How to Repair Termite Damage

Dealing with a termite infestation can be a daunting experience, but once these pesky intruders are eliminated, homeowners often find themselves facing another challenge: repairing the damage they’ve left behind. The process of restoring your home’s safety and beauty begins with understanding how to repair termite damage. 

In this article, we delve into the essential steps on how to repair termite damage, guiding you through each phase of the restoration process. We’ll also discuss scenarios where it might be wiser to seek the expertise of professionals and the costs to do so. So, let’s get started.

Can You Repair Termite Damage?

Yes, termite damage can be repaired. However, termite damage repair options will depend on several factors:

• Different types of termites cause varying degrees of damage. Subterranean termites are known to cause more damage than other types. For instance, Formosan termites are known to be particularly destructive due to their large colony size and aggressive feeding habits. They can wreak havoc in a home in under two years.
• The size of the termite colony plays a significant role in the extent of the damage. Larger colonies can cause more extensive damage, often requiring more intensive repair efforts.
• How long the termites have been present is another critical factor. Longer infestations typically result in more severe damage. Early detection and treatment can limit the extent of the damage.
• Some termite damage is superficial and can be repaired relatively easily, such as by filling in holes or painting over minor damages. However, in cases where the structural integrity of wood has been compromised, complete replacement of the affected wood might be necessary.

Before any repair work begins, ensuring that the termite infestation has been fully addressed is imperative. Repairing termite damage without treating the active infestation is futile, as the termites will continue to cause damage.

How to Repair Termite Damage

1. Assess the Extent of the Termite Damage

Before embarking on the journey of repairing termite damage, it’s crucial to understand the full scope of the problem. Initially, you might notice some common signs of termite damage, which include:

• Mud tubes on exterior walls or foundations.
• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
• Visible holes in drywall or wooden structures.
• Peeling or bubbling up paint.

It’s important to realize that what you see might only be the tip of the iceberg. Termites are notorious for their ability to cause extensive damage out of sight, often working from the inside out. This means that the most significant harm might be lurking in areas that aren’t immediately visible or accessible, such as internal wall structures, wooden beams, or foundation supports.

Given the hidden nature of termite damage, the wisest course of action is to hire a professional termite inspector. These experts can conduct a thorough evaluation of your property, assessing every nook and cranny for signs of damage and checking whether there are still active termites.

If they find that termites are still present, repairing the damage should be put on hold. The first priority, in this case, is to eliminate the infestation. Hiring a qualified termite exterminator is essential to ensure that your home is completely free of termites before any repair work begins. 

2. Leave Structural Damage to Pros

There are two types of termite damage: cosmetic damage and structural damage. Knowing the difference is crucial in determining when it’s appropriate to roll up your sleeves for a DIY project and when it’s time to call in professional help. 

Cosmetic Damage

Cosmetic damage is usually surface-level and does not impact the overall integrity of your home’s structure. Examples include superficial wood damage in door frames, minor holes in drywall, and chipped paint or wallpaper. 

Cosmetic damage is generally manageable for most DIY enthusiasts. With basic carpentry skills and the right tools, homeowners can effectively tackle these repairs, restoring the aesthetics of their homes without needing specialized knowledge.

Structural Damage

Structural damage goes beyond mere appearance and affects the core elements that hold your house together. Examples of structural damage include compromised beams, joists, and load-bearing walls. Repairing this kind of damage is dangerous to DIY if you’re not a professional.

For example, if a load-bearing wall needs to be repaired or replaced, it might need the construction of a temporary support wall to maintain the structure’s integrity. Such tasks are not only technically demanding but can also pose significant risks if not done correctly. Here’s a video by Kyle Merl to illustrate this complex process:

Given these complexities and potential dangers, it’s highly advisable to hire a professional contractor for structural repairs. A contractor brings the necessary expertise and an understanding of local building codes and regulations. They can ensure that the repairs are done safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all legal requirements.

