Termite Damage To Wood Siding

Their colonies can number in the thousands or even millions and a termite colony can lay waste to wooden beams rafters siding or flooring in your home or garage.

Termite damage to wood siding.

No termites don t eat concrete but they do create mud tubes which are a sign termites are trying to scale up your foundation in search of siding or other tasty wood. If you notice termite damage early enough you can use a wood hardener to cover the decayed area. Other obvious signs of termite damage are pitted or damaged wood wood that sounds hollow when you knock on it unexplained cracks in the ceiling or walls or flooring that feels spongy or soft. Although termites are ecologically beneficial in that they break down detritus to add nutrients to soil the same feeding behaviors that prove helpful to the ecosystem can cause severe damage to human homes.

Wood hardening compounds are sold with varying strengths. Each year in the u s termites costs homeowners an estimated 5 billion in damage and repair costs. First remove the rotted wood with a chisel. Termites can also eat wood furniture.

There are two main ways to repair termite damage to wood. Termites cause billions of dollars worth of damage to homes and properties each year. Rotted wood can be identified as discolored or decayed looking. Termite trails include digested wood residue a powder like substance feces eggs and even dead termites.

Typically repairing termite damaged wood involves either removing or replacing the damaged wood. Infested wooden structures can be treated with wood treatment products called wood hardeners. Visual signs of a termite colony can include floors that buckle or sag loose tiles pinpoint holes in drywall damaged wood crumbles easily or wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Termite damage can render structures unlivable until expensive repairs are conducted.

Homeowners spend an average of 7 000 on termite treatment and repairs. The repair strategy is essentially aimed at hardening the wood thereby lending it more termite resistance. Termites feast on dead trees which is what many houses are made out of. Replace damaged sections of wood entirely or add a wood support adjacent to damaged wood.

If you see mud tubes it s time for a closer inspection and some diy termite control tactics. Being able to identify termite and wood rot damage early can save you thousands in re. If your home has experienced significant termite damage it may be best to consult a professional to assist with the repairs. These are special adhesives that immediately fill in any fissures created by termites.