Structural Versus Cosmetic Damage
What is the difference between structural and cosmetic damage when it comes to termites? Which between the two can be handled on your own, and at what point should you call for professional help?
Structural Damage
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development defines structural defects as physical damage to load-bearing portions of a home. This could include:
- Footing and foundation
- Beams
- Girders
- Columns
- Load-bearing walls
- Roof framing systems
If termites have nested or severely damaged one of these aspects of your home, you cannot fix it alone. You need an exterminator that can assess the damage and get it properly repaired.
Cosmetic Damage
In cases where the damage done is not to one of the key support systems of your home, that defines it as cosmetic damage as opposed to structural. This might involve issues with aspects of your property such as:
- Roofing
- Drywall and plaster
- Exterior siding
- Stucco veneer
While you shouldn’t try to repair structural issues on your own, there are cases in which it’s possible to repair minor wood damage yourself.
Fixing Wood Damage from Termites
Termites live to eat through the bountiful cellulose found in the wood of our homes, leaving the wood hollow and fragile. There are ways to fix this if you catch it early enough. You could use:
- Wood hardeners that fill in gaps or holes to strengthen damaged wood
- Wood sealants that cut out air supply, killing remaining termites
- Wood fillers that are similar to wood putty, but even more efficient at filling in gaps and cracks
Can Termites Destroy My Home?
A termite colony at full maturity has the capability to irreversibly damage a home. Luckily for you, termites take up to eight years to reach that stage, which gives you time to act before it’s too late. Don’t wait until those surface-level scuffs grow into a more costly problem – contact D’s Pest Control for service today!