The Dangers of DIY Termite Damage Repair
It is estimated that termites cause about $6 billion worth of property damage every year in America alone. Because the damage is generally restricted to wood and cellulose-based materials, many homeowners think that repairing the damage is something that they can do themselves or have done by a local handyman with basic carpentry skills.
Wood Hardeners
If the damage is spotted early and is minimal, wood hardeners can be used to fill in the damaged areas while also strengthening the wood itself. It is essential that the hardener used matches the type of wood that has been damaged or the repair will not work. If the termites are not eradicated before the repairs are done, they will simply attack another wood area.
Wood Fillers
If the damage to the wood is extensive, then hardeners alone will not be enough. Wood fillers will have to be used to fill in the gaps and cover the damaged areas. The proper application of the filler is critical to the success of the repair effort.
Strengthening
Serious damage may require that in addition to other repair actions, additional support be provided to the damaged area to prevent it from breaking or collapsing. It is important that the support, usually in the form of beams, be placed exactly in the right place so as to provide maximum assistance, failing which the damage could spread even with the additional support in place.
Replacement
If the wood is very badly damaged, hardening and/or filling will not be enough. The wood may be weak enough to collapse any time, causing even more damage or possibly resulting in injury to the occupants of the house.
- Jan 30, 2020