Most of the time, hosting guests at your home is a lot of fun, but there is one kind of house guest that no homeowner wants to handle - Termites! Unfortunately, around 600,000 homes across the United States play host to Termites every single year, resulting in an average of $3000 worth of damage per home. The good news is that certain steps, including termite treatment in Knoxville, will help minimize the threat of termites. You can incorporate these steps into your home maintenance schedule, including preventing moisture buildup and standing water or removing wood piles that may attract termite colonies. Another step you can take if you are building or renovating a property is to use some termite-resistant building materials to help keep the pests at bay.

Termite damage can impact many different areas of your home, including flooring, furniture, drywall, and structural support beams. If this damage is not found and handled in a timely manner, it could result in substantial structural damage that will not only devalues your property but could also make it dangerously unstable.

Let’s look at some popular termite-resistant building materials that could help protect your home from a termite infestation.

1 - Fiber Cement Siding

Choosing fiber cement siding over traditional wood options comes with many benefits. It looks very close to wood or masonry siding, but it will not require the same level of maintenance in painting and sealing. It is also incredibly durable, on the same level as metal siding. Best of all - it is termite-resistant! The material is fabricated using cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. However, the cellulose material is infused with the cement making it impossible for termites to burrow into it. If you don’t like the look of the fiber cement siding, another termite-resistant option is steel siding, which can be manufactured to closely resemble the look of wood.

2 - Inorganic Framing Solutions

In most cases, by the time you notice termite damage, it has already been going on for some time. They don’t start their destruction in visible areas of the home; they will first attack subterranean areas near your property’s foundation or in the far corner of the attic. The wooden framing of your home is also a prime target. Nestled in the dark, unventilated space between the siding and the insulation, the framing is the perfect environment for termites. If you are concerned about this becoming a haven for termites, you might want to research inorganic framing options like metal or insulated concrete forms.

3 - Polished Concrete Flooring

Another common area for termite damage is the subfloor of the property. This is a big hit with termites thanks to the potential for close proximity to groundwater. Termites need water to breed and organic materials for food. Since you cannot remove organic material from the ground to starve termites out, the best solution is to arrange termite treatment in Knoxville and then replace that damaged wooden subfloor with concrete. This is an increasingly popular option for homeowners since it is not only termite-proof but also highly durable and highly versatile.

4 - Aluminum Windows

The window frames are one area of the home where termite damage can be a particular nuisance. They are the perfect environment for termites as they naturally attract mud and moisture in the corners and around the sill whenever it rains. If you have wooden frames, this can be bad news. If you notice small bore holes, hollow areas, or mud tubes, then there is a strong possibility that termites have taken hold and the frames will need to be replaced. When making this change, it is best to avoid wooden frames as you may end up with the same problem again in the future. Why not choose aluminum window frames instead?

Termite Treatment in Knoxville is Still a Necessity

While choosing some of these termite-resistant building materials could help protect your home against a termite invasion, they are not guaranteed. It is still important to arrange termite treatment in Knoxville to make sure that you are protected. Even if you have not discovered any evidence of termites in your home, it is far better to arrange a preventative termite treatment in Knoxville before an infestation takes hold. Start by booking a termite inspection to find out if there are any termites in your residence! After the inspection, your technician will discuss the most appropriate course of action for termite treatment or suggest the best preventative maintenance plan to prevent future infestation.

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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee! 

Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.