Termite Resistant Building Materials

When you are building or remodeling a home, there are many factors to consider. You will want to choose materials that look good and will work well for your project, but something you might not have thought about is the need to choose termite resistant materials. If you have had a problem with termites in the past, this may be one of your top priorities, but even if you haven’t it is something you need to consider. To prevent termites in the house, it pays to be careful with the building materials you use, because this may help prevent you from having to pay for termite treatment later. So, what are the best building material options for termite control?

Fiber cement siding is a great option because it is very damage resistant. It is very popular because it can look like wood and masonry but does not need frequent painting or sealing. It does contain cellulose fibers, but because they are mixed with Portland cement, sand, and water, termites cannot burrow into the siding. They will not want to eat it, but they will also not be able to get through it to access other parts of your house. Not only is fiber cement termite resistant, but this material is also fireproof and customizable.
There are several different types of termite resistant wood. Cedar tops the list because it is a low-density wood with natural oils that repel insects. What’s more, its consistent density makes it a good option for siding, because it is unlikely to warp. Redwood is a softwood, but is naturally resistant for termites, which is why it makes a good building material and works well for fences and outdoor furniture. Teak is a tropical hardwood often used to make outdoor furniture, because it is very durable and high density. Like cedar, it has natural oils that discourage termite activity. It is very expensive, though, so it’s generally only used for things like door frames and interior furniture. If you can’t find termite resistant wood, pressure-treated wood is also a viable option. Pressure treated wood is soaked in a termite resistant chemical, so that termites cannot eat it.
Another way to prevent termite infestation is to go for inorganic building materials that won’t appeal to termites. Insulated metal or concrete are good options for framing, because these materials limit the threat of termites nesting inside the walls. Inside the house, consider polished concrete floors to keep termites out of your flooring. Outside, choosing aluminum window frames and steel siding can keep your home safe from termites. While you might have concerns about the look of steel siding, modern steel solutions can be made to resemble different siding types, including natural wood.
It is important to note, that while there are many different options for termite resistant sidings. Many of the termite infestations in our area can/will find their way behind the siding and attach hard to detect areas. Why this is important to note, is because a homeowner can/will get a false sense of security if they have the above listed sidings. It is imperative to have a regularly scheduled inspection.

At MightyMite Termite Services, we’ve earned a reputation as experts in California termite control. We perform termite inspections to ensure that your home is free of termites and work hard to help you keep it that way, using treatments that are naturally derived and have a low impact on the environment. We diagnose and treat infestations with the most effective methods and unmatched warranties, solving your termite problems the first time, with an industry best “no call-back rate.” That, combined with our experience, technology, and highly trained professional staff, makes us the leading termite extermination company in the Bay Area. We understand that your home is your most important investment, so we work hard to provide excellent service, utilizing best practices to solve our customers’ termite problems. For more information, email Info@mightymitetermite.com, call us today at 408.335.7053, or contact us through our website.