Termite colonies typically take at least five years to grow to a size that can damage homes. Extensive termite infestations that have grown over many years and been left untreated can seriously damage homes and even cause floors or roofs to collapse. If you or your termite specialist notice structural damage, call a licensed contractor to discuss repairs to correct or limit the impact of damage.
The extent of termite damage to a home depends on the type of termite that has infested the home, how long the home has been infested and the home's construction type. If a termite infestation is caught early, there may be no damage or only minimal, superficial damage. If superficial damage is located in an area that is not visible, you may choose not to repair it.
How to Repair Termite Damage
Before you fix termite damage, confirm with your termite specialist that the termite infestation has been controlled effectively, and that your home is protected against future infestations through termite control measures backed by a service guarantee. You also need to fully understand the extent and location of all damage to determine necessary repairs. Careful documentation of damage is essential to determine if damage found in future inspections has already been detected and treated.
There are two main ways to repair termite damage to wood:
In most cases, the repair will be simpler and less expensive if you add a wood support to damaged wood. This type of repair works for many structural and non-structural repairs. Repairs that involve replacing structural supports are the most complicated. It is crucial that adequate temporary support be provided to maintain the home's integrity during repairs.