50 million American homes and 10 million commercial buildings have a deck. 30 million of them are past their usable lifespan and need to be replaced or repaired.
You may be among this number, even if you hired the best possible deck builders and kept up with maintenance. Proper care may be the difference between getting a new deck or making it look like new with a few changes.
Read on to learn whether you should attempt to replace or revive your deck.
When to Repair
Do a thorough look over before you start reviving a deck and start with the foundation. Any serious signs of damage mean a full deck replacement, but small issues can be fixed.
Check the lumber grade. If it's made of pressure-treated or engineered wood, it may need to be driven further into the ground.
See if the footings have decayed. They may be elevated above grade and need to be replaced with new ones dug further down.
Shaky railings are a safety hazard. Tightening the handrails and screws or replacing the nails helps keep them steady.
These repairs are a cheaper and faster option than a replacement for those with a limited budget. Why waste money getting a whole new deck when you have a usable existing structure?
When to Do a Surface Revival
A deck revival doesn't have to involve the entire deck. You can make it look and feel like new by replacing parts of its surface.
If your deck has a sturdy foundation, you can replace planks or railings that are:
Old
Rotted
Cracked
Discolored
Loose
Warped
You may also need new nails and hardware. Replace any that have begun to get rusted or corroded.
These steps remove safety concerns. They're also an opportunity to revive a deck with materials that look better and are more modern and durable. You can also hire deck builders to give it a fresh stain or coat of paint.
When to Replace
The most important reason for replacing your home deck is if it doesn't meet current safety standards. Have it inspected by professional deck builders and code enforcers.
There are up to 178,000 deck accidents every year. 11% are from structural failure or collapse. If anything compromises its integrity, you'll need to replace it.
Excess water at the bottom of the posts leaves the deck structurally unsound. You should never be able to see the concrete that anchors the posts.
The joists and beams that hold the deck up need to stay sturdy at all times. If they get so weak that you can make a dent with them with a screwdriver, the entire deck could topple.
Ledger boards can develop gaps or become warped or wobbly. A lack of ledger flashing that lets water in will damage your deck and home.
A deck remodel can also be an aesthetic choice. What if you want to change the size? What if you want to switch to a new material, such as going from wood to composite? You'll need professional deck building to create a new foundation and redesigned framing.
Where to Find Professional Deck Builders
Aging decks can be revived with small repairs or changes to their surface. Anything that isn't up to code or makes it structurally unsound means a full replacement. Both can also help it look better.
You'll need to rely on professional deck builders for replacements or repairs. Schedule a quote from Henry's Painting Contract today.
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