of the minimal damage can be fixed easily through simple cosmetic fixes. Some of these smaller repairs include touching up areas where the paint peeled due to termite activity, cleaning up wood shavings or mud tubes on the exterior of the home, removing infested furniture, and more. Even if these repairs are easily made, it’s still important to have a professional check out the damage to make sure more of it isn’t buried deep within the home.

Is Termite Damage Ever Beyond Repair?

Although it is very rare, several termite infestations have been known to cause irreparable damage to homes. When this is the case, it’s likely the infestation has been happening for more than a decade or two completely undetected. Because this is so rare, there’s no reason to panic—as frustrating as termite damage is, it can thankfully almost always be fixed.