Termite drywall repair is not a do-it-yourself job. These pests can cause major damage to your home, and if not properly repaired, the problem will only get worse. Hiring a professional to repair the damage is the best way to ensure that it is done correctly. Here is a look at how termite drywall repair is done.
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What Is Drywall?
Drywall is a material made of different types of wood and paper. It is frequently used in construction as a wall or ceiling covering.
It is made up of gypsum plaster, which is mixed with water and then applied to a wall or ceiling. The mixture will dry off quickly and can be sanded and painted.
In recent years, drywall has been infused with other substances to improve its performance, such as soundproofing and fire resistance.
Drywall plastered core that is sandwiched between two sheets of heavy paper. It is then covered in a thin coat of paint.
There are different types of drywall, the most common being the gypsum panel which contains gypsum rock sandwiched between different layers of special paper.
Drywall vs. Sheetrock (What is the Difference?)
Sheetrock is a brand name for a category of drywall. It is made by the USG Corporation and is one of the most popular types of drywall on the market.
Although the word Sheetrock is often used in combination with drywall because of its widespread usage, there is no distinction between Sheetrock and other drywalls.
Do termites eat drywall? Termite Damage in Drywall
Termites are attracted to cellulose, a naturally occurring substance that gives plants their firm structure. They feed on cellulose and can cause significant damage to wood, paper, and other materials.
For example, it’s found in paper, cardboard, wood, and other building materials.
These pests are attracted to cellulose because it’s their main food source. When they eat away at the cellulose in drywall, it can cause extensive damage that can be difficult and expensive to repair.
They eat anything with cellulose in it- including drywall. When termites infest a home, they can quickly damage the drywall and other wooden features in the home.
Drywall is a popularly known material for walls and ceilings because it is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. However, it is also vulnerable to termite damage.
This is due to the fact that drywall is made up of plaster panels that have been coated with paper, which contains cellulose-a natural food source for termites. If you have termites, they will eat the cellulose in the drywall, causing extensive damage.
If you have termite damage, it is important to repair it as soon as possible.
Signs of Termites in Drywall
Termites swarm at night and are attracted by light sources. If you see a large number of termites around or flying towards the light, it is likely that you have an infestation.
Drywall is susceptible to termite damage and, once infested; the repair can be costly. Termites will eat through the wood framing and then move on to the drywall.
They leave mud tubes as they travel, so look for these signs:
- Mud tubes under the surface of walls or flooring;
- Hollow-sounding timber;
- Holes in walls;
- Discolored drywall.
If you see any of these signs, it’s time to investigate. If termites are damaging your drywall, you will need to cut out the damaged section and replace it.
Let us learn about these signs a little in-depth.
Mud Tubes under Walls and Ceilings
Mud tubes are one of the signs of drywood termites. They are made up of mud and saliva and are used by the termites to travel between their colony and the food source.
Termites build mud tubes as a form of protection from humans and other animals. The tubes allow the termites to travel between the ground and the structure without being exposed. If you see these tubes on your walls or ceilings, it is likely that you have a termite problem.
To inspect for termites, it is necessary to eliminate moisture in the walls and ceilings. If you do spot any kind of damage, it is best to call a professional to repair the damage as it may require some additional work on your part.
Papery or Hollow Sounding Timber
One of the most frequently known signs of termite infestation is when you can hear a papery or hollow sound when knocking on the timber.
This is because termites eat away at the timber, leaving behind a thin and delicate layer that makes a sound when knocked on.
If you are suspicious of an infestation, it is best to get a professional to inspect the property for you.
Look for Holes in the Walls
Termites can cause a lot of damage to your home, including to the drywall. Termite holes in drywall are one of the most important signs of damage, so you can address them before it gets worse.
If you find any indications of termite damage, such as holes in the walls or evidence of mud tubes, it is important to call an expert right away.
Termites can cause significant damage to a home if left untreated, so it is important to get them taken care of right away.
How to Identify Termite Damage in Drywall?
You must be wondering how to identify whether you have termites on your walls at first. Termite damage may be identified in a variety of ways, depending on the species.
Drywood termites
Drywood termites are a common type of termite that can cause significant damage to homes. They create small exit holes on the walls where they deposit their droppings.
They live in colonies and eat the wood from the inside out, leaving behind fecal pellets as evidence of their presence. These pellets are hexagonal shaped and look like small wood pellets similar to the size of coffee grounds.
If you see these signs, it is necessary to have a professional inspect for termites and take appropriate action.
Subterranean termites
Subterranean termites are the commonly found type of termite and can cause significant damage to a home. They build dirt tubes as they travel from their underground nests to the wood they are eating.
If you notice that your drywall is damaged, it’s important to determine whether or not you have termites. One of the simplest ways to tell if termites are present is by looking for dirt tubes coming out of the drywall.
Another sign of a termite infestation is small “pinholes” on the walls about 1/16th to 1/8th inch in diameter that are capped with dirt.
If you suspect you have a termite problem, it is important to contact a professional immediately for treatment.
Can Termites Damage Drywall?
Termites will eat anything that has a significant quantity of cellulose, which includes drywall. They’ll go after your drywall’s wood and paper.
What’s more, termites don’t only wreak havoc on your home’s appearance. They will delve deep into your home’s structural underpinnings. They’ll go after the support beams, posts, floor and ceiling joists, and even the studs in the walls.
Termites may undermine the structural integrity of your home if not treated before they get out of hand. If a termite colony infiltrates the supporting structures of a home, the home may become uninhabitable until the damage is remedied.
Termite Drywall Repair: How to Repair Termite Damage in Drywall?
Termites can be the cause of a lot of damage to your home, especially to the drywall. If you have termite damage, the first step is to get the insects exterminated. After that, you can start repairing the damage. There are certain things you need to do for proper repair.
- When you have termite damage to your drywall, the first thing you need to do is move any furniture or debris away from the area. This will give you easier access to the damaged section and make it easier to repair.
- The next thing to do is to remove any loose paper or chips of drywall from the wall. If there are any holes in the wall, use a patch kit to fix them before continuing.
- If there are just a few termite holes, you can usually repair them yourself with a putty knife and some plaster, cement, or stucco (whatever damages your wall the least). You will want to fill up the termite holes and damaged area so that it looks like the rest of your wall.
- The next step is to apply another layer of compound over the affected area with a knife held at a 32-degree angle to the wall.
- This will help to seal any holes and prevent future infestation. Once the repair has been completed, be sure to keep an eye on the repaired area for further signs of damage.
Ensure to Prevent Future Damage by Getting a Termite Treatment
Termites are common pests that can cause a lot of damage to your home. If you have termite damage, it is important to take steps to repair the damage and prevent future damage.
One way to ensure this is by getting a termite treatment. This will help protect your home from future infestations.
It is important to make sure to prevent future termite damage by getting a termite treatment as soon as possible.
Additionally, be sure to contact a professional pest control company after repairing any damage caused by termites. They will be able to provide a thorough inspection and recommend the best course of action for your home.
Summary
Termites are a genuinely serious problem and should not be underestimated. They can result in significant damage to your home if left untreated. Make sure you hit every inch of your home when fighting termites and create a plan to defend your home.