3. Gather the Tools and Materials

Before diving into the repair process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary tools and materials. But remember, if you’re facing structural damage, it’s best to leave that to the professionals. 

For cosmetic repairs, which are more surface-level, the following list of tools and materials will come in handy:

Tools

• Paintbrush: For applying wood hardener, primer, and paint or stain.
• 4-inch putty knife: Ideal for applying and smoothing wood filler.
• 6-inch putty knife: Useful for larger areas or for scraping off loose material.
• Paint tray: To hold and roll out paint or primer.
• Sandpaper: To smooth the repaired area and prepare it for finishing.
• Vacuum cleaner: To clean up sawdust and debris from the repair area.
• Pry bar: Useful for removing damaged wood or prying off baseboards for access.
• Reciprocating saw: For cutting out damaged wood sections.
• Hammer: Essential for any carpentry work, including securing new studs.

Materials

• Wood hardener: To strengthen and consolidate decayed or weathered wood.
• Wood filler: For filling holes, gaps, and crevices in the wood.
• Primer: To prepare the wood surface for painting or staining.
• Paint or stain: To match the repaired area with the rest of the surface.
• Studs: If you need to support or replace parts of the wall framing.
• Wooden beams: To support weakened areas, particularly if there’s a need to reinforce the structure temporarily during repair.

4. Start Repairing

After assessing the damage and gathering all necessary tools and materials, it’s time to begin the actual repair work. The process will differ depending on the extent and type of damage, but typically it involves the following steps:

• Step 1: Use a reciprocating saw to cut out the damaged portions and a pry bar to pry them away. Be thorough but careful to avoid causing additional damage.

• Step 2: Once the damaged wood is removed, use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean the area. This will remove any frass (termite droppings) or sawdust, which prepares the surface for the next steps and ensures better adhesion of materials.

• Step 3: If you’ve identified structurally weakened but not extensively damaged areas, reinforce them. This might include adding new studs or using wooden beams to provide additional support.

• Step 4: To reinforce the remaining wood, apply a wood hardener. Use a paintbrush to apply it evenly across the affected area. The hardener will penetrate the wood, strengthening it and providing a solid base for the wood filler. Allow the hardener to dry for approximately 2 to 4 hours, depending on the product instructions.

• Step 5: After the hardener has dried, it’s time to fill in the gaps with wood filler. Use a four-inch putty knife for smaller areas and a six-inch one for larger gaps. Apply the filler smoothly and evenly. In some cases, you may need to allow the first layer to dry before applying more filler to build up the area to the desired level. 

• Step 6: Once the wood filler is completely dry, sand the area to create a smooth, level surface.

• Step 7: Apply a primer to the repaired area, followed by paint or stain to match the existing color and finish of your home. 

• Step 8: After the repair work, clean up the area and inspect your work to ensure everything is restored properly and securely.

This video by The Yankee Handyman might help you see how it goes:

5. Consult an Engineer

After addressing termite damage, particularly when it involves structural aspects of your home, consulting a structural engineer is a wise step. They will assess the adequacy of your repairs and ensure that everything is up to standard for the safety and longevity of your home. This is especially true if: 

• You’ve had to use support beams during repairs
• There are sagging areas in the ceiling or floors
• The termite inspector has noted potential structural damage

They can identify if further work is needed, particularly in areas that might not be obvious to the untrained eye. Hiring a structural engineer costs around $525.

6. Keep the Records

An often overlooked but critical step in the termite damage repair process is record-keeping. Maintaining detailed records of the repairs, expenses, and any professional consultations is important for the following reasons:

• Most regulations and laws require homeowners to disclose any history of pest damage and repairs when selling their property. 
• Detailed records can be immensely helpful when filing for insurance claims related to termite damage. Your records serve as proof of the extent of the damage and the cost of repairs, potentially aiding in receiving appropriate compensation.
• In the event of any legal disputes concerning the termite damage, your records act as evidence supporting your case. 

