Generally, after a termite infestation, repairing your home will depend on the extent of damage caused. It is very rare for termites to damage a house to the extent that it is unsafe to live in and beyond repair, but it can happen if the infestation is not noticed and acted upon in time. There are many types of termites, and specific species also contribute to the amount of damage, each species can cause. The most destructive of all termites in this country is the Formosan termite which is a subterranean species found in southern and coastal regions. A big Formosan termite colony can destroy a house in 2 years or so, if left unchecked. Other species are not so destructive, primarily because the colony sizes are much smaller. Some of the smaller termite types can take up to 20 years to cause the same damage the Formosans can do in 2 years.
Usually, termite activity is discovered before the damage is so great as to threaten the integrity of the structure. However, termite infestation may not be visible to the naked or untrained eye. There may be no surface indications of infestation or the signs may appear to be of something else, such as water damage. Periodic inspections by a professional termite control service are required to spot any early signs of termite damage that may not be visible to a homeowner.
In the event, termites have caused damage to parts of your home or property, repairing or restoring the damaged parts are possible. However, before embarking on any repairs to the damaged parts of your property, you should get your professional termite control company to check for having exterminated and controlled, all the active termite colony infestations. You can also have them put in place all preventive measures against any future infestations.
The Repair Options
To begin with if there is any structural damage, then supports must be placed temporarily, until further major repairs can be undertaken.
Basically, there are two primary methods of repairing wood damaged by termites.
Usually, termite activity is discovered before the damage is so great as to threaten the integrity of the structure. However, termite infestation may not be visible to the naked or untrained eye. There may be no surface indications of infestation or the signs may appear to be of something else, such as water damage. Periodic inspections by a professional termite control service are required to spot any early signs of termite damage that may not be visible to a homeowner.
In the event, termites have caused damage to parts of your home or property, repairing or restoring the damaged parts are possible. However, before embarking on any repairs to the damaged parts of your property, you should get your professional termite control company to check for having exterminated and controlled, all the active termite colony infestations. You can also have them put in place all preventive measures against any future infestations.
The Repair Options
To begin with if there is any structural damage, then supports must be placed temporarily, until further major repairs can be undertaken.
Basically, there are two primary methods of repairing wood damaged by termites.
- New wood can be used to replace the damaged wood
- New wood can be attached to the damaged wood to lend support
Either of these methods work well for both structural and non-structural repairs. If cost effective measures are necessary and if feasible, then attaching new wood as support to the damaged wood, would be a good option. However, this cost effective measure may not be that sound if the original wood is badly damaged or if the damage is in an area where it is visible or if there is not enough space to make the attachment. In such cases, it would be optimum to replace the damaged wood, completely.
Moreover, if there is extensive damage to the wood supports (such as beams, wall studs, support posts, floor or ceiling joists) that supports the floors, ceilings or roof, and if the damage affects the structural integrity and stability of your home, then replacing the entire damaged wood, would be more prudent.
You and your family have invested your time, money and efforts into making the house your very own special place, so do not let the termites eat it away. Engage a professional termite extermination company to regularly inspect your premises. Their professional termite experts will be able to spot signs of damage in the early stages and thereby help you avoid huge repair bills. Chose a company that is able to offer both fumigation as well as non-fumigation termite control services to protect your home.
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