Your home could be under attack even if you do not realize it. And it’s not just being attacked by one attacker but rather thousands of tiny terrorists. These are termites.
There are about 2,800 termite species worldwide that cause upwards of $5 billion annually in damages. Of these species, the three most common are damp wood, subterranean and dry wood termites. These will attack your wood and cellulose-based products from the inside. This means that their presence and damage will remain primarily hidden until it is too late to fix inexpensively.
A pest control company to some people is unnecessary when dealing with a termite infestation. They assume that store-bought termite control products, along with DIY repairs, will restore their home and wooden items to optimal conditions.
Termite control is, however, best left to professional exterminators. These use non-toxic yet effective products to neutralize termite infestation. After getting rid of these destructive pests, some companies handle the repair of damaged structures and items.
The following are the methods used to fix wood that has been damaged by termites.
Wood Hardening
Wood hardeners are the go-to solution if the damage caused by termites is minimal. The hardeners will fill in gaps in the wood and strengthen it. Though there are several wood hardener types on the market, the one used for your project will be matched to the level of damage and type of wood being repaired. Wood hardeners are ordinarily combined with sealants to cut off the oxygen supply to the interior parts of the wood. In so doing, it kills any remaining termites and averts a re-infestation.
Wood Filling
This is an ideal choice in extensive damage that causes channels in wood. Wood fillers resemble putty and will fill the gaps that have been left by termites. The damaged wood should first be sanded to create a smooth surface. This guarantees that the filler will penetrate all its sections. After filling wood gaps, it is essential to monitor the repaired parts for moisture presence. This is because moisture can cause cracks in the repaired wood. In wet areas or during wet months, therefore, most repair experts will avoid wood filling.
Adding Wood Supports
Wood supports can suffice for sections in which the damage has weakened the structure. The supports are added in as discrete a place as possible to minimize their aesthetic impact on the repaired piece. In most cases, wood supports are used together with fillers and hardeners.
Replacing Structures
At times, termite damage can get so bad and necessitate the replacement of damaged wood. In other instances, damaged wood in crucial structural sections is replaced even when minimally damaged. Damaged wood in load-bearing walls, for example, is replaced to maintain the necessary structural strength.
The above repairs seem easy enough to be handled by any contractor. They are, however, best handled by professional pest exterminators. This is because the exterminators will assess the presence of any hidden termites in the wood and take steps to eliminate the risks of future infestation during the repairs.