As such, ensure that you save all receipts related to termite damage repairs, including materials, tools, and services. You should also keep a detailed log of the work done, including dates, photos, the nature of the repairs, and who performed the work (whether it was DIY or a professional).

Note: Standard home insurance policies typically do not cover termite damage. However, some termite warranties offered by pest control companies, such as Terminix, may cover it. Always confirm the specifics of such coverage with your provider to ensure you understand what is and isn’t included.

7. Prevent Further Termite Damage

Having gone through the taxing process of repairing termite damage, the last thing you want is a recurrence. Termite prevention is key to safeguarding your home against future termite infestations. Here are effective strategies to help keep your home termite-free:

• Seal cracks and openings: Inspect your home’s exterior and interior for any cracks or openings, especially where utility lines and pipes enter your home. Sealing these can prevent termites from accessing your house.

• Keep wood away from the house: Store firewood, lumber, and other wood materials away from your home’s foundation. Firewood attracts termites, so keeping it distanced can reduce the likelihood of them finding their way into your home.

• Repair leaky pipes and faucets: Moisture attracts termites, making it essential to fix any plumbing leaks promptly. Ensure your home’s interior and exterior are dry, paying special attention to crawl spaces, basements, and attics.

• Clean gutters regularly: Clogged gutters can lead to water accumulation and damage, creating an ideal environment for termites. Regular cleaning and maintenance of gutters can help avoid these conditions.

• Get yearly inspections: Even if you’ve successfully repaired termite damage, annual termite inspections are crucial. Experts can spot potential issues early on and provide guidance on preventive measures.

Termite Damage Repair Cost

The cost to repair termite damage tends to hover around $2,600, with most homeowners paying between $550 and $3,000. However, the expense of repairs can vary widely, depending on the severity and extent of the damage.

If the termite damage is minor and largely cosmetic, the repair costs can be as low as $250. Cosmetic repairs generally include filling small holes, replacing a few damaged boards, or minor repainting.

On the other end of the spectrum, dealing with extensive structural damage can be significantly more costly. For severe cases where critical elements like wooden beams, wood siding, or load-bearing walls are affected, repair costs can escalate to as high as $28,875. 

FAQ About Termite Damage

Who Repairs Termite Damage?

Once a termite specialist has confirmed that your home is free of termites, a general contractor or a specialized repair company is called in to handle termite damage repairs. 

These professionals have the expertise, tools, and experience necessary to assess the damage and perform the required repairs, whether they are minor cosmetic fixes or more extensive structural work.

Does Termite Damaged Wood Need to be Removed?

Whether termite-damaged wood needs to be removed or not depends on the extent of the damage. For minor, surface-level damage, such as small termite holes, it’s often sufficient to use wood fillers to repair and restore the wood.

However, if the termite damage is more extensive, penetrates beyond the surface, is located on exterior walls, or affects the structural components of your home, the damaged wood needs to be assessed by a professional. Depending on their evaluation, the significantly damaged wood may need to be replaced to ensure the safety of your home.

Does Terminix Repair Termite Damage?

Terminix offers specific plans that can cover the cost of termite damage and repairs, with coverage up to $250,000, but this applies under certain conditions:

• The coverage is not included in the Basic Termite Plan. It is only available with the Advanced Termite Plan and Premium Termite Plan.
• The coverage is applicable only if there is a termite infestation while the plan is active.
• This service is not available in all areas.

Customers interested in these plans should consult with Terminix to understand the specifics of the coverage, the terms and conditions, and to confirm if the service is available in their region.

When to Call a Professional

The power to protect your home and avoid the hassles of termite damage lies in early detection and prompt, decisive action against these pesky pests.

Think you might have termites? Don’t wait for the damage to become severe, call a termite exterminator to ensure these hidden invaders don’t make your home theirs.

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